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Hearing: Initiative 263 would eliminate legislative primaries and shift nominations to assemblies; staff ask for clearer party‑rule cross‑references
Summary
At the same March 16 review hearing, proponents of proposed initiative No. 263 described an open‑list proportional plan that would eliminate primaries and require party nominations by assembly or convention; staff asked for clarifications about how parties reduce candidate fields, ballot-order mechanics, and deadlines for party publication and petitioner verification.
Proponents of proposed initiative No. 263 told Legislative Council staff the single subject is to elect the Colorado General Assembly by open‑list proportional representation while removing primaries for legislative offices and requiring party nominations by assembly or convention.
Pierce Lively of the Office of Legislative Legal Services summarized the proposal’s key elements, and Martha Tierney (counsel for the proponents) confirmed the broad purposes. “Yes, generally,” Tierney said, while noting that proponents expect to adjust some statutory cross‑references during drafting.
Key staff concerns raised: OLLS asked how parties would reduce candidate fields when primary elections are eliminated, specifically what mechanism will narrow a field when more than five candidates meet internal designation criteria. Proponents said party rules would govern the process and that statutory text should clarify the role of party rules and provide cross‑references to existing law where appropriate.
Ballot-order and timing questions: Staff questioned which official performs lot drawings that determine slate order, whether the 75‑day prior publication requirement would conflict with current unaffiliated‑candidate deadlines, and whether late deadlines could compress county clerks’ and the secretary of state’s timelines. Proponents said they would reconcile deadlines and consider minor timing adjustments so election officials are not disadvantaged.
What’s next: Proponents agreed to amend statutory references and add clarifications on party‑rule authority, lot procedures for ballot order, and petition timelines. No legislative action or vote occurred at the hearing.
