Process
The Process for Publishing the Ballot Information Booklet
Article V, Section 1 (7.5) of the Colorado Constitution and state law require the Legislative Council Staff to prepare a ballot information booklet prior to each election in which a statewide issue will appear on the ballot. The purpose of the booklet is to provide voters with the text, title, and a fair and impartial analysis of each initiated or referred constitutional amendment, law, or question that is on the ballot. The analysis must include a summary of the measure, the major arguments both for and against the measure, and the fiscal impact of the measure. The analysis can also include any other information that would assist in understanding the purpose and effect of the measure. Anyone may file written comments for consideration by the Legislative Council Staff during the preparation of the analysis.
Preparation of an Analysis Involves a Number of Drafts
The Legislative Council Staff writes the analysis for each measure on the statewide ballot. To prepare the analysis, members of the Legislative Council Staff interview a limited number of individuals. Based on these interviews and their own research, staff members develop a first draft of an analysis. This draft is posted on the Internet and emailed to anyone who has indicated an interest in reviewing the draft. The staff also develops a second and, depending on the time available, a third draft of each analysis, which are based on further research and comments submitted on previous drafts. As with the first draft, these drafts are posted on the Internet and emailed to interested individuals. Anyone who is interested in commenting on the drafts is asked to submit those comments in writing. Anyone who wishes to submit a proposed amendment to the last draft ¿ either the second or third draft ¿ must do so in writing by the deadline for comments on the draft. These proposed amendments are distributed to the members of the Legislative Council along with a final draft. The Legislative Council is a legislative committee and is responsible for reviewing the final version of all analyses.
Assessment of Fiscal Impact
The Legislative Council Staff is also responsible for preparing an objective fiscal impact statement for every initiated or referred measure. The fiscal analysis is based on an examination of information submitted by state agencies, local governments, and interested individuals. Fiscal information can be submitted to the Legislative Council Staff at lcs.fiscalnotes@state.co.us The entire fiscal impact statement is posted on the Internet; a summary of the fiscal impact statement is included in each analysis.
The Legislative Council Meets to Approve the Language of all Ballot Analyses
The Legislative Council holds a public hearing to review the final language of all of the ballot analyses. This hearing is tentatively scheduled for September 8 and 9, 2008. At this hearing, anyone who is interested in testifying on the accuracy or fairness of an analysis may do so; signing up before the day of the meeting is encouraged. Please contact Marie Garcia at 303-866-4749 or m.garcia@state.co.us.
Invitation to Participate in the Ballot Analysis Process
Anyone who is interested in participating in the ballot information booklet process by reviewing the drafts is invited to do so. Once a draft is completed, it will be placed on the Internet and can be accessed by clicking on the name of the measure. Each draft will have a deadline for submitting comments. Comments can be mailed or faxed to the Legislative Council Staff office (Room 029, State Capitol, Denver, CO 80203; FAX: 303-866-3855) or e-mailed to the indicated email address. We will mail or e-mail copies of the drafts to anyone who asks to be placed on the mailing list for a particular measure. E-mail is the preferred method of communication because of the short turnaround time.
You may contact the Legislative Council Staff at Room 029, State Capitol Building, Denver, CO 80203-1784, (303) 866-3521; e-mail: lcs.ga@state.co.us.
More information about the process for publishing the ballot information booklet .