ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND CLASSIFICATION

Section

PART 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART 2 CLASSIFICATION OF MUNICIPALITIES

31-1-101. Definitions.

As used in this title, except where specifically defined, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Ad valorem tax" means only the general property tax levied annually on real or personal property listed with the county assessor.
2. "City" means a municipal corporation having a population of more than two thousand incorporated pursuant to the provisions of part 1 of article 2 of this title or reorganized pursuant to the provisions of part 3 of article 2 of this title or pursuant to the provisions of any other general law on or after July 3, 1877, and a municipal corporation, regardless of population, organized as a city on December 31, 1980, and choosing not to reorganize as a town pursuant to part 2 of this article, but does not include any city incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, which has chosen not to reorganize nor any city or city and county which has chosen to adopt a home rule charter pursuant to the provisions of article XX of the state constitution.
3. "City clerk", "clerk", or "town clerk" means the clerk of the municipality who is the custodian of the official records of the municipality or any person delegated by the clerk to exercise any of his powers, duties, or functions.
4. "Governing body" means the city council of a city organized pursuant to part 1 of article 4 of this title, the city council of a city organized pursuant to part 2 of article 4 of this title, the board of trustees of a town, or any other body, by whatever name known, given lawful authority to adopt ordinances for a specific municipality. For purposes of determining a quorum or the required number of votes for any matter, "governing body" includes the total number of seats on the governing body but does not include the seat held by a nonvoting city manager under section 31-4-214.
5. "Mayor" means the mayor of the municipality; except that in a municipality having a city manager form of government, "mayor" means the presiding officer of the governing body of the municipality.
6. "Municipality" means a city or town and, in addition, means a city or town incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, whether or not reorganized, and any city, town, or city and county which has chosen to adopt a home rule charter pursuant to the provisions of article XX of the state constitution.
7. "Qualified elector" means a person who is qualified under the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965" to register to vote in elections of the municipality or who, with respect to a proposed city or town or the creation of an improvement district, is qualified to register to vote in the territory involved in the proposed incorporation or district.
8. "Qualified taxpaying elector" means a qualified elector who, during the twelve months next preceding the election, has paid an ad valorem tax on property owned by him and situated within the municipality or within the territory involved in the proposed incorporation or improvement district.
9. "Registered elector" means a qualified elector who has registered to vote in the manner required by law.
10. "Regular election" means:
    1. Before July 1, 2004, the election held in towns on the first Tuesday of April in each even-numbered year; the election held in cities on the first Tuesday of November in each odd-numbered year; and the election held in any other municipality at which the regular election of officers takes place;
    2. On and after July 1, 2004, the election held in any municipality in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection (10) unless a majority of the registered electors of the municipality voting on the question have voted to hold the regular election on a date different than specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection (10) pursuant to section 31-10-109 (1), in which case "regular election" means, for any particular municipality, the date on which the regular election of officers takes place as determined by the registered electors of the municipality.
11. "Special election" means any election called by the governing body of any municipality or initiated by petition to be held at a time other than the regular election for the purpose of submitting public questions or proposals to the registered electors of the municipality.
12. "Street" means any street, avenue, boulevard, road, land, alley, viaduct, right-of-way, courtway, or other public thoroughfare or place of any nature open to the use of the municipality or of the public, whether the same was acquired in fee or by grant of dedication or easement or by adverse use.
13. "Town" means a municipal corporation having a population of two thousand or less incorporated pursuant to the provisions of part 1 of article 2 of this title or reorganized pursuant to the provisions of part 3 of article 2 of this title or pursuant to the provisions of any other general law on or after July 3, 1877, and a municipal corporation, regardless of population, organized as a town on December 31, 1980, and choosing not to reorganize as a city pursuant to part 2 of this article, but does not include any town incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, which has chosen not to reorganize nor any town which has chosen to adopt a home rule charter pursuant to the provisions of article XX of the state constitution.
14. "Ward" means a district, the boundaries of which have been established pursuant to section 31-2-104 or 31-4-104, from which a member of the governing body of the city or town is elected.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1004, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (10) and (11) amended, p. 1170, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (4) amended, p. 1493, § 1, effective May 28; (2) and (13) amended, p. 1488, § 1, effective June 5. L. 85: (10) amended, p. 273, § 6, effective April 30. L. 89: (4) amended, p. 1287, § 2, effective April 6. L. 2000: (10) amended, p. 791, § 3, effective August 2. L. 2004: (10) amended, p. 1522, § 2, effective May 28; (10) amended, p. 808, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2005: (2) and (13) amended, p. 774, § 57, effective June 1.

31-1-102. Application - legislative intent.

1. In the recodification of this title, certain provisions which previously applied or may have been interpreted to apply to limited categories of municipalities have been applied to all municipalities, whether statutory, home rule, or special territorial charter. Except for those provisions which expressly apply only to limited categories of municipalities, it is the intent of the general assembly that the provisions of this title shall apply to home rule municipalities except insofar as superseded by charter or ordinance passed pursuant to such charter and to all statutory cities and towns and shall be available to special territorial charter cities and towns unless in conflict with the charters thereof. The general assembly further declares that in the recodification of this title and in the use of the term "municipality" in this title there is no legislative intent to affect or modify the application of the provisions of this title with respect to preemption of home rule or special territorial charter powers, which preemption may or may not have existed on the effective date of this recodification (July 1, 1975). The use of the term "municipality" in future additions or amendments to this title shall not in and of itself create a presumption for or against preemption of home rule or special territorial charter powers.
2. Where any power is granted in this title to a specific municipal official or group of officials, that power may be exercised within any home rule municipality by the officials, to the extent and in the manner, designated in the particular home rule charter or ordinance passed pursuant to such charter.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1006, § 1, effective July 1.

31-1-201. Classification of municipalities.

1. With respect to the exercise of corporate and municipal powers, the municipalities of this state are divided into the following classifications:
   1. Cities or towns incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, which have retained such organization;
   2. Cities or towns organized pursuant to the provisions of article XX of the state constitution;
   3. Cities and towns organized pursuant to the provisions of this title or of any other general law on or after July 3, 1877, which have not chosen to adopt a home rule charter under the provisions of article XX of the state constitution.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1006, § 1, effective July 1.

31-1-202. Cities or towns retaining prior status.

Every city or town incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, which chooses to retain such organization, in the enforcement of the powers or the exercise of the duties conferred by the special charter or general law under which the same is incorporated, shall proceed in all respects as provided by such special charter or general law and shall not be affected nor the powers or duties thereof in any manner changed or abridged by any provisions of this title.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1006, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-1-101 and 31-1-102 as they existed prior to 1975.

31-1-203. Classification of statutory cities and towns.

1. With respect to the exercises of certain municipal and corporate powers, granted by the provisions of this title, and to the duties of certain municipal officers, set forth in this title, all municipal corporations organized pursuant to the provisions of this title or of any other general law on or after July 3, 1877, which have not chosen to adopt a home rule charter under the provisions of article XX of the state constitution, are divided into cities and towns.
2. Repealed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1006, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (2) repealed, p. 1492, § 9, effective June 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-1-201 and 31-1-202 as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables at the back of the index.

31-1-204. Change of classification - towns - notice - effect on officeholders - options prior to reorganization - terms of office - election dates.

1. The governor and secretary of state, within six months after the returns of any United States census have been filed in the office of the secretary of state, or within thirty days after the returns of the enumeration of the inhabitants of any town taken under and by authority of any town ordinance or resolution adopted by the board of trustees of such town have been filed in the office of the secretary of state, shall ascertain which towns are entitled to become cities. The governor shall cause a statement thereof to be prepared by the secretary of state, which statement shall be published in some newspaper published at the state capital and also in some newspaper, if there is one, printed in each of the towns entitled to such change in classification. A copy of such statement shall be transmitted by the secretary of state to the mayors of said towns and to the next general assembly.
2. Every such town may proceed at any subsequent regular town election held not sooner than ninety days after the date of the statement's receipt by the mayor, to organize according to the new classification available to it by the election of officers properly belonging thereto. No change of classification, nor the organization of the town into a city in accordance with this section, shall cause the removal from office of any member of the governing body of such town whose term of office has not expired.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 31-4-105 and 31-4-107 (4), prior to any election to reorganize to a statutory city under part 1 of article 4 of this title, the governing body of the town may adopt an ordinance providing for the continued appointment of the clerk and treasurer by the governing body. If such an ordinance is repealed, the clerk and treasurer positions shall then be elective offices until changed pursuant to section 31-4-107 (4).
4. Notwithstanding the provisions of part 2 of article 4 of this title, prior to any election to reorganize, the governing body may conduct an election under the provisions of part 2 of article 4 of this title to determine whether the town should reorganize directly into a city council-city manager form of government. If the voters vote to reorganize in such a manner, the town's form of government shall remain unchanged until the reorganization election at which time the town shall reorganize into a city council-city manager form of government. For the purpose of section 31-4-204 (1), laws of the state applicable to cities and not inconsistent with this part 2 or with part 2 of article 4 of this title shall apply to and govern the town after its reorganization into a city council-city manager form of government.
5. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 31-4-104, 31-4-105, 31-4-106, and 31-4-205, prior to any reorganization election, the governing body of the town may adopt an ordinance establishing the number of members to be on the city council after reorganization, which number shall not be less than six, and providing that all members shall be elected from the city at large. If such an ordinance is repealed, the members of the council shall be elected according to the provisions of part 1 or part 2 of article 4 of this title, whichever is applicable.
6. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 31-4-105 and 31-4-205 (1), if four-year overlapping terms for the mayor and trustees or any other elective officer were established prior to the reorganization election, such terms shall continue after reorganization for the mayor and council members and any other elective city office until changed pursuant to section 31-4-107 (3) or 31-4-205 (3).
7. In conformity with the provisions of section 31-1-101 (10), the regular election date for towns reorganizing into cities shall remain, after reorganization, the first Tuesday of April in each even-numbered year unless a majority of the registered electors of the city voting on the question have voted to hold the regular election of the city on a different date pursuant to section 31-10-109 (1), in which case the regular election date of the city shall mean, for such city, the date on which the regular election of officers takes place as determined by the registered electors of the city. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 31-10-109 (1), after reorganization, the governing body of the city may by ordinance establish its regular election date on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each odd-numbered year, and may include in such ordinance any alteration in the term of office of officials subsequently elected which may be necessary to accomplish the change in election dates in an orderly manner. In no event shall such ordinance shorten the term of any elected official in office at the time of its adoption.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1007, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (2) amended and (3) to (7) added, p. 1489, § 2, June 5. L. 86: (7) amended, p. 1220, § 29, effective May 30. L. 2004: (7) amended, p. 809, § 2, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-203 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-1-205. Organization after change.

As soon as the statement is published, as provided in section 31-1-204, showing that any town is entitled to be organized into a city, the proper authorities of such town may adopt and publish such ordinances as may be necessary to perfect such organization with respect to the election, duties, and compensation of officers and with respect to all other necessary matters. All previously adopted ordinances of any town shall remain in force after its organization as a city so far as such ordinances may be applicable.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1007, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1490, § 3, effective June 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-204 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-1-206. Change in classification - cities - notice - effect on officeholders - terms of office - election dates.

1. The governor and the secretary of state, within six months after the returns of any United States census have been filed in the office of the secretary of state, or within thirty days after the returns of the enumeration of the inhabitants of any city taken under and by virtue of any city ordinance or resolution adopted by the city council have been filed in the office of the secretary of state, shall ascertain whether such city has a population of two thousand or less. If it appears that a city is entitled to change its classification to that of a town, the governor shall cause a statement thereof to be prepared by the secretary of state, which statement shall be published in some newspaper published at the state capital and also in some newspaper, if there is one, printed in the city involved.
2. A copy of such statement shall be transmitted by the secretary of state to the mayor of said city and to the next general assembly; and every such city, at any subsequent city regular election held not sooner than ninety days after the date of the statement's receipt by the mayor, may proceed to organize according to the new classification available to it by the election of officers properly belonging thereto. No change of classification, nor the organization of the city into a town in accordance with this section and section 31-1-207, shall cause the removal from office of any member of the governing body of such city whose term of office has not expired; all such members shall continue to be members of the governing body of the newly classified town for their respective terms of office.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 31-4-301 (2) and (5), if four-year overlapping terms for the mayor and council members or any other elective officer were established prior to the reorganization election, such terms shall continue after reorganization for the mayor and trustees and any other elective town office until changed pursuant to section 31-4-301 (5).
4. In conformity with the provisions of section 31-1-101 (10), the regular election date for cities reorganizing into towns shall remain, after reorganization as a town, the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each odd-numbered year unless a majority of the registered electors of the town voting on the question have voted to hold the regular election of the town on a different date pursuant to section 31-10-109 (1), in which case the regular election date of the city shall mean, for any particular municipality, the date on which the regular election of officers takes place as determined by the registered electors of the municipality.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1007, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) and (2) amended and (3) and (4) added, p. 1490, §§ 4, 5, effective June 5. L. 86: (4) amended, p. 1221, § 30, effective May 30. L. 2004: (4) amended, p. 809, § 3, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-205 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-1-207. Ordinances to reorganize - existing ordinances.

As soon as the statement is published, as provided in section 31-1-206, showing that any city may change in classification to a town, the governing body of such city may adopt and publish such ordinances as may be necessary to perfect such organization in respect to the election, duties, and compensation of officers and with respect to all other necessary matters. All ordinances of any city shall remain in force after its organization as a town so far as such ordinances may be applicable to such town.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1008, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1491, § 6, effective June 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-206 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-101. Petition to district court.

1. Whenever the inhabitants of any territory not embraced within the limits of any existing municipality desire to be organized into a city or town, they shall file a petition for incorporation of such city or town with the district court of the county within which such territory, or any part thereof, is situate. The petition shall be signed by not less than one hundred fifty of the registered electors who are landowners and residents within the territory or, in cases where the territory involved is wholly situate in a county having a population of twenty-five thousand or less, signed by forty such registered electors who are landowners and residents and shall:
   1. Describe the territory proposed to be embraced in such city or town, which description shall determine the boundaries thereof;
   2. Have attached thereto an accurate map or plat thereof on a scale no less than one inch to one thousand feet;
   3. State the name proposed for such city or town;
   4. Be accompanied with satisfactory proofs of the number of inhabitants within the territory embraced within the limits of the proposed city or town, which proofs shall be based upon the last preceding federal census, as adjusted according to the records of the county planning office or other county records. At the time of the filing of said petition, the petitioners shall file a bond, in an amount to be determined and approved by the court, to cover the expenses connected with the proceedings in case the incorporation is not effected. In no case shall there be incorporated in such city or town any undivided tract of land consisting of forty or more acres lying within the proposed limits of such city or town without the consent of the owners thereof.

   (1.5) The petition may include a request for submission to the electors of the proposed municipality at the incorporation election of any matter permitted to be submitted at the election pursuant to section 31-2-102 (1.5).

2. No such petition shall be filed where any portion of the boundaries of the proposed city or town is within one mile from the boundaries of any existing municipality, unless the territory proposed to be included within such city or town is composed of three hundred twenty acres or more.
   1. (2.5) (a) In addition to any other notice that may be required under this part 1, whenever the number of registered electors within the area that is the subject of a petition filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section is less than two thousand five hundred persons, notice of the filing of the petition shall be sent by first-class mail to each person owning real property within the area at the address shown for such owner in the records of the county assessor's office. The cost of mailing the notice required by this paragraph (a) shall be borne by the petitioners.
   2. The notice required by paragraph (a) of this subsection (2.5) shall include the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person who is able to provide information on the petition to the public, the case number of the civil action concerning the petition, and the district court in which the petition is filed. The notice shall also inform the property owner that, if he or she would like to obtain a copy of the petition, the property owner shall submit to the contact person a request for a copy of the petition along with the payment of a fee. The notice shall specify the amount of the fee and instructions as to the manner in which payment shall be made. The fee charged pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall conform to the requirements of section 24-72-205 (5)(a), C.R.S. Upon receipt of payment, the contact person shall mail a copy of the petition to the property owner.
   3. The notice required by paragraph (a) of this subsection (2.5) shall be sent prior to the date on which the district court makes its findings and determination pursuant to section 31-2-102 (1).
3. 1. No incorporation election shall be held pursuant to section 31-2-102 unless the court finds that the proposed area of incorporation is urban in character and unless the court additionally finds that:
      1. The proposed area of incorporation has an average of at least fifty registered electors residing within the boundaries of the proposed area of incorporation for each square mile of area.
      2. Repealed.
      3. (Repeal provision deleted by revision.)
   2. 1. If the proposed area of incorporation has fewer than five hundred registered electors residing therein, a public hearing shall be held before the board of county commissioners to consider whether the petitioners may hold an incorporation election. Thirty days' notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be given by one publication thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
      2. After public hearing, the board of county commissioners may refuse to permit the incorporation election to be held if the board finds upon satisfactory evidence that:
         1. Any of the criteria set forth for special districts in section 32-1-203 (2), C.R.S., exist with respect to the area proposed for incorporation;
         2. Annexation to a nearby municipality would avoid unnecessary duplication of the services referred to in sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (II); and
         3. The proposed incorporation is inconsistent with any applicable county or regional comprehensive plan.
      3. If the proposed area of incorporation includes more than one county, the board of county commissioners of each county included may meet and devise a procedure for a joint hearing to determine whether the petitioners may hold an incorporation election.
4. If, at any time between the filing of a petition pursuant to this section and not less than ten days prior to the date of the election thereon, there is filed with the court any subsequent petition which meets the requirements of this part 1 and which embraces any of the territory embraced in the initial petition calling for such election, the court may order that all such proposals contained in the said petitions filed with the court be submitted to the registered electors of the territories embraced by such petitions, to be voted on at one election, in the alternative. The court may order the rescission of any prior call of an election, discharge any commissioners previously appointed, and order the appointment of a new commission to call the election on all such proposals, or the court may order the inclusion of the subsequent proposals in the call of an election by the originally appointed commissioners.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1008, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (3)(a) amended, p. 1183, § 1, effective June 21. L. 81: (3)(a)(III) amended, p. 1497, § 1, effective May 27; (3)(b)(II)(A) amended, p. 1614, § 14, effective July 1. L. 87: IP(1) amended, p. 325, § 73, effective July 1. L. 94: (1.5) added, p. 1190, § 86, effective July 1. L. 2008: (2.5) added, p. 49, § 1, effective September 1.

31-2-102. Incorporation election.

