Gessler applauds passage of bi-partisan election administration bill

Legislation aims to clarify and coordinate recall timelines

Denver, March 29, 2012 – Today Secretary of State Scott Gessler applauded the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee for approving another election clean-up bill. Committee members unanimously voted for House Bill 1293 that helps clarify the recall procedures and rationalizes election timelines.

“We’re continuing to make strides and improve election administration in Colorado,” Gessler said. “I appreciate the bi-partisan work from legislators and the support from the county clerks association in pressing this legislation forward.”

House Bill 1293, sponsored by Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora), joins a growing list of bi-partisan elections clean-up bills being considered by the legislature. Other bills – including HB-1292 sponsored by Representative Carole Murray (R-Castle Rock) and Senator Rollie Heath (D-Boulder), and House Bill 1313 sponsored by Representative Libby Szabo (R-Arvada) and Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) – have both passed the House of Representatives unanimously.

“These election bills focus on policies that help preserve the integrity of our system and clarify our election procedures for the clerks and the public,” Gessler said. “With hard work and a thoughtful approach, we can get agreement from both sides of the aisle. I’m proud of the coalition and support we’ve built from county clerks, legislators and interested citizens.”

HB-1293 now heads to the House floor for final approval before moving to the Senate.