How urban progressives can change the outcome of rural elections | Bring in the Vote

How urban progressives can change the outcome of rural elections 

How urban progressives can change the outcome of rural elections

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Posted By Amy on Feb 2, 2014 |

Good news! HB 1303 may be coming to local and special district elections! Along a party line vote, the Democrats in the Colorado State House passed HB1164, which would bring the no real residency requirement and same day voter registration to any special district and local elections where just a few votes easily can sway the outcome. Urban progressives are just one state legislative chamber and the Governor’s signature away from controlling any rural library, fire, water, and other special districts.

The Denver Post editorial board is a little concerned about the 134 page bill being fast-tracked through the state legislature:

although it was introduced little more than a week ago, HB 1164 is already out of the House. That’s because supporters such as the Colorado Municipal League are hoping to “have the bill through the process” by early February, in time to meet legal requirements for April elections.
We understand the urgency, but this is a terrible way to legislate. Although it may come as a surprise to some at the Capitol, those who draft and sponsor legislation are not the sole authorities on policy. Sometimes members of the public, or political colleagues, offer useful insights on a proposal — noticing unintended flaws, for example. But that won’t happen if they don’t have time to reflect on it.

A terrible way to legislate? Probably. Members of the public and others may have useful insights? Again, probably. But how can Denver control rural Colorado unless it controls their elections?

Keep checking BITV, we’ll have an updated version of our handy voter’s guide before the April elections.