1. If the district court finds and determines that the territory described in the petition and the petition itself meet the requirements of this part 1, it shall appoint not less than five nor more than nine commissioners, who shall be registered electors residing within the territory described in the petition. Each commissioner, within ten days after his appointment, shall signify by affidavit to the court his intent to serve as commissioner. The commissioners shall hold a meeting within ten days after their acceptance and shall elect a chairman and such other officers as they may determine advisable to assist them in the performance of their duties. A majority of the commissioners appointed shall constitute a quorum at any meeting for the purpose of carrying out their legal duties. Such commissioners, within ten days following their acceptance, by resolution setting the date and time therefor, shall call an election of all the registered electors residing within the territory embraced within said territory, such election to be held not later than ninety days after the date of the call thereof, except as provided in this section. The chairman or other officer of the commissioners shall promptly report to the court, by affidavit, the provisions of the call for election.

   (1.5) At any election for the incorporation of a new municipality, the commissioners shall also place upon the ballot any local government matters arising under section 20 of article X of the state constitution, as defined in section 1-41-103 (4), C.R.S., as applied to the new municipality, if the petition filed pursuant to section 31-2-101 requests that such matters be submitted at the incorporation election. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, any incorporation election at which a local government matter arising under section 20 of article X of the state constitution is submitted shall be conducted at the time and in the manner required by section 20 of article X of the state constitution.

2. The commissioners shall establish one or more precincts within said limits and shall designate one polling place for each precinct. The precincts shall consist of one or more whole general election precincts wherever practicable. The chairman shall forthwith certify the precinct boundaries to the county clerk and recorder of the county in which such territory is located. The county clerk and recorder shall prepare a registration list for each precinct in the manner provided in the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
3. Registration and changes of address may be made with the county clerk and recorder. The county clerk and recorder, in his or her discretion, may conduct registration from time to time within the proposed municipal boundaries.
4. The notice of such an election shall be given by the commissioners in the manner prescribed by the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". Such notice shall include a description of the limits of the proposed town or city and shall state that the description and plat thereof are on file in the office of the clerk of the district court.
5. The commissioners shall conduct the election in conformity with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965" insofar as applicable. The commissioners shall act as judges and clerks of the election, and the chairman may appoint such additional judges and clerks of election as he deems necessary. The commissioners shall report the results of the election to the court within three days following the election. The ballots or voting machine tabs used at said election shall be "For Incorporation" and "Against Incorporation".
6. If more than one proposal is to be voted upon at the election and no proposal receives a majority of favorable votes, all the submitted proposals shall fail; and, if there is a tie in the number of favorable votes cast for any proposals, such proposals shall be voted upon in a runoff election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1009, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: (3) amended, p. 326, § 74, effective July 1. L. 94: (1.5) added, p. 1190, § 87, effective July 1; (3) amended, p. 1772, § 35, effective January 1, 1995. L. 95: (3) amended, p. 856, § 95, effective July 1. L. 2014: (3) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 58, § 10, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

(2) For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-2-103. Approval of incorporation election.

1. Within three days after the election, the commissioners shall file a report thereof with the court, which report shall be verified upon the oath or affirmation of each commissioner and which shall contain the following:
   1. A certification that the election was held in accordance with the law;
   2. A copy of the notice of the election, as published;
   3. The names of the judges of the election;
   4. The whole number of votes cast in the election; and
   5. The result declared on the proposal submitted as reflected by the votes cast for and against such proposal.
2. If it appears to the court that said election was substantially regular and fair and a majority of the ballots cast at such election were for incorporation, the court shall by order adjudge said petition and election to be valid. The clerk of the court shall thereupon give notice of the result by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, if no newspaper is published in the county, by posting in five public places within the limits of the proposed city or town. In such notice he shall designate to which classification of incorporation prescribed in section 31-1-203 the city or town belongs. Three certified copies of the notice, with proper proof of its publication, together with a certified copy of all papers and record entries relating to the matter on file in the clerk of the court's office, including a legal description and a map of the area concerned, shall be filed in the office of the county clerk and recorder of each of the counties in which the territory is situate. The county clerk and recorder shall file the second certified copy of such notice with the division of local government of the department of local affairs as provided in section 24-32-109, C.R.S., and file a third certified copy of said notice in the office of the secretary of state.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1010, § 1, effective July 1. L. 84: (2) amended, p. 829, § 1, effective March 22.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-105 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-104. Organization of new city or town.

1. After the filing of the record in the proper offices by the clerk of the court, the commissioners mentioned in section 31-2-102, in the case of a city, by resolution, shall divide the city into wards in accordance with the provisions of section 31-4-104, and the commissioners may, in the case of a town, similarly divide such town into wards. Each ward shall contain at least one precinct, and no precinct or part thereof shall be located within more than one ward. Precinct boundaries shall be the same as those established pursuant to section 31-2-102. Said resolution shall be filed with the clerk of the district court; but the first governing body shall have authority by ordinance to change the boundaries and number of wards prior to the next regular election.
2. The commissioners by their chairman, at least four weeks before the date of the first election of officers, shall give preliminary notice thereof by publication in newspapers selected in the manner prescribed by the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". Such notice shall contain the following information:
   1. The time when the election will be held and the precinct boundaries and location of the polling place for each precinct;
   2. A description of the boundaries of the wards, if there are wards;
   3. The officers then to be elected;
   4. The fact that candidates for office may be nominated and their names placed on the ballot in accordance with the petition requirements set out in the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965";
   5. The last date on which nomination petitions may be filed;
   6. The last date registration and changes of address may be made with the county clerk and recorder; and
   7. The qualifications for persons to vote in the election.
3. Registration and changes of address may be made in the office of the county clerk and recorder. The county clerk and recorder has authority in his or her sole discretion, from time to time, to conduct registration within the proposed corporate limits. Each nomination petition must be filed with the clerk of the district court. Nominating petitions shall be made and filed and vacancies in nomination shall be filled in accordance with the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
4. At least twenty days before the election, the commissioners by their chair shall give notice of the election in the manner prescribed by the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
5. At such election the registered electors of such city or town residing within the limits of such city or town shall choose officers therefor, to hold their offices until the first regular election. The commissioners shall act as judges and clerks of the election; but the chairman may appoint such additional judges and clerks as he deems necessary for the proper conduct of the election. The election shall be conducted by the commissioners in the manner prescribed by the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", insofar as applicable.
6. Candidates for election and elected officers shall bear the same qualifications for office as required of candidates and officers of a city or town as the case may be.
7. All costs and expenses connected with such incorporation proceedings, including all election expenses and fees for necessary legal expenses, shall be paid by the governing body of the newly incorporated city or town within one year from the date of incorporation.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1011, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: (3) amended, p. 326, § 75, effective July 1. L. 94: (3) amended, p. 1772, § 36, effective January 1, 1995. L. 95: (3) amended, p. 856, § 26, effective July 1. L. 2014: (3) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 58, § 11, effective February 18. L. 2015: (4) amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 854, § 3, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-106 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

(2) For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

(3) For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-2-105. Incorporation complete - first ordinances - when effective.

1. When certified copies of the papers and record entries are made and filed, as required by section 31-2-103, and officers are elected and qualified for such city or town, as provided in section 31-2-104, the incorporation thereof shall be complete, and all courts thereafter shall take due notice of the fact of such corporate status in all judicial proceedings.
2. No ordinance enacted by the governing body of such city or town at the first meeting of such body shall take effect until thirty days after passage and publication, as provided in section 31-16-105.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1012, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-107 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-106. Legal incorporation - validation - dedication of public property.

1. Any city or town which is formed, organized, or incorporated and which exercises the rights and powers of a city or town and has in office a governing body exercising its duties is deemed legally incorporated. The legality of such formation or organization shall not be legally denied or questioned after six months from the date thereof; it is deemed a legally incorporated city or town; and its formation, organization, or incorporation shall not thereafter be questioned.
2. All cities and towns organized pursuant to the general laws of this state prior to July 1, 1975, are hereby validated, and the proceedings adopted therein, and obligations incurred by such cities and towns are hereby validated and confirmed.
3. All streets, parks, and other places designated or described as for public use on the map or plat of any city or town are public property, and the fee title thereto is vested in such city or town.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1012, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-1-108 and 31-1-109 as they existed prior to 1975.

31-2-107. Adoption of home rule charter upon incorporation.

A city or town may be organized as a home rule city or town upon incorporation, in which event the form of the petition and the proceedings attendant upon the election of commissioners and other matters relating thereto shall be governed by the provisions of section 31-2-209.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1013, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-111 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-108. Continued county services.

1. The county within which any newly incorporated city or town, or any part thereof, lies and the officers thereof shall continue to perform all duties and responsibilities within such territory as required by law and shall:
   1. Continue to apply all zoning, subdivision, and other regulations within the municipal limits of such city or town for a period of ninety days after the election of officers in accordance with section 31-2-104 or until superseded by ordinance, whichever is sooner; and
   2. Continue to provide to such territory and its inhabitants, upon request by the governing body of such city or town, the same services it was providing, which services shall be continued to be rendered until the ad valorem taxes levied by such city or town for the rendering of such services are collected and become available, but in no event for a period longer than one year subsequent to the date of the city's or town's incorporation.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1013, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-1-107 and 31-1-110 as they existed prior to 1975.

31-2-109. Assessment - taxes - collection.

When any municipality incorporates under the provisions of this title or any municipality reorganizes under the provisions of part 3 of this article after the time for making the annual assessment for taxation has passed, the governing body of each such city or town may provide, by ordinance or resolution, for the assessment of taxable property within the corporate limits of said city or town. When such assessment is made and approved by the governing body, it may proceed to levy the necessary taxes for the fiscal year, which levy shall be certified by the clerk of such city or town to the county assessor, who shall extend the same upon the tax list of the current year, as required by section 31-20-104. The county treasurer shall proceed in the collection of such taxes in all respects as provided by law for the collection of taxes in cities and towns. It is not necessary for any such city or town to pass the annual appropriation ordinance or resolution required by section 29-1-108, C.R.S. This section shall apply only to the assessment and collection of taxes for the first fiscal year after such incorporation or reorganization.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1013, § 1, effective July 1. L. 90: Entire section amended, p. 1435, § 3, effective January 1, 1991.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-109 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-201. Short title.

This part 2 shall be known and may be cited as the "Municipal Home Rule Act of 1971".

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1013, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-101 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-202. Legislative declaration.

The general assembly declares that the policies and procedures contained in this part 2 are enacted to implement section 9 of article XX of the state constitution, adopted at the 1970 general election, by providing statutory procedures to facilitate adoption and amendment of municipal home rule charters, and, to this end, this part 2 shall be liberally construed. The provisions of this part 2 shall supersede the requirements of article XX of the state constitution, as they relate to procedures for the initial adoption of home rule charters and for the amendment of existing home rule charters, as provided in section 9 (3) of article XX of the state constitution.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1013, § 1, effective July 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1191, § 88, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-102 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-203. Definitions.

As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Ballot title" means a ballot title as defined in section 31-11-103 (1).
2. "Publication" means one publication in one newspaper of general circulation within the municipality. If there is no such newspaper, publication shall be by posting in at least three public places within the municipality.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1014, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 791, § 4, effective August 2.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-103 (2) as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-204. Initiation of home rule.

1. Proceedings to adopt a home rule charter for a municipality may be initiated:
   1. By the submission of a petition, signed by at least five percent of the registered electors of the municipality, to the governing body thereof; or
   2. By the adoption of an ordinance by the governing body of the municipality, without the prior submission of a petition therefor.
2. Within thirty days after the initiation of the proceedings, in accordance with either paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) of this section, the governing body of the municipality shall call an election for the purpose of forming a charter commission and of electing members thereof to frame a charter for the municipality, which election shall be held within one hundred twenty days after the date of the call of the election. The governing body shall cause notice of the election to be published not less than sixty days prior to the election.
3. Candidates for the charter commission shall be nominated by filing with the clerk, on forms supplied by the clerk, a nomination petition signed by at least twenty-five registered electors and a statement by the candidate of consent to serve if elected. Said petition and statement shall be filed within thirty days after publication of the election notice. A second notice of the election, as soon as possible after the completion of filings, shall be published by the governing body and shall include the names of candidates for the charter commission.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1014, § 1, effective July 1. L. 84: (1)(a) amended, p. 831, § 1, effective April 25. L. 85: (1)(a) amended, p. 1346, § 13, effective April 30.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-205. Election on formation of charter commission and designation of members.

1. At the election voters shall cast ballots for or against forming the charter commission. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote for forming the charter commission, a commission to frame a charter shall be deemed formed.
2. At the election voters shall also cast ballots for electing the requisite number of charter commission members. Those candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. In the event of tie votes for the last available vacancy, the clerk shall determine by lot the person who shall be elected.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1014, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-105 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-206. Charter commission.

1. The charter commission shall be comprised as follows:
   1. In municipalities having a population of less than two thousand, nine members; and
   2. In municipalities having a population of at least two thousand, nine members unless the initiating ordinance or petition establishes a higher odd-number of members not to exceed twenty-one members.
   3. (Deleted by amendment, L. 94, p. 1191 , § 89, effective July 1, 1994.)
2. If the petition or ordinance initiating home rule proceedings pursuant to section 31-2-204 (1) or initiating proceedings for forming a new charter commission pursuant to section 31-2-210 (2) specifies that the members of the charter commission shall be elected by and from single- or multi-member districts or by a combination of such districts and at-large representation, the governing body, prior to publishing the notice provided for in section 31-2-204 (2) or 31-2-210 (4), shall divide the municipality into compact districts of approximately equal population. In such event the members of said charter commission shall be elected by and from districts, or partly by and from districts and partly at large, as specified in said petition or ordinance.
3. Eligibility to serve on the charter commission shall extend to all registered electors of the municipality. Any vacancy on the charter commission shall be filled by appointment of the governing body.
4. The charter commission shall meet at a time and date set by the governing body, which shall be not more than twenty days subsequent to the certification of the election, for the purpose of organizing itself. At such meeting, the commission members shall elect a chairman, a secretary, and such other officers as they deem necessary, all of which officers shall be members of the commission. The commission may adopt rules of procedure for its operations and proceedings. A majority of the commission members shall constitute a quorum for transacting business. Further meetings of the commission shall be held upon call of the chairman or a majority of the members. All meetings shall be open to the public.
5. The commission may employ a staff; consult and retain experts; and purchase, lease, or otherwise provide for such supplies, materials, and equipment as it deems necessary. Upon completion of its work, the commission shall be dissolved, and all property of the commission shall become the property of the municipality.
6. The governing body may accept funds, grants, gifts, and services for the commission from the state of Colorado, or the United States government, or any agencies or departments thereof, or from any other public or private source.
7. Reasonable expenses of the charter commission shall be paid out of the general funds of the municipality, upon written verification made by the commission chairman and secretary, and the governing body shall adopt such supplemental appropriation ordinances as may be necessary to support such expenditures. Members of the commission shall receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
8. The charter commission may conduct interviews and make investigations in the preparation of a charter, and, to the fullest extent practicable, municipal officials and employees shall cooperate with the commission by providing information, advice, and assistance.
9. The charter commission shall hold at least one public hearing in preparation of a proposed charter.
10. Within one hundred eighty days after its election, the charter commission shall submit to the governing body a proposed charter.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1014, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1)(b) amended and (1)(c) added, p. 1491, § 7, effective June 5. L. 94: (1) amended, p. 1191, § 89, effective July 1. L. 2009: (2) amended, (SB 09-292), ch. 369, p. 1977, § 106, effective August 5. L. 2011: (4) and (10) amended, (HB 11-1122), ch. 63, p. 164, § 1, effective September 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-106 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-207. Charter election - notice.

1. Within thirty days after the date that the charter commission submits the proposed charter to it, the governing body shall publish and give notice of an election to determine whether the proposed charter shall be approved, which election shall be held not less than sixty nor more than one hundred eighty-five days after publication of the notice thereof. Such notice of the election shall contain the full text of the proposed charter.

   (1.5) The governing body shall set the ballot title for the proposed charter within sixty days after the date that the proposed charter is submitted pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

2. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote to adopt the proposed charter, the charter shall be deemed approved and it shall become effective at such time as the charter provides.
3. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote to reject the proposed charter, the charter commission shall proceed to prepare a revised proposed charter, utilizing the procedures set forth in section 31-2-206, and the governing body shall submit the revised proposed charter to an election in the manner set forth in subsection (1) of this section. If a majority of the registered electors voting on such revised proposed charter vote to adopt the revised proposed charter, it shall be deemed approved and it shall become effective at such time as the revised charter provides. If a majority of the registered voters voting thereon vote to reject the revised proposed charter, the charter commission shall forthwith be dissolved.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1016, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1.5) added, p. 791, § 5, effective August 2. L. 2011: (1) amended, (HB 11-1122), ch. 63, p. 164, § 2, effective September 1. L. 2015: (1) amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 854, § 4, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-107 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-2-208. Filings - effect.

1. Within twenty days after its approval, a certified copy of the charter shall be filed with the secretary of state and with the clerk.
2. Upon such filings all courts shall take judicial notice of the charter.
3. This section shall also apply to any amendment or repeal of a charter.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1016, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-108 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-209. Special procedure for adopting a charter upon incorporation.

1. Proceedings to adopt a home rule charter may be initiated at the time of incorporation.
2. In order to initiate home rule at the time of incorporation, the petition for incorporation shall be in the form and meet the requirements required by the provisions of section 31-2-101, except that:
   1. The petition shall be signed by at least five percent of the registered electors of the territory to be embraced within the boundaries of the proposed municipality, notwithstanding any provision of section 31-2-101; and
   2. The petition for incorporation shall request the initiation of proceedings for the adoption of a home rule charter pursuant to the provisions of this part 2.
3. The election commissioners appointed by the court pursuant to section 31-2-102 shall exercise, to the extent practicable, the powers, functions, and responsibilities otherwise assigned by this part 2 to the governing body or clerk, and the procedures for incorporation and adoption of a home rule charter shall be modified as necessary to effectuate concurrent consideration.
4. At the incorporation election, conducted under the provisions of section 31-2-102, the registered electors shall vote upon:
   1. The question of incorporation, as set forth in section 31-2-102 (5);
   2. The question of whether a charter commission should be formed, as set forth in section 31-2-205 (1); and
   3. The election of charter commission members, as set forth in section 31-2-205 (2).
5. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote for incorporation and for formation of a charter commission, the first election of officers shall be stayed pending drafting and approval of the charter pursuant to sections 31-2-206 and 31-2-207. Upon ratification of the charter or after rejection of a charter and revised charter pursuant to section 31-2-207, the election commissioners shall proceed to the first election of officers and to completion of incorporation pursuant to part 1 of this article.
6. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote for incorporation but against the formation of a charter commission, the procedures set forth in part 1 of this article shall be followed as if the petition for incorporation had not included a request for the adoption of home rule at the time of incorporation.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1016, § 1, effective July 1. L. 84: (2)(a) amended, p. 831, § 2, effective April 15. L. 85: (2)(a) amended, p. 1346, § 14, effective April 30.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-109 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-210. Procedure to amend or repeal charter.

