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Committee approves change to allow straight‑party votes to apply to at‑large races
Summary
House Bill 13‑77 would let a straight‑party selection apply to at‑large multi‑seat races unless a voter marks an override; the measure passed the Elections & Apportionment Committee unanimously after sponsors and the Secretary of State’s office said it would simplify ballots and reduce undervotes in at‑large contests.
Representative Zach Payne presented House Bill 13‑77, proposing that when a voter selects a straight‑party option, that selection should apply to at‑large races (for which multiple candidates may be elected) unless the voter specifically marks choices in that race to override the straight selection.
"If someone votes straight Democrat and then they go over to the at‑large race and vote for a single Republican, that's the only vote that will count for that at‑large race," Payne said, explaining the bill is intended to capture voter intent and reduce undervotes in multi‑seat contests.
Dustin Renner of the Secretary of State's office testified in support, describing the bill as a modernization that clarifies ballot design and voter instructions. County clerks and election officials who testified said the change simplifies the voting process and reduces confusion; the Election Division was neutral but suggested checking voting system compatibility and ballot layout changes.
The committee moved and passed the bill on a 12‑0 vote.
What happens next: The bill advances to the House floor. Officials signaled administrative follow‑up on ballot layout and certification issues before implementation.
