Secretary of State Gigi Dennis Urges Candidates to Disclose Additional Information to Help Ensure the Transparency of the Election Process

Denver CO, May 26, 2006 – Colorado Secretary of State Gigi Dennis today advised candidates and others required to file a Personal Financial Disclosure with her office to err on the side of reporting more information rather than less. Dennis encouraged filers not to limit disclosures to only financially related information.

“Although there may appear to be ambiguity in the statute, it is our view that the disclosure statements in C.R.S. 24-6-202(2)(d) are not limited to for-profit, financial or business offices and directorships,” Secretary of State Gigi Dennis said.

Dennis added that the statute requires disclosure by name of “all” offices, directorships and fiduciary relationships of filers and immediate family members. Dennis said the form actually incorporates requirements of five separate statutory sections referencing disclosures.

The form itself states that filers may substitute income tax filings where relevant. However, the form also urges those completing it to submit all information not covered by tax forms and to supplement that information where required, Dennis said.

Dennis urged filers to carefully read the form and to report information fully. The Secretary of State’s office does not verify information on the forms. Dennis added that enforcement of the statute reporting requirements is generally self-policing. However, candidates who fail to file a disclosure once officially notified to file are eliminated from the ballot if they do not comply within five days. Complaints that information disclosed is false are referred to district attorneys, who investigate and determine whether charges should be filed.

“It is important for candidates and elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, to disclose as much information as possible,” Dennis said. “This helps voters make informed decisions.”

Dennis said Secretary of State staff and the office website will encourage those required to file the disclosures to list all civic and non-profit offices they hold and boards on which they serve in that section of the disclosure form as well as similar relationships that may involve a financial interest.

Dennis said she would urge her successor – who will be elected in November – to take this issue to the General Assembly in the 2007 legislative session to eliminate any element of ambiguity in this section of the statute.

“Voters in Colorado are intelligent enough to make their own decisions concerning what does or does not pose a conflict of interest for a candidate or an incumbent,” Dennis said. “Those same intelligent voters have a right to as much transparent information as possible on which to make those decisions.”