1. Proceedings to amend a home rule charter may be initiated by either of the following methods:
   1. Filing of a petition meeting the following requirements, in the following manner:
      1. The petition process shall be commenced by filing with the clerk a statement of intent to circulate a petition, signed by at least five registered electors of the municipality. The petition shall be circulated for a period not to exceed ninety days from the date of filing of the statement of intent and shall be filed with the clerk before the close of business on the ninetieth day from said date of filing or on the next business day when said ninetieth day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
      2. The petition shall contain the text of the proposed amendment and shall state whether the proposed amendment is sought to be submitted at the next regular election or at a special election. If the amendment is sought to be submitted at a special election, the petition shall state an approximate date for such special election, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (IV) of this paragraph (a) and subsection (4) of this section.
      3. A petition to submit an amendment at the next regular election must be signed by at least five percent of the registered electors of the municipality registered on the date of filing the statement of intent and must be filed with the clerk at least ninety days prior to the date of said regular election.
      4. A petition to submit an amendment at a special election must be signed by at least ten percent of the registered electors of the municipality registered on the date of filing the statement of intent and must be filed with the clerk at least ninety days prior to the approximate date of the special election stated in the petition.
   2. An ordinance adopted by the governing body submitting the proposed amendment to a vote of the registered electors of the municipality. Such ordinance shall also adopt a ballot title for the proposed amendment.
2. Proceedings to repeal a home rule charter or to form a new charter commission may be initiated by either of the following methods:
   1. Filing of a petition in the manner prescribed by, and meeting the requirements of, paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section; except that:
      1. The petition shall state the proposal to repeal the charter or to form a new charter commission;
      2. The petition must be signed by at least fifteen percent of the registered electors of the municipality, regardless of whether the petition seeks submission of the proposal at a regular or special election; and
      3. If the proposal is for formation of a charter commission, the petition must be filed with the clerk at least ninety days prior to the date of the regular election or the approximate date stated in the petition for a special election, as the case may be.
   2. An ordinance adopted by a two-thirds vote of the governing body submitting the proposed repeal or formation of a charter commission to a vote of the registered electors of the municipality.
3. The clerk shall, within fifteen working days after the filing of a petition pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section or paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section, certify to the governing body as to the validity and sufficiency of such petition. If the petition is sufficient, the governing body shall set a ballot title for the proposed amendment at its next meeting. If the petition is declared insufficient, such petition may be withdrawn by a majority of the persons representing the registered electors who signed such petition, may be amended or signed by additional registered electors of the municipality in accordance with paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section and paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section within fifteen days after such insufficiency is declared, and may be refiled as an original petition.

   (3.5) If the subject matter of the petition is proposed for submission at a regular or special election that will be coordinated by the county clerk pursuant to section 1-7-116, C.R.S., and the municipal clerk has certified to the governing body that the petition is valid and sufficient, the clerk shall certify the proposed ballot question to the county clerk and recorder sixty days prior to the coordinated election as provided in section 1-5-203 (3), C.R.S., unless the petition has by the sixtieth day been determined to be insufficient pursuant to section 31-2-223. Should the petition be found to be insufficient pursuant to section 31-2-223 following certification to the county clerk and recorder, the election on such question shall be deemed canceled, and any votes cast on the question shall not be counted.

4. The governing body shall, within thirty days of the date of adoption of the ordinance or the date of filing of the petition (if the same is certified by the clerk to be valid and sufficient), publish notice of an election upon the amendment or proposal, which notice shall contain the full text of the amendment or statement of the proposal as contained in the ordinance or petition. The election shall be held not less than sixty nor more than one hundred twenty days after publication of such notice; except that, if the proposal is for formation of a charter commission, the election shall be held not less than sixty days after publication of such notice. If the amendment or proposal is initiated by petition and is sought to be submitted at a special election, the election shall be held as near as possible to the approximate date stated in the petition, but in any event shall be held within the time limits stated in this subsection (4).
5. The procedure for the forming and functioning of a new charter commission shall comply as nearly as practicable with sections 31-2-204 to 31-2-207, relating to formation and functioning of an initial charter commission.
6. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote for a proposed amendment, the amendment shall be deemed approved. If a majority of the registered electors voting thereon vote for repeal of the charter, the charter shall be deemed repealed and the municipality shall proceed to organize and operate pursuant to the statutes applicable to a municipality of its size.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1017, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section R&RE, p. 1170, § 2, effective July 1. L. 85: (1)(a)(I), (1)(a)(II), (1)(a)(IV), and (2)(a)(II) amended, p. 1346, § 15, effective July 1. L. 96: (1)(a)(III) and (1)(a)(IV) amended and (3.5) added, p. 1767, § 61, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1)(b) and (3) amended, p. 791, § 6, effective August 2. L. 2007: (3.5) amended, p. 2046, § 84, effective June 1. L. 2015: (4) amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 855, § 5, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-110 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-2-211. Elections - general.

1. Except as otherwise specifically provided, all elections held pursuant to this part 2 shall be conducted as nearly as practicable in conformity with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
2. All necessary expenses for elections conducted pursuant to this part 2 for existing municipalities or for municipalities incorporated pursuant to part 1 of this article shall be paid out of the treasury of the municipality.
3. A special election shall be called for any election held pursuant to this part 2 when a regular election is not scheduled within the time period provided for such election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1017, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-111 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-2-212. Initiative, referendum, and recall.

Every charter shall contain procedures for the initiative and referendum of measures and for the recall of officers.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-112 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-213. Determination of population.

When a determination of the population or number of registered electors of the municipality is required under this part 2, said determination shall be made upon the best readily available information by the governing body, clerk, election commissioners, or court, as the case may be. Such determination shall be final in the absence of fraud or gross abuse of discretion.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1. L. 84: Entire section amended, p. 831, § 3, effective April 25. L. 85: Entire section amended, p. 1346, § 16, effective April 30.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-113 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-214. Time limit on submission of similar proposals.

No proposal for a charter commission, charter amendment, or repeal of a charter shall be initiated within twelve months after rejection of a substantially similar proposal.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-114 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-215. Conflicting or alternative charter proposals.

1. In submitting any charter or charter amendment, any alternative provision may be submitted for the choice of the voters and may be voted on separately without prejudice to others. The alternative provision receiving the highest number of votes, if approved by a majority of the registered electors voting thereon, shall be deemed approved.
2. In case of adoption of conflicting provisions which are not submitted as alternatives, the one which receives the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail in all particulars as to which there is conflict.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1. L. 84: Entire section amended, p. 832, § 4, effective April 25.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-115 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-216. Change in classification of municipalities.

Notwithstanding the provisions of part 2 of article 1 of this title, a town having a population exceeding two thousand may reclassify itself as a city, and a city having a population of two thousand or less may reclassify itself as a town, upon adoption of a home rule charter without otherwise complying with the procedures in said part 2.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1491, § 8, effective June 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-116 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-217. Vested rights saved.

The adoption of any charter, charter amendment, or repeal thereof shall not be construed to destroy any property right, contract right, or right of action of any nature or kind, civil or criminal, vested in or against the municipality under and by virtue of any provision of law theretofore existing or otherwise accruing to the municipality; but all such rights shall vest in and inure to the municipality or to any persons asserting any such claims against the municipality as fully and as completely as though the charter, amendment, or repeal thereof had not been adopted. Such adoption shall never be construed to affect any such right existing between the municipality and any person.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-117 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-218. Finality.

No proceeding contesting the adoption of a charter, charter amendment, or repeal thereof shall be brought unless commenced within forty-five days after the election adopting the measure.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1018, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-2-118 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-219. Additional petition requirements.

Any petition to initiate the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a municipal home rule charter, including the formation of a new charter commission, shall be subject to the provisions of sections 31-2-220 to 31-2-225, in addition to any other requirements imposed by this part 2. Any such petition which fails to conform to the requirements of this part 2 or is circulated in a manner other than that permitted in this part 2 is invalid.

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 832, § 5, effective April 25.

31-2-220. Warning on petition - signatures - affidavits - circulators.

1. At the top of each page of a petition to initiate the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a municipal home rule charter, including the formation of a new charter commission, must be printed, in plain red letters no smaller than the impression of ten-point, bold-faced type, the following:
2. Any such petition shall be signed only by registered electors by their own signatures to which shall be attached the residence addresses of such persons, including street and number, if any, city or town, and the date of signing the same. To each such petition shall be attached an affidavit of the person who circulated the petition stating the affiant's address, that the affiant is eighteen years of age or older, that the affiant circulated the said petition, that each signature thereon was affixed in the affiant's presence, that each signature thereon is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be, that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the affiant each of the persons signing said petition was at the time of signing a registered elector, and that the affiant has not paid or will not in the future pay and that the affiant believes that no other person has so paid or will pay, directly or indirectly, any money or other thing of value to any signer for the purpose of inducing or causing such signer to affix the signer's signature to such petition. No petition shall be accepted for filing that does not have attached thereto the affidavit required by this section.
3. (Deleted by amendment, L. 2000, p. 792 , § 7, effective August 2, 2000.)
4. The clerk shall inspect timely filed petitions and attached affidavits to ensure compliance with subsection (2) of this section. Such inspection may consist of an examination of the information on the signature lines for patent defects, a comparison of the information on the signature lines with a list of registered electors provided by the county, or any other method of inspection reasonably expected to ensure compliance with subsection (2) of this section.

WARNING: IT IS AGAINST THE LAW:

For anyone to sign any petition with any name other than his or her own or to knowingly sign his or her name more than once for the same measure or to sign such petition when not a registered elector.

DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION UNLESS YOU ARE A REGISTERED ELECTOR:

Do not sign this petition unless you have read or had read to you the text of the proposal in its entirety and understand its meaning.

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 832, § 5, effective April 25. L. 85: (1) and (2) amended, p. 1347, § 17, effective April 30. L. 92: (1) amended, p. 2177, § 38, effective June 2. L. 94: (1) amended, p. 1772, § 37, effective January 1, 1995. L. 96: (2) amended, p. 1768, § 62, effective July 1. L. 2000: (2) and (3) amended and (4) added, p. 792, § 7, effective August 2. L. 2013: (1) amended, (HB 13-1303), ch. 185, p. 750, § 132, effective May 10. L. 2014: (1) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 59, § 12, effective February 18.

Cross references: (1) In 2013, subsection (1) was amended by the "Voter Access and Modernized Elections Act". For the short title and the legislative declaration, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 185, Session Laws of Colorado 2013.

(2) For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-2-221. Form of petition - representatives of signers.

1. Petitions to initiate the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a home rule charter, including the formation of a new charter commission, shall be printed on pages eight and one-half inches wide by eleven inches long, with a margin of two inches at the top for binding; the sheets for signature shall have their ruled lines numbered consecutively and shall be attached to a complete copy of what is proposed, printed in plain block letters no smaller than the impression of eight-point type. Petitions may consist of any number of sections composed of sheets arranged as provided in this section. Each petition shall designate by name and address not less than three nor more than five registered electors who shall represent the signers thereof in all matters affecting the same. No such petition shall be printed, published, or otherwise circulated in a municipality until the clerk has approved it as to form only, and the clerk shall assure that the petition contains only the matters required by this part 2 and contains no extraneous material. The clerk shall approve or disapprove such form within five working days of submission. All such petitions shall be prenumbered serially, and the circulation of any petition described by this part 2 by any medium other than personally by a circulator is prohibited.
2. Any disassembly of the petition which has the effect of separating the affidavits from the signatures shall render the petition invalid and of no force and effect. Prior to the time of filing, the persons designated in the petition to represent the signers shall attach the sheets containing the signatures and affidavits together, which shall be bound in convenient volumes together with the sheets containing the signatures accompanying the same.

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 833, § 5, effective April 25.

31-2-222. Ballot.

Proposals to adopt, amend, or repeal home rule charters, including the formation of a new charter commission, shall appear upon the official ballot by ballot title only and, if more than one, shall be numbered consecutively in such order as the governing body may provide and shall be printed on the official ballot in that order, together with their respective numbers prefixed in boldface type. Each ballot title shall appear once on the official ballot and shall be separated from the other ballot titles next to it by heavy black lines and shall be followed by the words "yes" and "no" as follows:

(HERE SHALL APPEAR THE BALLOT TITLE IN FULL)

YES NO

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 834, § 5, effective April 25.

31-2-223. Affidavit - evidence - protest procedure.

1. All petitions to initiate the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a home rule charter, including the formation of a new charter commission, shall have attached thereto an affidavit of the circulator of the petition stating that each signature on the petition is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be and that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the affiant each of the persons signing such petition was at the time of signing a registered elector. A protest in writing, under oath, may be filed in the office in which such petition has been filed by some registered elector of the municipality or territory proposed to be incorporated within thirty days after such petition is filed, setting forth with particularity the grounds of such protest and the names protested. In such event the officer with whom such petition is filed shall mail a copy of the protest to the persons named in such petition as representing the signers thereof at the addresses therein given, together with a notice fixing a time for hearing the protest not less than five nor more than twenty days after such notice is mailed. If, at such hearing, such protest is denied in whole or in part, the person filing the same, within ten days after such denial, may file an amended protest, a copy of which shall be mailed to the persons named in the petition and on which a hearing shall be held as in the case of the original protest; but no person shall be entitled to amend an amended protest.
2. All records and hearings shall be public, and all testimony shall be under oath. The officer with whom such petition is filed shall have the power to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents. Upon failure of any witness to obey the subpoena, the officer may petition the district court, and, upon proper showing, the court may enter an order compelling the witness to appear and testify or produce documentary evidence. Failure to obey the order of court shall be punishable as a contempt of court. Hearings shall be had as soon as is conveniently possible and must be concluded within thirty days after the commencement thereof, and the result of such hearings shall be certified to the persons representing the signers of such petition. In case the petition is declared insufficient in form or number of signatures of registered electors, it may be withdrawn by a majority in number of the persons representing the signers of such petition and, within fifteen days after the insufficiency is declared, may be amended or additional names signed thereto as in the first instance and refiled as an original petition. The finding as to the sufficiency of any petition may be reviewed by the district court of the county in which such petition is filed, but any such review shall be timely made, and, upon application, the decision of such court thereon shall be reviewed by the supreme court.

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 834, § 5, effective April 25. L. 85: Entire section amended, p. 1348, § 18, effective April 30. L. 2000: (1) amended, p. 792, § 8, effective August 2.

31-2-224. Receiving money to circulate petition - penalty. (Repealed)

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 835, § 5, effective April 25. L. 89: Entire section repealed, p. 861, § 156, effective July 1.

31-2-225. Unlawful acts - penalty.

1. With respect to any petition to initiate the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a home rule charter, including the formation of a new charter commission, it is unlawful:
   1. For any person willfully and knowingly to circulate or cause to be circulated or sign or procure to be signed any petition bearing the name, device, or motto of any person, organization, association, league, or political party, or purporting in any way to be endorsed, approved, or submitted by any person, organization, association, league, or political party, without the written consent, approval, and authorization of such person, organization, association, league, or political party;
   2. For any person to sign any name other than his own to any such petition or knowingly to sign his name more than once for the same measure at one election;
   3. For any person to sign any such petition who is not a registered elector of the municipality or of the territory proposed to be incorporated at the time of signing the same;
   4. For any person to sign any affidavit as circulator without knowing or reasonably believing the statements made in such affidavit to be true;
   5. For any person to certify that an affidavit attached to such petition was subscribed or sworn to before him unless it was so subscribed and sworn to before him and unless such person so certifying is duly qualified under the laws of this state to administer an oath; or
   6. For any person to do willfully any act in reviewing the petition or setting the ballot title which shall confuse or tend to confuse the issues submitted or proposed to be submitted at any election held under this part 2 or to refuse to submit any such petition in the form presented for submission at any election held under this part 2.
2. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501, C.R.S.

Source: L. 84: Entire section added, p. 835, § 5, effective April 25. L. 85: (1)(c) amended, p. 1349, § 19, effective April 30. L. 2002: (2) amended, p. 1543, § 289, effective October 1.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 2002 act amending subsection (2), see section 1 of chapter 318, Session Laws of Colorado 2002.

31-2-301. Procedure.

Any city or town incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, which has not previously reorganized pursuant to this part 3 may abandon its organization and organize itself under the provisions of this title, with the same territorial limits, by pursuing the course prescribed in this part 3.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-101 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-302. Petition - election.

Upon the petition of the registered electors of any such town or city equal in number to ten percent of the votes cast for all candidates for mayor at the last preceding regular election, the governing body thereof shall immediately, by ordinance or resolution, call a special election on the question of organizing under this title. Such question shall be submitted to the registered electors of the city or town at a special election to be held on the date set by the governing body and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", insofar as possible.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 326, § 76, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-102 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-2-303. Notice of election.

The mayor or, if there is no mayor, the presiding officer of the governing body, immediately upon the effective date of the ordinance or resolution, shall cause notice to be given of the election, of the question to be submitted thereat, and of the time and place of the holding thereof, which notice shall be published once each week for four consecutive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation within the city or town. If there is no such newspaper, publication shall be by posting a copy of said notice in three public places within the municipal limits.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-103 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-304. Ballot.

The form of ballot or voting machine tabs at such election shall be: "For Municipal Organization Under the General Law" and "Against Municipal Organization Under the General Law".

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-305. Election of officers - terms.

If a majority of the votes cast at such election are for organization under this title, the governing body shall immediately call a special election for the election of officers for such reorganized city or town. Such election shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". After the election and qualification of such officers, the former organization of such city or town shall be considered as abandoned, and such city or town shall be considered as organized under the provisions of this title. The officers so elected shall hold their offices only until the next regular election in such city or town.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-105 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-2-306. No similar proposal for one year.

If a majority of the votes cast at such election are against organization under this title, no petition for another vote upon such question shall be accepted less than one year after such vote.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-103 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-307. Property remains vested - rights - cumulative remedy.

All rights and property of every description vested in any city or town under its former organization shall be deemed and held to be vested in the reorganized city or town. No right or liability, either in favor of or against such city or town, existing at the time and no suit or prosecution of any kind shall be affected by such change. Where a different remedy is given by this title which can properly be made applicable to any right existing at the time such change is made, the same shall be deemed cumulative to any other remedies available prior to such change and may be used accordingly.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-106 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-308. Duty of county treasurer - sale - redemption.

