COLORADO SPRINGS — Gov. Jared Polis signed two executive orders Sunday to ensure ballot access and that elections take place safely.
The first order "authorizes Secretary of State to create temporary rules for registered electors to receive and return issue petitions over mail and email, and to support safe in-person signature gathering." One of the directives in this order suspends the rules that determine the form of a ballot issue. For more information on this executive order, click here.
The second order suspends rules that require registered voters to sign petitions for unaffiliated and independent candidates in the presence of a petition circulator. For more information on this executive order, click here.
“This is a challenging time for Colorado, but we must not sacrifice our democracy and the right of citizens to petition due to the pandemic. Protecting our democracy, access to the ballot and making sure citizens can qualify ballot measures and can qualify as candidates to run for office during this time is critical,” Polis said in a release. “I appreciate the work of Sec. Griswold and the thoughtful input we have received throughout this process.”
Polis also extended an executive order that limits in-person contact for this year's elections to ensure they continue safely. It will expire 30 days from May 13 unless extended again.
