Authorize Local Electronic Ballot Return

The bill amends the "Colorado Local Government Election Code" (local code) and the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965" to add authorization for special districts and municipalities to use electronic ballot return in elections under the local code. Electronic ballot return allows a voter to return a marked ballot to the designated election official or clerk using a qualified electronic transmission system. A qualified electronic transmission system must:

• Provide for secure identification and authentication;
• Transmit encrypted information over a secure network;
• Protect the privacy, anonymity, and integrity of each elector's ballot;
• Protect against abuse; and
• Provide any additional security or other measures identified as necessary in the rules of the secretary of state.

The designated election official or clerk is responsible for ensuring electronic ballot returns are anonymously transcribed to paper ballots, counted, and secured pursuant to the law for all ballots. Any electronic data generated by an elector using the electronic transmission system is confidential. The secretary of state is required to publish guidance and may also adopt rules as necessary to further specify the qualifications for an electronic transmission system used for electronic ballot return.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)