If any city or town abandons its old organization and incorporates under this title, it is the duty of the county treasurer to collect, in the same manner as other taxes are collected, any taxes of such city or town which, at the time of such incorporation, have become due or delinquent. If property has been sold before such reorganization for taxes due any such city or town and the same has not been redeemed nor the deed executed therefor prior to incorporation, it is the duty of the county treasurer to act in all respects regarding the redemption of such property, the collection of taxes thereon, and the execution of the deed therefor as though the same had been sold subsequent to such reorganization.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1019, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-108 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-309. Ordinances remain effective.

When any city or town incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, reorganizes under this title, the bylaws and ordinances adopted and in force in such city or town previous to such reorganization shall remain in full force and effect for all purposes until the same are changed, amended, or repealed by the governing body elected under the new organization.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1020, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-4-110 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-401. Petition to change name.

Proceedings to change the name of any city or town in this state may be initiated by filing with the governing body thereof a written petition therefor, which petition shall be signed by registered electors thereof equal in number to fifty percent of the total votes cast for all candidates for mayor in the last regular election of the city or town, requesting that the name of the city or town be changed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1020, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 326, § 77, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-301 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-402. Name filed with secretary of state.

After the presentation of the petition mentioned in section 31-2-401, the name proposed to be given to such city or town shall be filed by the clerk in the office of the secretary of state, to be retained there for a period of at least thirty days, and, upon application, the secretary of state, at any time after the expiration of said thirty days from said filing, shall grant a certificate stating that such name has not been given to any other municipality in this state if such is the fact. If such name has been adopted by any other municipality, as appears from the records in his office, the secretary of state shall so notify the clerk filing such name in his office, in which event no further proceedings shall be undertaken unless another petition, setting forth a different proposed name, is filed, which such different proposed name shall likewise be filed with the secretary of state. No further proceedings for a change of name shall be commenced until a certificate is received from the secretary of state attesting that the proposed name has not been adopted elsewhere in this state.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1020, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-302 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-403. Secretary to keep alphabetical list.

The secretary of state shall ascertain the names of all the municipalities within this state and shall arrange such names in alphabetical order for convenient reference. Such list of names shall be kept filed in his office and shall be changed when a change of name is effected under the provisions of this part 4.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1020, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-303 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-404. Notice of hearing on petition.

At any meeting of the governing body of any city or town after the presentation of the petition, the governing body shall fix the time when the petition shall be considered and order notice of the presentation thereof to be given by publishing such notice once each week for three successive weeks in some newspaper having a general circulation in such city or town. If there is no such newspaper, publication shall be by posting a copy of said notice in three public places within the municipal limits. Such notice shall state that a change of the name of such city or town has been petitioned for and the time when action on said petition will be had, at which time remonstrances, if any, will be heard.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1020, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-304 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-405. Hearing postponed.

If for any reason at the time fixed in the notice provided for in section 31-2-404 action thereon is not taken, such petition for a change of name shall be heard, with all remonstrances, at any subsequent meeting of the governing body of any such city or town. If said governing body is satisfied that such change of name is necessary and proper, they shall thereupon make an order changing the name of such city or town and adopting the name petitioned for in the petition.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-305 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-406. Secretary to give notice.

If said change of name is made or if any new city or town is incorporated, the governing body of any such city or town shall cause a copy of the order making such change or fixing the name of such new city or town to be filed in the office of the secretary of state, who shall thereupon make known such facts by publication in some newspaper of general circulation in the county in which such city or town is situated.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-306 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-2-407. Change does not affect liability.

Nothing in this part 4 shall affect the rights, privileges, or liabilities of such city or town, or those of any person, as the same existed before such change of name. All proceedings pending in any court or place in favor of or against said city or town may be continued to final consummation under the name in which the same were commenced.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-1-307 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-3-101. Petition to the district court.

Proceedings to discontinue the incorporation of any city or town may be commenced by the filing of a petition to discontinue such incorporation, signed by twenty-five percent of the registered electors of the city or town, with the district court of the county wherein such city or town, or any part thereof, is situate. Upon satisfying itself that the petition meets the requirements of this section, the court shall cause a notice to be published once each week for at least four weeks, which notice shall state that the question of discontinuing the incorporation of such city or town shall be submitted to a vote of the registered electors thereof at its next regular election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 326, § 78, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-101 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-3-102. Form of ballots.

The form of ballots shall be "For the incorporation" and "Against the incorporation".

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-102 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-3-103. Return - canvass - costs.

The vote for this purpose shall be taken, canvassed, and returned in the same manner as in other municipal elections. All expenses of the same shall be paid by the city or town when the result of the vote is "Against the incorporation" but by the petitioners when the result is "For incorporation".

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For municipal elections, see article 10 of this title.

31-3-104. Discontinuance - when effective - legal indebtedness - tax.

If two-thirds of the total votes cast upon such question are cast "Against incorporation", the incorporation of the city or town shall be discontinued; except that no such discontinuance shall be effective until such time as the governing body of the city or town has made proper provisions for the payment of all of its indebtedness and for the faithful performance of all its contractual and other obligations, levied the requisite taxes, and appropriated the requisite funds therefor and until two certified copies of notice of such action with a legal description accompanied by a map of the area concerned are filed by the city or town with the county clerk and recorder of the county in which such action has taken place. The county clerk and recorder shall file the second certified copy of such notice with the division of local government of the department of local affairs as provided by section 24-32-109, C.R.S. For the payment of its indebtedness, the city or town shall issue warrants in cases where there is no money in the treasury. The county treasurer shall collect the tax which is levied to pay such indebtedness as he collects other taxes and shall pay the warrants. Any surplus of this fund shall be transmitted to the school fund of the district where the same is levied.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1021, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-9-103 and 31-9-107 as they existed prior to 1975.

31-3-105. Books deposited - court records.

The books, documents, records, papers, and corporate seal of any city or town so discontinued shall be deposited with the county clerk and recorder of the county with which the petition was filed, for safekeeping and reference in the future.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1022, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-105 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-3-106. County clerk and recorder to publish - posting.

When the incorporation of any city or town has been discontinued in accordance with the provisions of this part 1, the county clerk and recorder of each county in which the city or town, or any part thereof, was situate shall publish notice of such discontinuance of incorporation once each week for at least four weeks in some newspaper published within the county, or, if no newspaper is published within the county, said county clerk and recorder shall post notice thereof in three public places within the county for a period of not less than thirty calendar days. Said county clerk and recorder shall also certify the fact of discontinuance of incorporation to the secretary of state.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1022, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-106 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-3-201. Procedure for determination of abandonment.

1. When any town has failed, for a period of five years or longer immediately prior to the filing of the application under this section, to hold any regular or special election or to elect officers and to maintain any town government, such town may be determined to be abandoned as follows:
   1. The county attorney of the county in which the town is located or any owner of land in such town may make application to the secretary of state to determine that the town is abandoned.
   2. The secretary of state shall forthwith cause notice of the filing of such application to be published once in some newspaper of general circulation in the county and, where possible, to be posted in at least two conspicuous locations within the town. The notice shall specify the date, time, and place where said application will be heard, which date shall be not less than twenty days after the date of such publication.
   3. The secretary of state shall hear such application and, after receiving evidence thereon, shall determine whether or not said town has been abandoned. If he determines that the town is abandoned, a copy of such determination shall be filed with the county clerk and recorder of the county in which said town was located. Thereupon, said town shall cease to exist.
   4. The books, documents, records, papers, and corporate seal of any town so abandoned shall be deposited with the county clerk and recorder of the county within which the town or any part thereof is located, for safekeeping and reference in the future.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1022, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-201 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-3-202. Consequences of determination.

1. After such determination, all existing streets, avenues, and alleys previously located within an abandoned town shall be vested in the board of county commissioners of the county in which said town was located. The board of county commissioners may thereafter vacate any such streets, avenues, or alleys pursuant to part 3 of article 2 of title 43, C.R.S.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 31-3-201, any debt or other obligations of such town outstanding at the time of such determination of abandonment shall not be abrogated, nor shall any requirement be abrogated or avoided that has been imposed upon such town by the environmental protection agency, by any court, or by any other instrumentality of the state or federal government. The town shall continue in existence solely for the purpose of satisfying such outstanding debt or other obligations or other requirements, and the powers and duties of the governing body of the town and its officers shall be performed by the board of county commissioners and the county officers in such levy and collection of taxes or the imposition and collection of such fees, rates, and charges as may be required to satisfy the outstanding debt or other obligations or other requirements in accordance with their terms.
3. Except as to streets, avenues, alleys, or reversionary interests, the right, title, and interest to all real property and the improvements thereon owned by any such town shall be vested in the county in which such property is situate, subject to any easements or rights-of-way then in use.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1023, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-9-202 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-101. Corporate authority vested.

1. The corporate and municipal authority of cities shall be vested in a governing body, to be denominated the city council, together with such officers as may be created under the authority of this title.
2. The city council shall possess all the legislative powers granted to cities by law and other corporate powers of the city not conferred by law or by some ordinance of city council on some officer or agency of the city. The members of the city council shall have the management and control of the finances and all the property, real and personal, belonging to the corporation, and they shall determine the times and places of holding their meetings, which shall at all times be open to the public. The mayor and any three members may call special meetings by notice to each of the members of the city council personally served or left at his usual place of residence. The city council shall provide by ordinance for the appointment or for the election of such city officers, whose election or appointment has not been provided for by law, as are necessary for the good government of the city and for the due exercise of its municipal powers. All city officers whose terms of office are not prescribed in this title and whose powers and duties are not otherwise defined by law shall perform such duties, exercise such powers, and continue in office for such period, until their successors are appointed and qualified, as shall be prescribed by ordinance. All officers to be elected shall be elected at the regular election. The officers of cities shall receive such compensation and fees for their services as the city council shall by ordinance prescribe.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1023, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended, p. 1493, § 2, effective May 28.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-5-101 and 31-5-106 as they existed prior to 1975.

31-4-102. Mayor - qualifications and duties.

1. The mayor shall be elected at the regular election in the city. He or she shall be a registered elector who has resided within the limits of the city for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election; except that, in the case of annexation, any person who has resided within the annexed territory for the time prescribed in this subsection (1) shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the city to which the territory was annexed. The mayor shall hold the office for the term for which he or she has been elected or qualified. The mayor shall keep an office at some convenient place in the city, to be provided by the city council, and shall sign all documents which by statute or ordinance may require his or her signature.
2. The mayor of the city shall be its chief executive officer and conservator of the peace, and it is his special duty to cause the ordinances and the regulations of the city to be faithfully and constantly obeyed. He shall supervise the conduct of all the officers of the city, examine the grounds of all reasonable complaints made against any of them, and cause any violations or neglect of duty to be promptly corrected or reported to the proper tribunal for punishment and correction. The mayor has and shall exercise, within the city limits, the powers conferred upon the sheriffs of counties to suppress disorders and keep the peace. He shall also perform such other duties compatible with the nature of his office as the city council may from time to time require.
3. The mayor shall be the presiding officer of the city council and shall have the same voting powers as any member of said council. The mayor shall be considered a member of the governing body and the city council. However, a city may provide by ordinance that the mayor shall not be entitled to vote on any matter before the council, except in the case of a tie vote. If such an ordinance is adopted, it shall also provide that any ordinance adopted and all resolutions authorizing the expenditure of money or the entering into of a contract shall be subject to disapproval by the mayor as provided in section 31-16-104. Such an ordinance may provide or may be amended to provide that the mayor shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum or the requisite majority on any matter to be voted on by the council. Any such ordinance may be adopted, amended, or repealed only within the sixty days preceding the election of any mayor, to take effect upon such mayor's assumption of office.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1024, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (3) amended, p. 1493, § 3, effective May 28. L. 83: (1) amended, p. 1253, § 1, effective July 1. L. 89: (3) amended, p. 1287, § 3, effective April 6. L. 2008: (1) amended, p. 1252, § 3, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-5-102 and 31-5-103 as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables located in the back of the index.

31-4-103. Mayor - vacancy - appointment - mayor pro tem.

1. In case of the mayor's death, disability, resignation, or other vacation of his office, the city council may order a special election as soon as practicable to fill the vacancy until the term of office of a successor elected at the next regular election has commenced, as provided in section 31-4-105, and the city council may appoint some registered elector to act as mayor until such special election. Such special election shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". If the city council does not call a special election, it shall fill the vacancy by appointment until the term of office of a successor elected at the next regular election has commenced, as provided in section 31-4-105.
2. The city council may appoint one of their own number acting mayor or mayor pro tem who is entitled to act as mayor in case the mayor is absent from the city or is for any reason temporarily unable to perform the duties of his office.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1024, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1) amended, p. 1172, § 3, effective July 1. L. 81: (2) amended, p. 1494, § 4, effective May 28.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-5-103 and 31-5-106 as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables located in the back of the index.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-4-104. Wards.

Every city shall be divided by the city council into wards, and such wards shall be numbered consecutively beginning with the number one. The boundaries of said wards shall not be changed more often than once in six years, unless change is necessary to conform to constitutional apportionment requirements. Territory added to the city shall become a part of such ward or wards as may be determined by ordinance; but this shall not prevent apportionment to conform to constitutional requirements. The boundaries and number of wards shall be changed only by majority vote of all members elected to the governing body.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1025, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-105. Election of officers - terms.

The registered electors of each city shall elect, at the regular election, a mayor, a clerk, and a city treasurer from the city at large. At the same election, the registered electors of each ward of the city shall elect two members of the city council. The election shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". The officers shall hold their respective offices for terms of two years, commencing at the first meeting of the governing body following the survey of election returns, unless the governing body provides by ordinance or resolution that terms shall commence on the first Monday after the first Tuesday in January following their election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1025, § 1, effective July 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1191, § 90, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-101 (1) as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-4-106. Councilman - residence - vacancies.

Each councilman shall have resided in the ward in which he is a candidate for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election and shall be a registered elector therein; except that, in case the boundaries of the ward are changed pursuant to section 31-2-104 or 31-4-104 or as a result of annexation, any person who has resided within territory added to the ward for the time prescribed in this section shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the ward to which the territory was added. If any councilman, during the term of his office, removes from or becomes a nonresident of the ward in which he was elected, he shall be deemed thereby to vacate his office, effective upon the adoption by the city council of a resolution declaring such vacancy to exist. If any vacancy occurs in the office of councilman because of death, resignation, or removal or for any other reason, the same shall be filled by appointment by a majority vote of the city council or by election as provided in section 31-4-108 (2)(b). A successor to the person so appointed or elected shall be elected at the next regular election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1025, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1172, § 4, effective July 1. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1253, § 2, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-107. Appointment of officers - terms.

1. The members of the city council elected for each city at the meeting at which their terms commence, as provided in section 31-4-105, shall organize the city council. A majority of the total number of members is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. They shall be judges of the election returns and qualification of their own members, and they shall determine the rules of their own proceedings. The city clerk shall keep a record of the proceedings, in such form as determined by the city council, which shall be open to the inspection and examination of any citizen. The councilmen may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as they think fit to prescribe and shall elect from their own body a temporary president.
2. 1. Upon taking office, or at such other time as may be provided by ordinance or resolution, the city council shall appoint a city attorney and shall appoint or provide for the appointment of such other officers as may be required by statute or ordinance and may appoint such other officers, including a city administrator, as may be necessary or desirable. One or more municipal judges shall be appointed in accordance with section 13-10-105 (1), C.R.S.
   2. One person may hold two or more appointive offices if provided by ordinance and if compatible with the interest of the city government as determined by the council. All officers of the city are subject to the control and direction of the mayor and may be removed by a vote of a majority of all members elected to the city council if appointed to serve at the pleasure of the city council or by such a vote on charges of incompetence, unfitness, neglect of duty, or insubordination, duly made and sustained, if appointed to serve for a term prescribed by ordinance; except that a municipal judge may be removed during his term of office only for cause, as set forth in section 13-10-105 (2), C.R.S. The council may provide by ordinance for the removal or suspension of any officer or employee, except the mayor, councilmen, clerk, treasurer, city administrator, city attorney, and municipal judge, by administrative proceeding presided over by a city officer or employee.
3. The city council may provide by ordinance for four-year overlapping terms of office for council members. The ordinance may also provide for four-year terms for the mayor and other elective officers. The city council may reinstate the two-year terms provided in this section by ordinance. Any ordinance passed pursuant to this subsection (3) shall be enacted at least one hundred eighty days before the next regular election and shall be subject, notwithstanding an emergency declaration, to referendum if the referendum is brought pursuant to section 31-11-105 or pursuant to an applicable municipal ordinance enacted in accordance with section 1 of article V of the state constitution. No ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection (3) shall extend or reduce the term for which any person was elected. If any vacancy occurs in an office for which a four-year term is in effect pursuant to this subsection (3), such vacancy shall be filled as provided in sections 31-4-106 and 31-4-108 (2)(b). If the office in which the vacancy occurs is not an office for which a successor would otherwise have been elected at the next regular election, the term of office of the successor elected at that regular election shall be shortened so that the following regular election for said office is held at the time at which it would have been held if no vacancy had occurred.
4. 1. The city council may submit, by ordinance or resolution, for the approval of the registered electors at a regular or special election a proposal that the position of city clerk or city treasurer, or both such positions, be made appointive rather than elective, the appointments to be made by the city council. Such measure shall be made to take effect in such manner as to avoid shortening or extending the terms of any persons elected to such offices. If approved, appointments to either of such offices shall be in the manner provided for other appointive offices.
   2. The city council may also, by ordinance or resolution, submit for the approval of the registered electors a proposal for returning the office of clerk or treasurer, or both, from appointive to elective status. No such proposal, if approved, shall extend or reduce the term for which any person holds office.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1025, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: (2)(b) amended, p. 794, § 5, effective May 28. L. 79: (3) amended, p. 1173, § 5, effective July 1. L. 81: (2)(b) amended, p. 1494, § 5, effective May 28. L. 83: (3) amended, p. 1254, § 3, effective July 1. L. 93: (3) amended, p. 698, § 5, effective May 4. L. 94: (1) and (2)(a) amended, p. 1192, § 91, effective July 1. L. 95: (3) amended, p. 440, § 26, effective May 8.

Editor's note: The provisions of this section are similar to provisions of several former sections as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables located at the back of the index.

31-4-108. Expulsion from city council - vacancies in other offices.

