Ballots are going to be big in November.
This simple amendment would allow county clerks to shorten a typically lengthy section of county election ballots, like the one you’ll fill out in November to cast your vote for Colorado judges.
As it stands, clerks are required to ask separate retention questions for each judge up for election.
Voters read the same question over and over: “Shall Justice (Judge) _ of the Supreme (or other) Court be retained in office?”
If Amendment W passes, voters would only see the question once, followed by a list of the judges in question.
The amendment was passed by a supermajority of both houses of the state general assembly.
Since 1996, judges have been appointed by the Governor’s office. At the end of the judge’s term, voters are asked whether to retain the judge or have a new judge appointed.
“Amendment W had bipartisan sponsorship and broad bipartisan support,” said Aurora Rep. Cole Wist, who co-sponsored the amendment. “Rep. Pete Lee and I worked closely with the Secretary of State and county clerks and recorders on this initiative. If approved by the voters, this will make the ballot more concise and reader-friendly. A streamlined ballot enhances voter response and improves our elections.
According to the state voter guide, the amendment would reduce the cost of printing ballots for county clerk offices.