j_lc_2016a_2016-09-01t09:00:45z5 Hearing Summary

Date: 09/01/2016

10:36 AM -- Initiative 98



Mr. Bill Zepernick, Legislative Council Staff, presented the ballot analysis for Initiative 98, Presidential Primary Elections. Mr. Zepernick responded to a question concerning the use of the term "taxpayer" in the ballot analysis.





10:41 AM -- Ms. Martha Tierney, representing Citizens for Integrity, testified as an opponent of the initiative. Ms. Tierney commented on the ability of unaffiliated voters to participate in a primary election and the arguments against included in the analysis. She distributed information to the committee (Attachments D and E).



160901 AttachD.pdf160901 AttachE.pdf



10:50 AM



Ms. Tierney responded to questions concerning the spoilage rates of ballots in Colorado, participation of unaffiliated voters in primary elections, and other possible amendments.





10:53 AM -- Ms. Suzanne Staiert, representing the Colorado Secretary of State's office, testified on the analysis. Ms. Staiert discussed concerns with the arguments against. She responded to questions about specific changes and the ability for unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections. Senator Jones distributed a proposed amendment (Attachment F).



160901 AttachF.pdf



11:03 AM -- Mr. Curtis Hubbard, representing Let Colorado Vote, testified as a proponent of the initiative. Mr. Hubbard addressed prior testimony. He responded to a question regarding unaffiliated voter participation in primary elections, the requirements for unaffiliated voters to participate in Washington state, and the proposed amendment.





11:10 AM -- Mr. Matt Crane, representing the Colorado County Clerks Association, testified on the ballot analysis. He stated support for the proposed amendment, and discussed voting statistics in Washington state, ballot design, the costs associated with implementing the amendment, and whether voting systems would need to be updated. He responded to questions concerning the Colorado County Clerks Association involvement with the initiative, and the arguments for and against included in the analysis.





11:17 AM



Mr. Zepernick responded to questions about Senator Jones' proposed amendment. The committee discussed possible amendments.





11:22 AM -- The chair reopened public testimony. Ms. Amber McReynolds, representing the City and County of Denver Elections Division, testified on the measure. She discussed the possible ballot design and provided information about voters and elections