1. Any member of the city council may be expelled or removed from office, for good cause shown, by a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to the city council, but he may not be removed a second time for the same offense.
2. 1. In case any office of an appointive officer becomes vacant before the regular expiration of the term thereof, the vacancy shall be filled by the city council by appointment.
   2. In case any office of an elective officer becomes vacant before the regular expiration of the term thereof, the vacancy may be filled by the city council by appointment or by election until the term of office of a successor elected at the next regular election has commenced as provided in section 31-4-105. If the city council does not fill the vacancy by appointment or order an election within sixty days after the vacancy occurs, it shall order an election, subject to the municipal election code, as soon as practicable to fill the vacancy until the term of office of a successor elected at the next regular election has commenced as provided in section 31-4-105.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1026, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1254, § 4, effective July 1. L. 88: (2)(b) amended, p. 1125, § 4, effective April 4.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-108 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-109. Compensation and fees of officers.

The mayor shall receive such compensation for his services as the city council, prior to his election, may fix as provided in this section. The city council, at least as early as the last monthly meeting before such regular municipal election, shall fix by ordinance the compensation and fees of members of the city council, including the compensation of the mayor and councilmen, for the period for which they will be elected or appointed if any change in said compensation is desirable. The city council shall neither increase nor diminish the compensation of any councilman or mayor during his term of office. Each person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of mayor or councilman shall receive the same compensation as was established for the office when the vacancy occurred. All other officers of the city, together with all other employees of the city, shall receive such compensation as the city council may fix from time to time by ordinance or as may be established in a pay plan adopted by ordinance. The city council may from time to time contract for professional services and for such services pay such fees and charges as may be agreed upon.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1026, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-102 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-110. City clerk - duties - city seal.

1. The city clerk shall have the custody of all the laws and ordinances of the city council, shall keep a regular record of the proceedings of the city council, in such form as determined by the council, and shall perform such other duties as may be required by statute or by the ordinances of the city. The clerk shall continue in office until a successor is appointed or elected and has complied with section 31-4-401.
2. Each city council shall provide for the clerk's office a seal, which shall be the seal of the city, in the center of which shall be the word "Seal" and such other device as may be directed by ordinance and around the margin the name of the city and the state. Said seal shall be affixed to all transcripts, orders, or certificates which may be necessary or proper to authenticate under law or any ordinance of the city. For all attested certificates and transcripts other than those ordered by the city council, the same fees shall be paid to the clerk as are allowed to county officers for similar services.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1027, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: (1) amended, p. 1255, § 5, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-5-105 and 31-5-107 as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables in the back of the index.

31-4-111. City treasurer - powers and duties.

The city treasurer has such powers and shall perform such duties as are prescribed by the statutes of this state and by the ordinances of the city council not inconsistent therewith.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1027, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-103 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-112. Marshal or chief of police - duties.

The marshal or chief of police shall execute and return, by himself or herself or by any member of the police force, all writs and processes directed to him or her by the municipal judge in any case arising under a city ordinance. In criminal cases, quasi-criminal cases, or cases in violation of city ordinances, he or she may serve the same in any part of the county in which such city is situate. The marshal, chief of police, or any member of the police force shall suppress all riots, disturbances, and breaches of the peace, shall apprehend all disorderly persons in the city, and shall pursue and arrest any person fleeing from justice in any part of the state. He or she shall apprehend any person in the act of committing any offense against the laws of the state or ordinances of the city and, forthwith and without any warrant, bring such person before a municipal judge, county judge, or other competent authority for examination and trial pursuant to law. He or she has, in the discharge of his or her proper duties, powers and responsibilities similar to those that sheriffs have in like cases. The marshal or chief of police may employ certified peace officers to enforce all laws of the state of Colorado notwithstanding section 16-2.5-201.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1027, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2017: Entire section amended, SB 17-066, ch. 105, p. 385, § 1, effective April 4.

31-4-112.1. Chief of police - permits for concealed weapons. (Repealed)

Source: L. 81: Entire section added, p. 1437, § 2, effective June 8. L. 2003: Entire section repealed, p. 650, § 9, effective May 17.

31-4-113. Terms of officers end upon adoption of charter.

If any city adopts a charter pursuant to the provisions of article XX of the state constitution, the term of office of every officer of such city who has been elected or appointed pursuant to the general laws of this state or under the ordinances of such city shall terminate immediately upon the election and qualification of the elective officers provided for by such charter.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1027, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-109 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-201. Authority to reorganize - rights and powers.

Any city may reorganize into a city council-city manager form of municipal government in accordance with the provisions of this part 2. However, no such city shall have conferred upon it by such reorganization any rights and powers except those rights and powers conferred upon cities by the general laws of this state.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1028, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-201 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-202. Petition - election.

1. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (1) is effective until July 1, 2022.] When a petition, signed by five percent of the registered electors of the municipality, requesting an election on the question of adopting the city council-city manager form of government is presented to the city council, the city council shall adopt an ordinance calling for an election upon such question to be held within four calendar months from the date of the presentation of such petition. The petition shall state whether the mayor under such form of government shall be elected by and from among the members of the city council or from the city at large by a plurality of the votes cast for that office at the regular election. The question of adopting such form of government shall be submitted to the registered electors of the city at a special or regular election to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".

   (1) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (1) is effective July 1, 2022. ] When a petition, signed by five percent of the registered electors of the municipality, requesting an election on the question of adopting the city council-city manager form of government is presented to the city council, the city council shall adopt an ordinance calling for an election upon such question to be held within four calendar months from the date of the presentation of such petition. The petition shall state whether the mayor under such form of government shall be elected by and from among the members of the city council or from the city at large by the registered electors of the city at the regular election. The question of adopting such form of government shall be submitted to the registered electors of the city at a special or regular election to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".

2. The mayor or, in case of the disability of the mayor, the mayor pro tem, immediately following the effective date of such ordinance, shall cause notice to be given of such election, which notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
3. 1. If the petition requests that the mayor be elected by and from among the members of the city council, the question to be submitted at such election shall be: "Shall the City of  (name of city)  reorganize by adopting the City Council-City Manager form of government as provided in part 2 of article 4 of title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes, with the mayor to be elected by and from among the members of the city council?". The form of ballot or voting machine tabs shall be: "For City Council-City Manager Form - Mayor elected by Council" and "Against City Council-City Manager Form - Mayor elected by Council".
   2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (3)(b) is effective until July 1, 2022.] If the petition requests that the mayor be elected from the city at large by a plurality of the votes cast for that office at the regular election, the question to be submitted at such election shall be: "Shall the city of  (name of city)  reorganize by adopting the City Council-City Manager form of government, as provided in part 2 of article 4 of title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes, with the mayor to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast for that office at the regular election?". The form of ballot or voting machine tabs shall be: "For City Council-City Manager Form - Mayor elected by Popular Vote" and "Against City Council-City Manager Form - Mayor elected by Popular Vote".

      (b) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (3)(b) is effective July 1, 2022. ] If the petition requests that the mayor be elected from the city at large by the registered electors of the city at the regular election, the question to be submitted at such election shall be: "Shall the city of (name of city) reorganize by adopting the City Council-City Manager form of government, as provided in part 2 of article 4 of title 31, Colorado Revised Statutes, with the mayor to be elected by the registered electors of the city at the regular election?". The form of ballot or voting machine tabs shall be: "For City Council-City Manager Form - Mayor elected by Popular Vote" and "Against City Council-City Manager Form - Mayor elected by Popular Vote".

4. The registered electors of any city which has previously reorganized into the city council-city manager form of government under this part 2 may, at any time, petition in the manner set forth in subsection (1) of this section for an election on:
   1. Returning to the original mayor-council form of government;
   2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (4)(b) is effective until July 1, 2022.] Retaining the city council-city manager form of government but with the mayor to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast for that office at the regular election rather than elected by and from among the members of the city council; or

      (b) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (4)(b) is effective July 1, 2022. ] Retaining the city council-city manager form of government but with the mayor to be elected by the registered electors of the city at the regular election rather than elected by and from among the members of the city council; or

   3. Retaining the city council-city manager form of government but with the mayor to be elected by and from among the members of the city council.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1028, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: (1) amended, p. 327, § 79, effective July 1. L. 89: (1) and (3) amended and (4) added, p. 1288, § 4, effective April 6. L. 2021: (1), (3)(b), and (4)(b) amended, (HB 21-1071), ch. 367, p. 2422, § 17, effective July 1, 2022.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-202 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-4-203. Majority vote carries - when effective.

1. If a majority of the votes cast are for the proposition, it shall be carried. The form of government existing in such city at the time of such election shall continue unchanged until the next regular election. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the next regular election shall be held for the purpose of electing the officers required by that form of government. Upon the taking of office and compliance with section 31-4-401 by the new officers, the terms of office of existing officers shall terminate, the prior form of government shall cease, and the new form of government shall commence.
2. If the proposition carried is to return to the original mayor-council form of government, the offices of mayor and other elected offices other than city council members shall be filled at a special election to be held according to the provisions of section 31-4-103; except that such offices shall be filled at the next regular election if such regular election is held less than four months following the adoption of the proposition. Upon the taking of office and compliance with section 31-4-401 by the mayor and other elected officers, the terms of office of existing officers shall terminate, the prior form of government shall cease, and the new form of government shall commence.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1028, § 1, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 1289, § 5, effective April 6. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1438, § 138, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-203 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-204. Prior laws applicable - rights and liabilities continue.

1. All laws of the state applicable to the city before the adoption of the city council-city manager form of government and not inconsistent with the provisions of this part 2 shall apply to and govern such reorganized city.
2. Any bylaw, ordinance, or resolution lawfully passed and in force in such city at the time of its reorganization shall remain in force and continue to be in effect until duly amended or repealed.
3. The territorial limits of such city shall remain the same as under its former organization.
4. All rights of whatever description which were vested in such city under its former organization shall be vested in the city after reorganization.
5. No valid and legally subsisting right or liability either in favor of or against the city and no judicial proceedings, civil or criminal, shall be affected by such change of government unless otherwise provided in this part 2.
6. No change in the form of government as provided in this part 2, either by adopting or abandoning the form of government as provided in this part 2, shall release or affect any debts, bonds, warrants, or other obligations, however evidenced, which shall continue as valid obligations of the city under the succeeding form of government.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1028, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-3-204 and 31-3-222 as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables located in the back of the index.

31-4-205. Council members - vacancies.

1. The legislative and corporate authority of cities organized under this part 2 shall be vested in the city council members nominated and elected, two from each ward and one from the city at large, for a term of two years. Members of the city council shall be registered electors of the city who have resided in their respective wards for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the election; except that, in case the boundaries of the ward are changed pursuant to section 31-2-104 or 31-4-104 or as a result of annexation, any person who has resided within territory added to the ward for the time prescribed in this subsection (1) shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the ward to which the territory was added.
2. Within sixty days after a vacancy occurs in the city council, the council shall:
   1. Appoint a person possessed of all statutory qualifications to fill the vacancy until the term of office of a successor elected at the next regular election has commenced as provided in section 31-4-105; or
   2. Order an election, subject to the municipal election code, to be held as soon as practicable to fill the vacancy until the term of office of a successor elected at the next regular election has commenced as provided in section 31-4-105.
3. The city council may provide by ordinance for four-year overlapping terms of office for its members. The city council may reinstate the two-year terms provided in this section by ordinance. Any ordinance passed pursuant to this subsection (3) shall be enacted at least one hundred eighty days before the next regular election and shall be subject, notwithstanding any emergency declaration, to referendum if such is brought pursuant to section 31-11-105 or pursuant to an applicable municipal ordinance enacted in accordance with section 1 of article V of the state constitution. No ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection (3) shall extend or reduce the term for which any person was elected. Where four-year terms have been provided for council members pursuant to section 31-4-107 (3), council members shall continue to serve four-year terms unless two-year terms are reinstated pursuant to this subsection (3). If any vacancy occurs in the office of council member for which a four-year term is in effect pursuant to this subsection (3), the vacancy shall be filled as provided in subsection (2) of this section. If the office in which the vacancy occurs is not an office for which a successor would otherwise have been elected at the next regular election, the term of office of the successor elected at that regular election shall be shortened so that the following regular election for the office is held at the time at which it would have been held if no vacancy had occurred.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1029, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (2) and (3) amended, p. 1173, § 6, effective July 1. L. 83: (1) and (3) amended and (2) R&RE, pp. 1255, 1256, §§ 6, 7, effective July 1. L. 88: IP(2) amended, p. 1125, § 5, effective April 4. L. 93: (3) amended, p. 698, § 6, effective May 4. L. 95: (3) amended, p. 441, § 27, effective May 8.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-205 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-206. Council members - nomination - election - compensation.

1. The nomination and election of candidates for the city council provided for by this part 2 shall be in accordance with the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
2. The members of the city council shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by ordinance.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1029, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-206 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-4-207. Mayor - selection.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, if the mayor is to be elected by and from among the members of the city council, then at the meeting of the city council at which their terms commence, as provided in section 31-4-105, the city council shall choose, by a majority vote, for a term of two years, one of its members as chairperson, who shall have the title of mayor, and shall also choose, by a majority vote, for a term of two years, one of its members as vice-chairperson, who shall act as mayor pro tem. In case of a vacancy in the office of the mayor, the city council shall choose a successor for the unexpired term.
2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective until July 1, 2022.] If the mayor is to be elected by popular vote, he or she shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast for that office at the regular election in the city. The mayor shall be a registered elector who has resided within the limits of the city for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election; except that, in the case of annexation, any person who has resided within the annexed territory for the time prescribed in this subsection (2) shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the city to which the territory was annexed. The mayor shall assume his or her office at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council following his or her election or upon such earlier date as the council may specify. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, the mayor shall hold his or her office for a term of two years. At the same meeting of the city council, the city council shall choose, by a majority vote, one of its members to act as mayor pro tem in the temporary absence of the mayor. The city council may appoint one of its members acting mayor in the event both the mayor and the mayor pro tem are temporarily absent from the city or unable to perform the duties of the mayor. In case of a vacancy in the office of the mayor, the city council shall choose his successor for the unexpired term.

   (2) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective July 1, 2022. ] If the mayor is to be elected from the city at large, he or she shall be elected by the registered electors of the city at the regular election in the city. The mayor shall be a registered elector who has resided within the limits of the city for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election; except that, in the case of annexation, any person who has resided within the annexed territory for the time prescribed in this subsection (2) shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the city to which the territory was annexed. The mayor shall assume his or her office at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council following his or her election or upon such earlier date as the council may specify. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, the mayor shall hold his or her office for a term of two years. At the same meeting of the city council, the city council shall choose, by a majority vote, one of its members to act as mayor pro tem in the temporary absence of the mayor. The city council may appoint one of its members acting mayor in the event both the mayor and the mayor pro tem are temporarily absent from the city or unable to perform the duties of the mayor. In case of a vacancy in the office of the mayor, the city council shall choose his successor for the unexpired term.

3. The city council may provide, by ordinance, four-year terms for the office of the mayor. The city council may reinstate two-year terms provided in this section by ordinance. Any ordinance passed pursuant to this subsection (3) shall be enacted at least one hundred eighty days before the next regular election and shall be subject, notwithstanding any emergency declaration, to referendum brought pursuant to section 31-11-105 or pursuant to an applicable ordinance enacted in accordance with section 1 of article V of the state constitution. No ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection (3) shall extend or reduce the term for which any person was elected. If a vacancy occurs in the office of the mayor for which a four-year term is in effect pursuant to this subsection (3), the vacancy shall be filled as provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1030, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1256, § 8, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 1289, § 6, effective April 6. L. 91: (2) amended, p. 745, § 12, effective April 4. L. 94: (1) amended, p. 1192, § 92, effective July 1. L. 98: Entire section amended, p. 308, § 1, effective August 5. L. 2021: (2) amended, (HB 21-1071), ch. 367, p. 2423, § 18, effective July 1, 2022.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-207 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-207.5. Mayor - powers and duties.

The mayor shall be the presiding officer of the city council and shall have the same voting powers as any member of said council. The mayor shall be considered a member of the governing body and the city council and shall be recognized as the head of the city government for all ceremonial purposes, by the courts for serving civil processes, and by the government for purposes of military law. In addition, the mayor shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as are conferred and imposed upon him by this part 2 or the ordinances of the city.

Source: L. 89: Entire section added, p. 1290, § 7, effective April 6.

31-4-208. City attorney - municipal judge.

The city council shall appoint a city attorney, who, upon taking office, shall be an attorney-at-law licensed to practice in the state of Colorado. The city council shall also appoint a municipal judge in accordance with section 13-10-105 (1), C.R.S. The city attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the city council. A municipal judge may be removed during his term of office only for cause, as provided in section 13-10-105 (2), C.R.S.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1030, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: Entire section amended, p. 794, § 6, effective June 3.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-208 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-209. Rules - business - journal.

The city council shall determine its own rules, procedure, and order of business and shall keep a journal of its proceedings. It may compel attendance of members and may punish members for misconduct.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1030, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1174, § 7, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-209 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-210. City manager - qualifications - removal.

The city council shall appoint a city manager who shall be the chief administrative officer of the city. The city manager shall be chosen solely on the basis of his executive and administrative qualifications and need not, when appointed, be a resident of the city or of the state. No member of the city council shall be chosen as city manager during his term of office. The city manager shall be appointed for an indefinite term, but he may be removed at the pleasure of the city council for cause. Before the city manager may be removed, he shall be given, if he so demands, a written statement of the reasons alleged for his removal and he has the right to be heard thereon at a public meeting of the council prior to the final vote on the question of his removal. Pending and during such hearing, the city council may suspend him from office. The action of the city council in suspending or removing the city manager shall be final. It is the intent of this part 2 to vest all authority and to fix all responsibility for such suspension or removal in the city council. In case of the absence or disability of the city manager, the city council may designate some qualified person to perform the duties of the office during such absence or disability.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1030, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-210 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-211. City manager - powers and responsibility.

1. The city manager is responsible to the city council for the proper administration of all affairs of the city placed in his charge and, to that end and except as otherwise provided in this part 2, he shall have the power to appoint and remove all officers and employees in the administrative service of the city except the city attorney and the municipal judge. Appointments made by the city manager shall be on the basis of executive and administrative ability, training, and experience of such appointees in the work which they are to perform. All such appointments shall be without definite term.
2. Officers and employees appointed by the city manager may be removed by him at any time for cause. The decision of the city manager in any such case shall be final.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1030, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-211 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-212. Council not to interfere.

