Colorado Secretary of State’s Office Sends Notice of Final Rulemaking

Denver, August 26, 2021 - Today, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office filed a notice of final rulemaking necessary to implement the 2021 Colorado Votes Act and ensure that elections processes are up to date, secure, and follow best practices.

“The adoption of these final rules is the result of a months-long process including a public hearing and the consideration and incorporation of feedback provided by a number of stakeholders,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “Colorado continues to be a national leader in accessible and secure elections, and these rules will further the Department’s goal of making sure every eligible Coloradan is able to have their voice heard.”

After a review of current election rules, accounting for actual election processes, and considering stakeholder and public comment, the Department determined that several rules needed revisions or additions. These include: updates to signature verification machine auditing, procedures that make clear only election judges may review ballot signatures for acceptance or rejection, clarifying practices regarding the review of signatures on a mail ballot, removing references to Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting devices and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) because those systems are no longer in use in the State of Colorado, permanent adoption of temporary rules on access to voting machines, and other administrative updates.

A virtual public rulemaking hearing regarding these rules was held on August 3, 2021.

The final adopted rules, along with a statement of basis and authority, can be found here.

For more information addressing the misconceptions and falsehoods concerning these adopted rules, please click here.

To access an unofficial copy of the current complete elections rules and other department rulemaking information, please click here.