Gessler adopts campaign finance rules

Rules meant to clarify law, foster civic participation

Denver, February 22, 2012 – Secretary of State Scott Gessler today removed burdensome regulations by issuing revised campaign finance rules.  The rewrite makes state campaign finance rules clearer and more straightforward so that Coloradans can more easily understand the law. 

“Some believe that you have to hire a lawyer before you can get involved in politics in Colorado. I disagree,” Gessler said. “That notion violates Coloradans’ First Amendment rights and sends the wrong message to our citizens. We want to make campaign finance requirements as clear as possible so that Coloradans can get the transparency they expect with maximum political participation and civic engagement.”

The adoption simplifies the entire body of state campaign finance rules. Many rules have not been revisited since Coloradans passed Amendment 27 in 2002. Experience and court decisions have shown many laws and regulations were cumbersome or even unconstitutional. In some cases the newly adopted rules aim to clarify and harmonize those laws that have been affected by court decisions to ensure proper administration of state campaign finance law.

The rules are being adopted on a temporary and permanent basis. The rules will become effective March 7th under the temporary adoption and then become permanently effective March 30th.  By temporarily adopting the rules, Gessler seeks to provide clarity and guidance sooner during an election year.