Except as otherwise provided in this part 2, neither the city council nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to or his removal from office by the city manager or in any other manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in the administrative service of the city. The city council and its members shall deal with that portion of the administrative service for which the city manager is responsible solely through the city manager, and neither the city council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the city, either publicly or privately. Any violation of the provisions of this section by a member of the city council constitutes misconduct and is punishable in such manner as may be determined by the other members of the city council.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1031, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-212 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-213. Duties of city manager.

It is the duty of the city manager to act as chief conservator of the peace within the city; to supervise the administration of the affairs of the city; to see that the ordinances of the city and the applicable laws of the state are enforced; to make such recommendations to the city council concerning the affairs of the city as seem desirable to him; to keep the city council advised of the financial conditions and future needs of the city; to prepare and submit to the city council the annual budget estimate; to prepare and submit to the city council such reports as are required by that body; to prepare and submit each month to the city council a detailed report covering all activities of the city, including a summary statement of revenues and expenditures for the preceding month, detailed as to appropriations and funds in such a manner as to show the exact financial condition of the city and of each department and division thereof as of the last day of the previous month; and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed by this part 2 or required of him by ordinance or resolution of the city council.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1031, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-213 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-214. City manager sits in council - no vote.

The city manager is entitled to a seat in the city council but shall have no vote therein. The city manager has the right to take part in the discussion of all matters coming before the city council.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1031, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-214 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-215. Administrative plan.

1. The city council, upon the report and recommendation of the city manager, has the power to create and establish by ordinance administrative departments of city administration. It is the duty of the city manager to propose a plan of administrative organization to the city council within sixty days after his appointment which, if approved by the city council, shall be adopted by ordinance. The administrative plan shall provide for the establishment of the office of city clerk. The city clerk shall be ex officio city treasurer and clerk of the city council. Subject to the supervision and control of the city manager in all matters, the city clerk shall keep and supervise all accounts and have custody of all public moneys of the city; apportion and collect special assessments; issue licenses; collect license fees; make and keep a journal of proceedings of the city council; have custody of all public records of the city not specifically entrusted to any other office; and perform such other duties pertaining to such offices as are by ordinance required or assigned to him by the city manager. The administrative plan shall also provide for a chief of police, a fire chief, a health officer, and such other officers as are deemed necessary for the efficient administration of the city, and such plan may or may not include, in the discretion of the city council, all of the officers named in sections 31-4-105 and 31-4-107. All such officers shall be appointed by the city manager as provided in section 31-4-211. This plan of the city manager shall be placed on file and shall be a matter of public record open to the examination and inspection of the public at all reasonable times. The city council, upon recommendation of the city manager, may change or abolish, by ordinance, any department or office established by ordinance, prescribe, distribute, or discontinue the functions and duties of departments and offices so established, or assign additional functions and duties to departments and offices.
2. All administrative boards, departments, or offices existing in any city prior to its reorganization shall continue to exist after its reorganization under this part 2 until abolished, altered, or reorganized by ordinance of the city council.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1031, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-215 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-216. Accounts of utilities.

Accounts shall be kept for each public utility owned or operated by the city, distinct from other city accounts, and in such manner as to show the true and complete financial result of such city ownership and operation including all assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and in accordance with the uniform classification of accounts as may be prescribed by the public utilities commission of this state.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1032, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-216 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-217. Publicity of records.

Records of the city shall be open to inspection at reasonable times and under reasonable regulations established by the city as provided by article 72 of title 24, C.R.S.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1032, § 1, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 745, § 13, effective April 4.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-217 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-218. Pay of officers and employees.

The salary or compensation of officers and employees shall be established by ordinance, which shall provide uniform compensation for like services. Such schedules of compensation may fix the minimum and maximum for any grade. An increase in compensation, within the limits provided for the grade, may be granted at any time by the city manager or other appointing authority upon the basis of efficiency and seniority.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1032, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-218 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-219. Official bonds - waiver.

The city manager, the city clerk, and such other officers and employees as the city council may require so to do shall give bonds in such amounts and with such sureties as may be approved by the city council. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the city. The city council may waive the requirement of such bonds.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1032, § 1, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 1290, § 8, effective April 6.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-219 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-220. Abandonment of form of government. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1032, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: (1) amended, p. 327, § 80, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section repealed, p. 1293, § 18, effective April 6.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-3-220 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-221. Effective date of change. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1033, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1256, § 9, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section repealed, p. 1293, § 18, effective April 6.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-3-221 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-301. Mayor - board of trustees - election - compensation.

1. The legislative and corporate authority of towns shall be vested in a board of trustees, consisting of one mayor and six trustees, who shall be registered electors who have resided within the limits of the town for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election; except that, in case of annexation, any person who has resided within the annexed territory for the time prescribed in this subsection (1) shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the town to which the territory was annexed.
2. At the regular election, there shall be elected a mayor for a term of two years and six trustees for terms of two years. Such election shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".
3. All officers elected under this section shall hold their offices until their successors are elected and have complied with section 31-4-401, and four members of said board of trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
4. The mayor and members of the board of trustees shall receive such compensation as fixed by ordinance.
5. The board of trustees may provide by ordinance for four-year overlapping terms of office for trustees. The ordinance may also provide for four-year terms for the mayor and any officers elected pursuant to section 31-4-304. The board of trustees may reinstate the two-year terms provided for in subsection (2) of this section by ordinance. Any ordinance passed pursuant to this subsection (5) shall be enacted at least one hundred eighty days before the next regular election and is subject, notwithstanding an emergency declaration, to referendum if the referendum is brought pursuant to section 31-11-105 or pursuant to an applicable municipal ordinance enacted in accordance with section 1 of article V of the state constitution. No ordinance enacted pursuant to this subsection (5) shall extend or reduce the term for which any person was elected. If any vacancy occurs in an office for which a four-year term is in effect pursuant to this subsection (5), the board of trustees shall fill such vacancy, as provided in section 31-4-303. If the office in which the vacancy occurs is not an office for which a successor would otherwise have been elected at the next regular election, the term of office of the successor elected at that regular election shall be shortened so that the following regular election for the office is held at the time at which it would have been held if no vacancy had occurred.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1033, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: (3) amended, p. 286, § 58, effective June 29. L. 79: (5) amended, p. 1174, § 8, effective July 1. L. 83: (1), (3), and (5) amended, p. 1257, § 10, effective July 1. L. 93: (5) amended, p. 699, § 7, effective May 4. L. 95: (5) amended, p. 441, § 28, effective May 8.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-301 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

31-4-301.5. Change in number of trustees.

1. The trustees of any statutory town may be reduced in number from six to four or again increased from four to six in the manner provided in this section.
2. When a petition signed by five percent of the registered electors of the town requesting an election for the purpose of reducing the number of trustees from six to four is presented to the board of trustees of the town or when the board determines by majority vote of the entire board that such a reduction in the size of the board would be in the interest of the town, the board shall adopt an ordinance calling for such an election, to be held within four calendar months from the date of presentation of the petition.
3. Such election may be held in connection with any regular or special election. In the event that the issue is approved at the election, three members of the board of trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the legislative and corporate authority of the town shall be vested in the board of trustees consisting of one mayor and four trustees. The approval of a change reducing the number of trustees from six to four shall not have the effect of reducing the term for which any member of the board of trustees was previously elected.
4. Where the number of trustees has been reduced from six to four, an election on the issue of increasing the number of trustees from four to six may be held at any time subsequent to two years following the election reducing the number of trustees from six to four. No new petition requesting an election to reduce or increase the number of trustees on the board of trustees may be filed or accepted by the board, nor may the board refer any such issue to the voters, for a period of two years following an election for the purpose of increasing or reducing the number of trustees.

Source: L. 89: Entire section added, p. 1290, § 9, effective April 6.

31-4-302. Mayor - powers.

The mayor or, in his absence, one of the trustees, who may be elected mayor pro tem, shall preside at all meetings of the board of trustees and shall have the same voting powers as any member of said board. The mayor shall be considered a member of the governing body and the board of trustees. However, a town may provide by ordinance that the mayor shall not be entitled to vote on any matter before the board, except in the case of a tie vote. If such an ordinance is adopted, it shall also provide that any ordinance adopted and all resolutions authorizing the expenditure of money or the entering into of a contract shall be subject to disapproval by the mayor as provided in section 31-16-104. Such an ordinance may provide or may be amended to provide that the mayor shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum or for the requisite majority on any matter to be voted on by the board of trustees. Any such ordinance may be adopted, amended, or repealed only within the sixty days preceding any election of a mayor, to take effect upon such mayor's assumption of office.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1034, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1494, § 6, effective June 8. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 1291, § 10, effective April 6.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-302 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-303. Trustees to fill vacancy - mayor pro tem - clerk pro tem.

The board of trustees has the power, by appointment, to fill all vacancies in the board or any other office, and the person so appointed shall hold his office until the next regular election and until his successor is elected and has complied with section 31-4-401. The board also has the power to fill a vacancy in the board or in any other elective office of the town by ordering an election to fill the vacancy until the next regular election and until a successor has been elected and has complied with section 31-4-401. If a vacancy in the board or in such other elective office is not filled by appointment or an election is not ordered within sixty days after the vacancy occurs, the board shall order an election, subject to the municipal election code, to be held as soon as practicable to fill the vacancy until the next regular election and until a successor has been elected and has complied with section 31-4-401. At its first meeting, the board shall choose one of the trustees as mayor pro tem who, in the absence of the mayor from any meeting of said board or during the mayor's absence from the town or his inability to act, shall perform the mayor's duties. The board also has the power to elect a clerk pro tem to perform the duties of the clerk during his absence or inability to act.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1034, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1495, § 7, effective June 8. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1257, § 11, effective July 1. L. 88: Entire section amended, p. 1125, § 6, effective April 4.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-303 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-304. Appointment of officers - compensation.

The board of trustees shall appoint a clerk, treasurer, and town attorney, or shall provide by ordinance for the election of such officers, and may appoint such other officers, including a town administrator, as it deems necessary for the good government of the corporation, and it shall prescribe by ordinance their duties when the same are not defined by law and the compensation or fees they are entitled to receive for their services. The board of trustees may require officers to take an oath or affirmation in accordance with section 24-12-101. The election of officers shall be at the regular election, and no appointment of any officer shall continue beyond thirty days after compliance with section 31-4-401 by the members of the succeeding board of trustees.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1034, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1258, § 12, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 745, § 14, effective April 4. L. 2018: Entire section amended, (HB 18-1138), ch. 88, p. 698, § 29, effective August 8; entire section amended, (HB 18-1140), ch. 41, p. 464, § 7, effective August 8.

31-4-305. Clerk - duties.

The clerk shall attend all meetings of the board of trustees and make a true and accurate record of all the proceedings, rules, and ordinances made and passed by the board of trustees. Records of the town shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times and under reasonable regulations established by the town as provided by article 72 of title 24, C.R.S.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1034, § 1, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 746, § 15, effective April 4.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-302 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-306. Marshal or chief of police - powers and duties.

The marshal or chief of police has the same power that sheriffs have by law, coextensive with the county in cases of violation of town ordinances, for offenses committed within the limits of the town. He or she shall execute all writs and processes directed to him or her by the municipal judge in any case arising under a town ordinance and receive the same fees for his or her services that sheriffs are allowed in similar cases. The marshal or chief of police may employ certified peace officers to enforce all laws of the state of Colorado notwithstanding section 16-2.5-201.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1034, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: Entire section amended, p. 795, § 7, effective June 3. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 746, § 16, effective April 4. L. 2017: Entire section amended, (SB 17-066), ch. 105, p. 385, § 2, effective April 4.

31-4-307. Removal of officers - causes - notice.

By a majority vote of all members of the board of trustees, the mayor, the clerk, the treasurer, any member of the board, or any other officer of the town may be removed from office. No such removal shall be made without a charge in writing and an opportunity of hearing being given unless the officer against whom the charge is made has moved out of the limits of the town. When any officer ceases to reside within the limits of the town, he may be removed from office pursuant to this section. A municipal judge may be removed during his term of office only for cause, as set forth in section 13-10-105 (2), C.R.S.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1034, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: Entire section amended, p. 795, § 8, effective June 3. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1495, § 8, effective June 8. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 746, § 17, effective April 4.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-3-306 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-401. Oath or affirmation of officers - bonds - waiver - declaring office vacant.

1. All officers elected or appointed in any municipality shall take an oath or affirmation in accordance with section 24-12-101.
2. The governing body has the power to declare vacant the office of a person appointed or elected to an office who fails to take an oath or affirmation in accordance with section 24-12-101 when required within ten days after the person has been notified of the person's appointment or election, and the governing body shall proceed to appoint the person's successor as in other cases of vacancy.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1035, § 1, effective July 1. L. 89: (2) amended, p. 1291, § 11, effective April 6. L. 91: (2) amended, p. 746, § 18, effective April 4. L. 2018: Entire section amended, (HB 18-1138), ch. 88, p. 699, § 30, effective August 8; (2) amended, (HB 18-1140), ch. 41, p. 465, § 8, effective August 8.

31-4-402. New bond.

In the event that the official bond of any officer of a city or town, after the taking and approval thereof, becomes insufficient by reason of the death or insolvency of any of the sureties thereon, the governing body of such city or town may require such officer to procure additional sureties or to give a new bond and may designate the time when such additional sureties or new bond shall be furnished, which shall not be less than ten days, or may waive the requirement for such sureties or new bond. In the event that the additional sureties or new bond is not furnished within the time so designated and the requirement for such sureties or new bond is not waived, the office shall be declared vacant, and the vacancy shall be filled by election or appointment as provided by law.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1035, § 1, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 1292, § 12, effective April 6.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-302 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-403. Lawful pay only for governing bodies.

No member of the governing body of any city or town shall receive any compensation for his services as such member except as provided by law.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1035, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-303 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-404. Not to be appointed to office.

1. During the time for which he has been elected or for one year thereafter, no member of the governing body of any city or town shall be appointed to any municipal office which is created or the emoluments of which are increased during the term for which he has been elected except in the cases provided in this title.
2. Any member of the governing body of any city or town who has a personal or private interest in any matter proposed or pending before the governing body shall disclose such interest to the governing body, shall not vote thereon, and shall refrain from attempting to influence the decisions of the other members of the governing body in voting on the matter.
3. A member of the governing body of any city or town may vote notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section if his participation is necessary to obtain a quorum or otherwise enable the body to act and if he complies with the voluntary disclosure provisions of section 24-18-110, C.R.S.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1035, § 1, effective July 1. L. 88: Entire section amended, p. 1127, § 1, effective March 18; entire section amended, p. 907, § 2, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-304 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-405. Emoluments not to be increased.

The emoluments of any member of the governing body, including the mayor, trustees, and councilmen, shall not be increased or diminished during the term for which he has been elected or appointed except in the case of abolition of an office, in which case the emoluments of the office shall cease at the time of such abolishment. Any member of the governing body, including the mayor, trustees, and councilmen, who has resigned or vacated an office prior to the end of his elective or appointive term shall not be eligible to reelection or reappointment to the same during such term if during such term the emoluments have been increased.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1035, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-305 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-406. Territorial corporations - compensation fixed by electors.

In cities and towns of not more than five thousand inhabitants incorporated prior to July 3, 1877, the mayor and members of the governing body shall not receive any compensation for services rendered by them as such mayor or members unless the question of paying such mayor or members for their services is first submitted to the registered electors of such city or town and unless a majority of those voting thereon vote in favor thereof. All ordinances, resolutions, and other acts of the governing body of any such city or town authorizing or directing the payment of any compensation to any such officer shall be and remain void. Nothing in this section shall apply to any municipal judge who acts or officiates as president of any governing body.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1036, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 327, § 81, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-306 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-407. Penalty for receiving illegal compensation.

Any mayor or member of the governing body of any city or town who takes or receives payment for any services rendered by him contrary to the provisions of section 31-4-406 commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars. Said fines, when collected, shall be paid into the general fund of said city or town.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1036, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-307 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-501. Officers subject to recall.

Every elected or appointed officer of any municipality of the state of Colorado may be recalled from office at any time by the registered electors of the municipality in the manner provided in section 4 of article XXI of the state constitution. The provisions of this part 5 apply to all municipalities except to the extent that a municipality has adopted provisions pursuant to article XX or XXI of the state constitution inconsistent with this part 5.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1036, § 1, effective July 1. L. 85: Entire section amended, p. 1349, § 20, effective April 30. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-250), ch. 282, p. 1670, § 76, effective June 21.

31-4-502. Procedure - petition - signatures.

1. The procedure to effect the recall of an elective officer of a municipality shall be as follows:
   1. 1. A petition containing the requisite number of signatures under paragraph (d) of this subsection (1) shall be filed in the office of the municipal clerk, demanding an election of a successor to the officer named in the petition. Each petition shall designate by name and address not less than three nor more than five persons, referred to in this section as the "committee", who shall represent the signers thereof in all matters affecting the same. The petition shall clearly indicate the name of the municipality and the name of the officer sought to be recalled. The petition shall include the name of only one person to be recalled. The petition shall contain a general statement, in not more than two hundred words, of the grounds on which the recall is sought, which statement shall be intended for the information of the electors of the municipality. Such electors shall be the sole and exclusive judges of the legality, reasonableness, and sufficiency of the grounds assigned for recall, and said grounds shall not be open to review.
      2. The signatures to a recall petition need not all be on one sheet of paper. At the top of each page shall be printed, in bold-faced type, the following:
   2. Directly following the warning in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) shall be printed in bold-faced type the following:

      Petition to recall (name of person sought to be recalled) from the office of (title of office).

   3. No recall petition shall be circulated until it has been approved as meeting the requirements of this section as to form. The clerk shall approve or disapprove a petition as to form by the close of the second business day following submission of the proposed petition. The clerk shall mail written notice of such clerk's action to the officer sought to be recalled on the day that any such petition is approved.
   4. The petition shall be signed by registered electors entitled to vote for a successor of the incumbent sought to be recalled equal in number to twenty-five percent of the entire vote cast for all the candidates for that particular office at the last preceding regular election held in the municipality. If more than one person is required by law to be elected to fill the office of which the person sought to be recalled is an incumbent, then the recall petition shall be signed by registered electors entitled to vote for a successor to the incumbent sought to be recalled equal in number to twenty-five percent of the entire vote cast at the last preceding regular election held in the municipality for all candidates for the office to which the incumbent sought to be recalled was elected as one of the officers thereof, such entire vote being divided by the number of all officers elected to such office at the last preceding regular election held in the municipality.

