Primary elections move to June

Gessler stresses benefits for voters and administrators

Denver, May 27, 2011 – Today, Governor John Hickenlooper signed legislation moving the Primary date from the second Tuesday in August to the last Tuesday in June. Voters will witness the shift beginning next year when the Primary falls on June 26, 2012.

“A June Primary will ensure that our military and overseas voters will receive an accurate and authentic ballot with ample time for delivery,” Secretary of State Scott Gessler said. “For in-state voters, instead of voting after summer vacations, Coloradans will need to cast their Primary ballots before they leave for family reunions and fireworks.”

In 2009, Congress passed legislation mandating that states mail ballots to overseas voters 45 days ahead of the election. Colorado’s late Primary and recount provisions created tight timelines for county clerks to meet the federal mandate. During the 2010 election, some counties were forced to send ballots created on a word processor because the actual ballots weren’t yet available. Both political parties supported SB-189 in order to give voters more time to consider candidates during the general election.

“This shift in election dates is really a win-win for Coloradans and our county clerks,” said Representative Carole Murray. “Our military and overseas voters deserve the same ballot that we are offered here within the state, along with enough time. This law accomplishes that.”

For those candidates considering a campaign in 2012, they’ll need to prepare themselves for the change. For candidates going through the party nomination process, the caucus date next year will be March 6 instead of March 20. For candidates collecting signatures, they’ll need to submit their petitions on April 2 instead of May 31.