WARNING: IT IS AGAINST THE LAW:

For anyone to sign this petition with any name other than one's own or to knowingly sign one's name more than once for the same measure or to sign such petition when not a registered elector. Do not sign this petition unless you are a registered elector. To be a registered elector, you must be a citizen of Colorado and registered to vote in (name of municipality). Do not sign this petition unless you have read or have had read to you the proposed measure in its entirety and understand its meaning.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1036, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1)(a) amended, p. 1509, § 37, effective July 1. L. 85: (1)(a) to (1)(c) amended, p. 1349, § 21, effective April 30. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 747, § 19, effective April 4.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-5-202 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-4-503. Petition in sections - signing - affidavit - review - tampering with petition.

1. Any recall petition may be circulated and signed in sections, but each section shall contain a full and accurate copy of the title and text of the petition.
2. 1. The signatures need not all be on one sheet of paper. All such recall petitions shall be filed in the office of the municipal clerk within sixty days from the date on which the municipal clerk approves the petition as to form.
   2. Any recall petition shall be signed only by registered electors using their own signatures, after which each such elector shall print or, if such elector is unable to do so, shall cause to be printed such elector's legal name; the residence address of such person, including the street and number, if any; and the date of signing the same.
   3. To each such petition or section thereof shall be attached an affidavit of the person who circulated the petition stating the affiant's address, that the affiant is eighteen years of age or older, that the affiant circulated the said petition, that the affiant made no misrepresentation of the purpose of such petition to any signer of the petition, that each signature on the petition was affixed in the affiant's presence, that each signature on the petition is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be, that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the affiant each of the persons signing said petition was at the time of signing a registered elector, and that the affiant neither has paid nor shall pay and that the affiant believes that no other person has so paid or shall pay, directly or indirectly, any money or other thing of value to any signer for the purpose of inducing or causing such signer to sign such petition.
   4. Any disassembly of the petition which has the effect of separating the affidavits from the signatures shall render the petition invalid and of no force and effect.
3. 1. The municipal clerk shall issue a written determination that a recall petition is sufficient or not sufficient by the close of business on the fifth business day after such petition is filed or, if such day is not a regular business day, on the first regular business day thereafter, unless a protest has been filed prior to that date. The clerk shall forthwith mail a copy of such written determination to the officer sought to be recalled and to the committee. Any such petition shall be deemed sufficient if the municipal clerk determines that it was timely filed, has attached thereto the required affidavits, and was signed by the requisite number of registered electors of the municipality within sixty days following the date upon which the clerk approved the form of the petition. The clerk shall not remove the signature of an elector from the petition after such petition is filed. If a petition is determined by the clerk to be not sufficient, the clerk shall identify those portions of the petition that are not sufficient and the reasons therefor.
   2. A protest in writing under oath may be filed in the office of the municipal clerk by some registered elector who resides in the municipality within fifteen days after such petition is filed setting forth specifically the grounds of such protest. Grounds for protest may include, but shall not be limited to, the failure of any portion of a petition or circulator affidavit or petition circulator to meet the requirements of this section. The municipal clerk shall mail a copy of such protest to the officer named in the petition, to the committee named in the petition as representing the signers of the petition, and to the county clerk and recorder, together with a notice fixing a time for hearing such protest not less than five nor more than ten days after such notice is mailed. The county clerk and recorder shall, upon receipt of such notice, prepare a registration list pursuant to section 31-10-205 to be utilized in determining whether such petition is sufficient. Every hearing shall be before the municipal clerk with whom such protest is filed, who shall serve as hearing officer unless some other person is designated by the governing body as the hearing officer, and the testimony in every such hearing shall be under oath. The hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses. Such a hearing shall be summary and not subject to delay and shall be concluded within thirty days after such petition is filed. No later than five days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written determination of whether the petition is sufficient or not sufficient. If the hearing officer determines that a petition is not sufficient, the hearing officer shall identify those portions of the petition that are not sufficient and the reasons for the insufficiency. The result of such a hearing shall be forthwith certified to the committee and the officer sought to be recalled.
   3. In case the recall petition is not sufficient, it may be withdrawn by a majority of the committee and, within fifteen days after the municipal clerk or hearing officer issues a written determination that the petition is not sufficient, may be amended by the addition of any required information relating to the signers thereof or the attachment of proper circulator affidavits and refiled as an original petition; except that any petition amended and refiled as provided in this paragraph (c) may not again be withdrawn and refiled. The municipal clerk shall issue a written determination that such refiled petition is sufficient or not sufficient within four business days after said petition is filed. Any protest concerning the refiled petition shall be filed within five business days of the date on which such petition was refiled, and any hearing shall be conducted as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (3).
   4. The finding as to the sufficiency of any petition may be reviewed by the district court for the county in which such municipality or portion thereof is located upon application of either the officer sought to be recalled or the officer's representative or a majority of the committee, but such review shall be had and determined forthwith. The sufficiency or the determination of the sufficiency of the petition referred to in this section shall not be held or construed to refer to the grounds assigned in such petition for the recall of the incumbent sought to be recalled from the office thereby.
4. When such recall petition is determined sufficient, the municipal clerk shall submit said petition, together with a certificate of its sufficiency, to the governing body of such municipality at the first meeting of such body following expiration of the period within which a protest may be filed or at the first meeting of such body following the determination of a hearing officer that a petition is sufficient, whichever is later. The governing body shall thereupon order and fix a date for the recall election to be held not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days from the date of submission of the petition to the governing body by the municipal clerk and determine whether voting in the recall election is to take place at the polling place or by mail ballot; but, if a regular election is to be held within one hundred eighty days after the date of submission of said petition, the recall election shall be held as a part of said regular election.

   (4.5) A recall election pursuant to this part 5 may only be conducted as part of a coordinated election if the content of the recall election ballot is finally determined by the date for certification of the ballot content for the coordinated election to the county clerk pursuant to section 1-5-203 (3), C.R.S.

5. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (5) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Any person who willfully destroys, defaces, mutilates, or suppresses any recall petition or who willfully neglects to file or delays the delivery of the recall petition or who conceals or removes any recall petition from the possession of the person authorized by law to have the custody thereof, or who aids, counsels, procures, or assists any person in doing any of said acts commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

   (5) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (5) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who willfully destroys, defaces, mutilates, or suppresses any recall petition or who willfully neglects to file or delays the delivery of the recall petition or who conceals or removes any recall petition from the possession of the person authorized by law to have the custody thereof, or who aids, counsels, procures, or assists any person in doing any of said acts commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1037, § 1, effective July 1. L. 85: (2) amended, p. 1349, § 22, effective April 30. L. 88: (5) added, p. 295, § 10, effective May 29. L. 91: (1) to (4) amended, p. 749, § 20, effective April 4. L. 2000: (2)(c), (3)(b), and (4) amended and (4.5) added, p. 793, § 9, effective August 2. L. 2004: (4) amended, p. 1523, § 3, effective May 28. L. 2021: (4) amended, (SB 21-250), ch. 282, p. 1671, § 77, effective June 21; (5) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3251, § 511, effective March 1, 2022.

31-4-504. Resignation - vacancy filled - election - ballot - nomination.

1. If any officer resigns by submitting a written letter of resignation to the clerk at any time prior to the recall election, all recall proceedings shall be terminated, and the vacancy caused by such resignation shall be filled as provided by law. If the resignation occurs after the ballots have been prepared or at a time when it would otherwise be impracticable to remove the recall question from the ballot, no votes cast on the recall question shall be counted.
2. At least ten days before the recall election, the clerk shall give notice of the election in accordance with section 31-10-501. Except as otherwise provided in this part 5, the recall election shall be conducted and returned and the result of such election declared in all respects as in the case of regular elections.
3. 1. On the official ballot at such elections shall be printed, in not more than two hundred words, the reasons set forth in the petition for demanding his recall, and, in not more than three hundred words, there shall also be printed, if desired by him, the officer's justification of his course in office. Any such reasons or justification shall be submitted to the municipal clerk by the date on which a nominating petition must be filed pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. If such officer resigns at any time subsequent to the calling of the recall election, the recall election shall be held, notwithstanding such resignation.
   2. There shall be printed on the official ballot, as to every officer whose recall is to be voted on, the words, "Shall (name of person against whom recall petition is filed) be recalled from the office of (title of office)?". Following such question shall be the words "yes" and "no" on separate lines with a blank space at the right of each in which the voter shall indicate, by marking a cross mark (X), his vote for or against such recall.
   3. On such ballots, under each question, there must also be printed the names of those persons who have been nominated as candidates to succeed the person sought to be recalled. The name of the person against whom the petition is filed shall not appear on the ballot as a candidate for the office. All candidates on the ballot must be listed in alphabetical order.
4. 1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (4), candidates for the office at a recall election may be nominated by petition as provided in section 31-10-302; except that nominating petitions may be circulated beginning on the first business day after the governing body sets the date for the recall election and shall be filed no later than twenty days prior to such recall election.
   2. Where the governing body of the municipality chooses to conduct the recall election by mail ballot in accordance with the requirements of section 31-4-503 (4), candidates shall have not less than ten calendar days beginning on the first calendar day after the governing body sets the date for the recall election within which to circulate nominating petitions, and such petitions shall be filed no later than forty-five days prior to such recall election.
5. 1. Applications for absentee ballots shall be made available by the municipal clerk no later than twenty-four hours after the governing body fixes the date for the holding of the recall election through the close of business on the fifth day before the recall election.
   2. Absentee ballots shall be available no later than ten days before the recall election.
   3. The absentee polling place in the office of the municipal clerk shall be open during regular business hours between the tenth and fifth day preceding the recall election.
6. If a majority of those voting on said question of the recall of any incumbent from office vote "no", said incumbent shall continue in said office. If a majority vote "yes", such incumbent shall be removed from such office upon compliance with section 31-4-401 by his successor.
7. If the vote in such recall election recalls the officer, the candidate who has received the highest number of votes for the office thereby vacated shall be declared elected for the remainder of the term, and a certificate of election shall be forthwith issued to him by the canvassing board. In case the person who received the highest number of votes fails to comply with section 31-4-401 within fifteen days after the issuance of a certificate of election, or in the event no person sought election, the office shall be deemed vacant and shall be filled according to law.
8. Mandatory or optional recounts of ballots cast in a recall election shall be conducted in accordance with section 31-10-1207.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1037, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: (1), (5), and (6) amended, p. 1258, § 13, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 752, § 21, effective April 4. L. 96: (3)(a) and (4) amended, p. 1768, § 63, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1), (2), and (5)(c) amended and (8) added, pp. 794, 795, §§ 10, 11, effective August 2. L. 2004: (4) amended, p. 1523, § 4, effective May 28. L. 2021: (3)(c) amended, (SB 21-250), ch. 282, p. 1671, § 78, effective June 21.

31-4-504.5. Incumbent not recalled - reimbursement.

1. If at any recall election the incumbent whose recall is sought is not recalled, or in the event of a protest, the hearing officer determines that the petitions are not sufficient based upon the conduct on the part of petition circulators, the municipality may repay the incumbent for any money actually expended as expenses of such election when such expenses are authorized by this section.
2. 1. Authorized expenses shall include, but are not limited to, moneys spent in challenging the sufficiency of the recall petition and in presenting to the voters the official position of the incumbent, to include campaign literature and advertising and the maintaining of a campaign headquarters.
   2. Unauthorized expenses shall include, but are not limited to, moneys spent on challenges and court actions not pertaining to the sufficiency of the recall petition; personal expenses for meals, lodging, and mileage for the incumbent; costs of maintaining a campaign staff; reimbursement for expenses incurred by a campaign committee which has solicited contributions; reimbursement of any kind for employees in the incumbent's office; and all expenses incurred prior to the filing of the recall petition.
3. The incumbent shall file a complete and detailed request for reimbursement with the governing body of the municipality holding the recall election or protest hearing, which shall then review the reimbursement request for appropriateness under subsection (2) of this section, and, in the event the municipality has determined by ordinance to repay such expenses, such municipality shall repay such expenses within forty-five days of receipt of the request.
4. (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 754 , § 22, effective April 4, 1991.)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1175, § 1, effective July 1. L. 84: (3) amended, p. 837, § 1, effective July 1. L. 91: (1), (3), and (4) amended, p. 754, § 22, effective April 4.

31-4-505. Recall after six months - second petition.

1. A recall petition shall not be circulated or filed and no pending recall proceedings may be continued against any officer until the officer has actually held the office for at least six months following the officer's election or reelection, or six months following the assumption of office by an appointed official.
2. After one recall petition and election, no further petition shall be filed against the same officer during the term for which he or she was elected or appointed unless the petitioners signing said petition equal fifty percent of all ballots cast for that office at the last preceding regular election.
3. A recall petition may not be circulated or filed against an elected officer whose office is up for election within six months.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1038, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1) amended, p. 795, § 12, effective August 2. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-250), ch. 282, p. 1671, § 79, effective June 21.

31-4-506. Disclosure of contributions, contributions in kind, and expenditures. (Repealed)

Source: L. 2000: Entire section added, p. 795, § 13, effective August 2. L. 2002: Entire section repealed, p. 199, § 3, effective April 3.

31-4-507. Powers of clerk and deputy.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this article, the clerk shall render all interpretations and shall make all initial decisions as to controversies or other matters arising in the operation of this article.
2. All powers and authority granted to the clerk by this article may be exercised by a deputy clerk in the absence of the clerk or in the event the clerk for any reason is unable to perform the duties of the clerk's office.

Source: L. 2000: Entire section added, p. 795, § 14, effective August 2.

ARTICLE 10 MUNICIPAL ELECTION CODE

Section

PART 1 DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART 2 QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS

PART 3 NOMINATIONS

PART 4 JUDGES

PART 5 NOTICE AND PREPARATION FOR ELECTIONS

PART 6 CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS

PART 7 VOTING MACHINES

PART 8 ELECTRONIC SYSTEM

PART 9 PAPER BALLOTS

PART 10 ABSENTEE VOTING

PART 11 CHALLENGE OF VOTERS

PART 12 CANVASS OF VOTES

PART 13 CONTESTS

PART 14 OTHER JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

PART 15 ELECTION OFFENSES

31-10-101. Short title.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965".

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1039, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-101 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-102. Definitions.

As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Clerk" means the clerk of the municipality who is the custodian of the official records of the municipality or any person delegated by the clerk to exercise any of his powers, duties, or functions.
2. "Election official" means any clerk, election commission, judge of election, or municipal governing body engaged in the performance of election duties as required by this article.
3. "Electronic voting system" means any ballot card electronic voting system meeting the requirements set forth in section 1-5-615, C.R.S.

   (3.5) "Permanent absentee voter" means an eligible elector who applies to receive a ballot by mail for every polling place election and whose name is placed on the list pursuant to section 31-10-1002.

4. "Pollbook" means the list of voters to whom ballots are delivered or who are permitted to enter a voting machine booth for the purpose of casting their votes at a municipal election. Names shall be entered in the pollbook in the order in which the ballots are delivered at the polls or in the order in which voters are permitted to enter a voting machine booth for the purpose of casting their votes.
5. "Population" means population as determined by the latest federal census.
6. "Registration book" means all of the registration records for each general election precinct arranged alphabetically according to surnames and bound together in book form.
7. "Registration list" means the list of registered electors of each municipal election precinct prepared by the county clerk and recorder from the county registration books in accordance with section 31-10-205.
8. "Registration record" means the record on which is entered the official registration and identification of an individual elector and a list of the elections at which he has voted since the date of registration.

   (8.5) "Residence" means the principal or primary home or place of abode of a person as set forth in section 31-10-201 (3).

9. "Voter" means a registered elector who has presented himself at a polling place to vote in any regular or special election.
10. "Voting machine" means any device fulfilling the requirements for voting machines set forth in part 4 of article 7 of title 1, C.R.S., regarding its use, construction, procurement, and trial.
11. "Watcher" means a registered elector of the municipality whose name has been submitted to the clerk and then certified by the clerk to the appropriate election judges to serve at the polling place with the right to remain inside the polling place from at least fifteen minutes prior to the opening of the polls until after the completion of the count of votes cast at the election and the certification of the count by the judges. Each watcher has the right to maintain a list of voters as the names are announced by the judges and to witness each step in the conduct of the election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1039, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (8.5) amended, p. 279, § 4, effective June 7. L. 80: (3) and (10) amended, p. 414, § 21, effective January 1, 1981. L. 81: (2) amended, p. 1498, § 1, effective July 1. L. 91: (6) and (8) amended, p. 640, § 83, effective May 1. L. 95: (3) amended, p. 856, § 97, effective July 1. L. 2009: (3) amended, (SB 09-292), ch. 369, p. 1978, § 107, effective August 5. L. 2014: (3.5) added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 59, § 13, effective February 18.

Editor's note: The provisions of this section are similar to provisions of several former sections as they existed prior to 1975. For a detailed comparison, see the comparative tables located in the back of the index.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-102.5. Acts and elections conducted pursuant to provisions which refer to qualified electors.

Any elections, and any acts relating thereto, carried out under this article, which were conducted prior to July 1, 1987, pursuant to provisions which refer to a qualified elector rather than registered elector and which were valid when conducted, shall be deemed and held to be legal and valid in all respects.

Source: L. 87: Entire section added, p. 328, § 82, effective July 1.

31-10-102.7. Applicability of the "Uniform Election Code of 1992".

Any municipality may provide by ordinance or resolution that it will utilize the requirements and procedures of the "Uniform Election Code of 1992", articles 1 to 13 of title 1, C.R.S., in lieu of this article, with respect to any election.

Source: L. 92: Entire section added, p. 874, § 104, effective January 1, 1993. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1707, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-102.8. Active military or overseas voters - timely mailing, casting, and receipt of ballot - definition.

1. As used in this section, "ballot materials" means the standardized absentee-voting materials developed pursuant to section 1-8.3-104 (4)(a).
2. 1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2), the clerk shall mail a ballot and ballot materials to any person designated as an active military or overseas voter in the computerized statewide voter registration list no later than forty-five days before an election conducted in accordance with this article; except that, if the clerk receives a certificate of new registration, notification of change of address, or notification of other change in status from an active military or overseas voter after the forty-fifth day before the election, the clerk shall mail a ballot and ballot materials to the voter as soon as practicable.
   2. In a recall election conducted in accordance with part 5 of article 4 of this title, the clerk shall mail a ballot and ballot materials to any person designated as an active military or overseas voter in the computerized statewide voter registration list as soon as practicable after ballot certification.
3. To be valid, an active military or overseas voter must submit the ballot via postal mail and complete the signed affirmation, as specified in section 1-8.3-114, not later than 7 p.m. mountain time on the date of the election. Such affirmation shall state the following:

   (3.5) The vote of any active military or overseas voter who votes as authorized by this section may be challenged in the manner specified in section 31-10-1008.

4. The designated election official must count a valid ballot received in accordance with subsection (3) of this section if the ballot is received by the close of business on the eighth day after the election.
5. No later than sixty days before the election, the county clerk and recorder of the county in which the municipality is located must forward to the municipal clerk a complete list of voters in the municipality who are marked as active military or overseas voters in the computerized statewide voter registration list.
6. Any eligible elector who is designated as an active military or overseas voter in the computerized statewide voter registration list may use a federal write-in absentee ballot to vote for all offices and ballot measures in any election conducted under this article or article 4 of this title. Such ballots shall be processed in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) of this section.

I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that: The information on this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge; I understand that a material misstatement of fact in completion of this document may constitute grounds for conviction of perjury; I am a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age (or will be by the day of election), eligible to vote in the requested jurisdiction; I am not incarcerated due to a felony conviction; I am not registering, requesting a ballot, or voting in any jurisdiction in the United States, except the jurisdiction cited in this voting form; In voting, I have marked and sealed this ballot in private and have not allowed any person to observe the marking of this ballot, except those authorized to assist voters under state law.

Source: L. 2015: Entire section added, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 855, § 6, effective August 5. L. 2020: (1) and (3) amended and (3.5) added, (HB 20-1156), ch. 51, p. 176, § 1, effective September 14.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-10-103. Computation of time.

Calendar days shall be used in all computations of time made under this article 10. In computing time for any act to be done before any municipal election, the first day shall be included, and the last, or election, day shall be excluded. Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be included, but, if the time for any act to be done or the last day of any period is a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the period is extended to include the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. If the time for ending the circulation of and filing nomination petitions provided by section 31-10-302, the time for withdrawing from nomination provided by section 31-10-303 (1), or the time for filing amended or new petitions to remedy objections as provided by section 31-10-305 falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, such act shall be done upon the preceding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1039, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1175, § 10, effective July 1. L. 96: Entire section amended, p. 1769, § 64, effective July 1. L. 2018: Entire section amended, (SB 18-107), ch. 104, p. 788, § 2, effective August 8.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For computation of time under the "Uniform Election Code of 1992", see § 1-1-106; for computation of time under the statutes generally, see § 2-4-108.

(2) For the legislative declaration in SB 18-107, see section 1 of chapter 104, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.

31-10-104. Powers of clerk and deputy.

1. Except where otherwise provided in this article, the clerk shall render all interpretations and shall make all initial decisions as to controversies or other matters arising in the operation of this article.
2. All powers and authority granted to the clerk by this article may be exercised by a deputy clerk in the absence of the clerk or in the event the clerk for any reason is unable to perform his duties.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1040, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-105 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-105. Election commission.

The election commission in municipalities having such commission has all the powers and jurisdiction and shall perform all the duties provided by this article with respect to clerks and governing bodies, but the election commission does not have the authority to call a special election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1040, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-106 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-106. Copies of election laws and manual provided.

At least sixty days before any regular election, the secretary of state shall provide each municipal clerk a copy of the municipal election laws of the state.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1040, § 1, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, pp. 1707, 1438, §§ 2, 132, effective July 1. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 856, § 98, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-107 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-107. Forms prescribed. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1040, § 1, effective July 1. L. 96: Entire section repealed, p. 1769, § 65, effective July 1.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-10-108 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-108. Special elections.

Special elections shall be held on any Tuesday designated by ordinance or resolution of the governing body. No special election shall be held within the ninety days preceding a regular election. No special election shall be called within sixty days before the date thereof, nor shall any special election be held within the thirty-two days before or after the date of a primary, general, or congressional vacancy election. A special election may be held at the same time and place as a primary, congressional vacancy, or general election as a coordinated election pursuant to section 1-7-116, C.R.S., or may be conducted at the same time as a mail ballot election pursuant to article 7.5 of title 1, C.R.S. Special elections shall be conducted as nearly as practicable in the same manner as regular elections.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1040, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 296, § 18, effective June 19. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 856, § 99, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 796, § 15, effective August 2. L. 2005: Entire section amended, p. 774, § 58, effective June 1. L. 2015: Entire section amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 856, § 7, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-109 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-10-109. Submission of question on regular election date for municipalities.

1. 1. Pursuant to section 31-11-111 (2), the governing body of each municipality, in consultation with the clerk and recorder of the county in which the municipality is located, may submit to a vote of the registered electors of the municipality for placement on the ballot the question of whether the regular election date of such municipality shall be changed to either the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each odd-numbered year or the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each even-numbered year.
   2. Where a majority of the registered electors voting on the question submitted in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) approve a change in the regular election date of the municipality, the governing body of the municipality shall by ordinance establish its new regular election date in accordance with the vote of the registered electors and may include in the ordinance any alteration in the terms of office of officials that may be necessary to accomplish the change in election dates in an orderly manner. In no event shall the ordinance shorten the term of any elected official in office at the time of its adoption.
2. Procedures for submitting the question described in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section to the registered electors of the municipality shall follow the procedures set forth in article 11 of this title pertaining to municipal initiatives.
3. Any municipality that has changed its regular election date in accordance with the requirements of this section may change its regular election date pursuant to the procedures specified in subsection (1) of this section for the sole purpose of making the regular election date of the municipality the regular election date in effect prior to the change in such date commenced under this section.

Source: L. 2004: Entire section added, p. 809, § 4, effective July 1.

31-10-201. Qualifications of municipal electors.

1. Every person who has attained the age of eighteen years possessing the following qualifications is entitled to register to vote at all municipal elections:
   1. He is a citizen of the United States.
   2. The person is a resident of the municipal precinct and has resided in this state for twenty-two days immediately preceding the election at which the person offers to vote. In order to vote in a municipal election conducted under this article, a person must be a registered elector. An otherwise qualified and registered elector who moves from the municipal election precinct where registered to another precinct within the same municipality is permitted to cast a ballot for an election at the polling place in the precinct where registered.
2. No person confined in any public prison is entitled to register or to vote at any regular or special election. Every person who was a qualified elector prior to such imprisonment and who is released by pardon or by having served his full term of imprisonment shall be vested with all the rights of citizenship except as otherwise provided in the state constitution.
3. The judges of election, in determining the residence of a person offering to vote, shall be governed by the following rules, so far as they may be applicable:
   1. The residence of a person is the principal or primary home or place of abode of a person. Principal or primary home or place of abode is that home or place in which his habitation is fixed and to which a person, whenever he is absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure or absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of absence. In determining what is a principal or primary place of abode of a person, the following circumstances relating to such person may be taken into account: Business pursuits, employment, income sources, residence for income or other tax purposes, age, marital status, residence of parents, spouse, and children, if any, leaseholds, situs of personal and real property, and motor vehicle registration.
   2. A person shall not be considered to have lost his residence if he leaves his home and goes into another state or territory or another county or municipality of this state merely for temporary purposes with an intention of returning.
   3. A person shall not be considered to have gained a residence in this state or in any municipality in this state while retaining his home or domicile elsewhere.
   4. If a person moves to any other state or territory with the intention of making it his permanent residence, he shall be considered to have lost his residence in the municipality from which he moved.
   5. If a person moves from one municipality in this state to any other municipality in this state with the intention of making it his permanent residence, he shall be considered and held to have lost his residence in the municipality from which he moved.
4. 1. For the purpose of voting and eligibility to office, no person is deemed to have gained a residence by reason of his presence or lost it by reason of his absence while in the civil or military service of this state or of the United States, nor while a student at any institution of higher education, nor while kept at public expense in any public prison or state institution unless the person is an employee or a member of the household of an employee of such prison or institution.
   2. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (4) notwithstanding, no person otherwise qualified under the provisions of this article shall be denied the right to vote at any municipal election solely because he is a student at an institution of higher education if such student, at any time when registration is provided for by law, files with the county clerk and recorder a written affidavit under oath, in such form as may be prescribed, that he has established a domicile in this state, that he has abandoned his parental or former home as a domicile, and that he is not registered as an elector in any other municipality of this state or of any other state. The fact that such affidavit has been filed shall be noted in the registration book.
   3. No provisions of this subsection (4) shall apply to the determination of residence or nonresidence status of students for any college or university purpose.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1040, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (3)(a) R&RE, p. 279, § 5, effective June 7. L. 81: (3)(d) and (3)(e) amended, p. 1498, § 2, effective July 1. L. 92: (1)(b) amended, p. 2178, § 39, effective June 2. L. 94: (1)(b) amended, p. 1773, § 38, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2014: (1)(b) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 60, § 14, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-201 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For the classification of students for tuition purposes, see article 7 of title 23.

(2) For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-202. Submission of question to qualified taxpaying electors - oath.

1. On any question which is required by law to be submitted to qualified taxpaying electors only, if the question is submitted on paper ballots, such ballots shall be deposited in a separate ballot box reserved for that purpose. If the question is submitted on voting machines, provision shall be made to assure that only registered taxpaying electors are permitted to vote on such question. If the question is to be submitted in precincts using an electronic voting system, provision shall be made to assure that only registered taxpaying electors are permitted to vote on such question.
2. The governing body, in its discretion, may require each registered taxpaying elector desiring to vote on a question which is submitted to qualified taxpaying electors only to sign a written oath that he has, during the twelve months next preceding the election, paid an ad valorem tax upon property situated within the municipality and owned by said person. If said elector is unable to write, he may request assistance from one of the judges of election, and such judge shall sign and witness said elector's mark.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1042, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-202 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-203. Registration required.

1. Except where a statute specifically provides otherwise, no person shall be permitted to vote at any municipal election without first having registered within the time and in the manner required by this section and sections 31-10-204 and 31-10-205.
2. Registration requirements for municipal elections shall be the same as those governing general elections. Registration with the county clerk and recorder shall constitute registration for municipal elections.
3. Where a statute specifically allows persons who have qualifications different from registered electors to vote on a particular measure, the governing body may require that each such person desiring to vote sign a written oath before voting that he meets each qualification required to vote on the measure.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1042, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended and (3) added, p. 1498, § 3, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-203 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For general election registration requirements, see part 2 of article 2 of title 1.

31-10-204. Municipal clerk as deputy county clerk and recorder.

Each clerk shall serve as a deputy county clerk and recorder for purposes of registration only in the county in which the clerk's municipality is located. The clerk shall register any qualified elector residing in any precinct in such county who appears in person at the clerk's office at any time during which registration is permitted in the office of the county clerk and recorder. The clerk shall promptly deliver the new registration records to the office of the county clerk and recorder.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1042, § 1, effective July 1. L. 80: Entire section amended, p. 796, § 58, effective June 5. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 328, § 83, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 640, § 84, effective May 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1773, § 39, effective January 1, 1995. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 857, § 100, effective July 1. L. 97: Entire section amended, p. 477, § 22, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 60, § 15, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-204 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-205. Registration lists.

The county clerk and recorder of each county, no later than the fifth day preceding any municipal election in his or her county or upon receipt of the notice made pursuant to section 31-4-503 (3)(b), shall prepare a complete copy of the list of the registered electors of each municipal election precinct which is located within his or her county and is involved in such municipal election; but, in any municipal election precinct consisting of one or more whole general election precincts, the county registration books for such precinct may be used in lieu of a separate registration list. The registration list for each municipal election precinct shall contain, in alphabetical order, the names and addresses of all registered electors residing within the municipal election precinct whose names appeared on the county registration records at the close of business on the sixth day preceding the municipal election or, when notice is received pursuant to section 31-4-503 (3)(b), at the close of business on the date preceding receipt of such notice. The county clerk and recorder shall certify and deliver such registration lists or registration books to the respective clerks on or before the fifth day preceding the election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1042, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 328, § 84, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 754, § 23, effective April 4. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1773, § 40, effective January 1, 1995. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 857, § 101, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 60, § 16, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-205 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-206. Delivery and custody of registration book or list.

1. Prior to the delivery of the registration books or registration lists to the judges of election for use on election day, the clerk shall attach to each book or list his certificate stating that such book or list contains the registration records or names of all registered electors residing in the municipal election precinct and stating the total number of registration records or names contained therein.
2. At such time as may be set by the clerk, but at least one day prior to the election, one of the judges of election from each precinct may call in person at the office of the clerk for the purpose of receiving the registration book or list and election supplies, or the clerk may deliver the same to one of said judges. The registration book or list shall be delivered to said judge in a sealed envelope or container. Said judge shall have custody of the registration book or list and shall give his receipt therefor. After the closing of the polls on the day of election, he shall seal the registration book or list and deliver it to the election judge selected to deliver the election returns, registration book or list, ballot boxes, if any, and other election papers and supplies to the office of the clerk or to such other place as the clerk may designate as the counting center.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1043, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (2) amended, p. 1176, § 11, effective July 1. L. 91: (1) amended, p. 640, § 85, effective May 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-506 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-207. Questions answered by elector.

It is the duty of the clerk to ask each person making application for registration, and the person shall answer correctly, the matters contained in section 1-2-204, C.R.S.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1043, § 1, effective July 1. L. 80: Entire section amended, p. 414, § 22, effective January 1, 1981. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 857, § 102, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-206 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-208. Change of address.

For the twenty-two days before and on the day of any municipal election, any registered elector, by appearing in person at the office of the county clerk and recorder, may complete a sworn affidavit for change of address within the county in which the elector is registered, stating that, on the date of the election, the elector is living at the new address in the new precinct within the municipality. Upon the receipt of the request, the county clerk and recorder shall verify the registration of the elector and shall, upon verification, issue or authorize a certificate of registration, showing the information required in section 1-2-216, C.R.S., plus the change of address. The judges shall allow the registered elector to vote in the precinct where the new address is located. The judges of election shall use the certificate of registration as a substitute registration page, entering the date of the election and pollbook ballot number on the certificate and including it with the registration book when it is returned to the clerk following the election.

Source: L. 83: Entire section added, p. 358, § 32, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 328, § 85, effective July 1. L. 92: Entire section amended, p. 2178, § 40, effective June 2. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1708, § 3, effective July 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1774, § 41, effective January 1, 1995. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 857, § 103, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 61, § 17, effective February 18.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-301. Electors eligible to hold municipal office.

Every registered elector eighteen years of age or older on the date of the election may circulate a nominating petition and hold office in any municipality, unless another age is required by local charter or ordinance, if he or she has resided in the municipality or municipality and ward, as the case may be, from which he or she is to be elected for a period of at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election. In case of an annexation, any person who has resided within the territory annexed for the prescribed time shall be deemed to have met the residence requirements for the municipality and precinct to which the territory was annexed. No person may be a candidate for two municipal offices at the same election nor hold two elective municipal offices simultaneously; except that, in statutory cities, the offices of clerk and treasurer may be sought and held by the same person.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1043, § 1, effective July 1. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 1259, § 14, effective July 1. L. 89: Entire section amended, p. 1292, § 13, effective April 6. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 61, § 18, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-301 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-302. Nomination of municipal officers.

1. Candidates for municipal offices shall be nominated, without regard to affiliation, by petition on forms supplied by the clerk. A petition of nomination may consist of one or more sheets, but it shall contain the name and address of only one candidate and shall indicate the office to which the candidate is seeking election.
2. Nomination petitions may be circulated and signed beginning on the ninety-first day and ending on the seventy-first day prior to the day of election. Each petition must be signed by registered electors in the following numbers:
   1. For a candidate in a city, at least twenty-five registered electors residing within the city;
   2. For a candidate from a ward within a city, at least twenty-five registered electors residing in the candidate's ward;
   3. For a candidate in a town, at least ten registered electors residing within the town; and
   4. For a candidate from a ward within a town, at least ten registered electors residing in the candidate's ward.
3. Each registered elector signing a petition shall sign such registered elector's own signature and shall print or, if such elector is unable to do so, shall cause to be printed such elector's legal name, the address at which such registered elector resides, including the street name and number, the city or town, the county, and the date of the signing. The registered elector, or the person printing on behalf of the registered elector, may use any abbreviations that reasonably identify the residence of the registered elector, and the date the registered elector signed the petition. The circulator of each nomination petition shall make an affidavit that each signature thereon is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be and that each signer has stated to the circulator that the signer is a registered elector of the municipality or municipality and ward, as the case may be, for which the nomination is made. The signature of each signer of a petition shall constitute prima facie evidence of his qualifications without the requirement that each signer make an affidavit as to his qualifications.
4. No petition is valid that does not contain the requisite number of signatures of registered electors. The clerk shall inspect timely filed petitions of nomination to ensure compliance with this section. Such inspection may consist of an examination of the information on the signature lines for patent defects, a comparison of the information on the signature lines with a list of registered electors provided by the county, or any other method of inspection reasonably expected to ensure compliance with this section. Any petition may be amended to correct or replace those signatures that the clerk finds are not in apparent conformity with the requirements of this section at any time prior to sixty-three days before the day of election.
5. No registered elector shall sign more than one nomination petition for each separate office to be filled in his municipality or municipality and ward, as the case may be. Each office of the governing body that is to be filled by the electorate shall be considered a separate office for the purpose of nomination. In municipalities in which offices of the governing body are filled both by election from wards and election at large, an elector may sign a nomination petition for each office to be filled from his ward and also for each office to be filled by election at large. If a registered elector's signature appears on more than one nomination petition for a particular office, the clerk may utilize the date of signing indicated on the nomination petitions to determine which signature was valid when affixed to the nomination petitions. If the date of signing does not clarify which signature was valid, all signatures of such registered elector shall be rejected.
6. Each nomination petition shall be filed with the clerk no later than the seventy-first day prior to the day of election. Every petition shall have endorsed thereon or appended thereto the written affidavit of the candidate accepting the nomination and swearing that the candidate satisfies the requirements set forth in section 31-10-301 to be a candidate and hold office in the municipality. The acceptance of nomination shall contain the place of residence of the candidate and the name of the candidate in the form that the candidate wishes it to appear on the ballot. The candidate's name may be a nickname or include a nickname but shall not contain any title or degree designating the business or profession of the candidate.
7. The clerk shall cause all nomination petitions to be preserved for a period of two years. All such petitions shall be open to public inspection under proper regulation by the clerk with whom they are filed.
8. Repealed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1043, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: IP(2) and (6) amended, p. 1461, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (6) amended, p. 1499, § 4, effective July 1. L. 87: (4) amended, p. 329, § 86, effective July 1. L. 91: (3) and (4) amended, p. 755, § 24, effective April 4. L. 93: (1) and (6) amended, p. 1708, § 4, effective July 1. L. 95: (8) added, p. 858, § 104, effective July 1. L. 99: (1) amended, p. 164, § 24, effective August 4. L. 2000: (3), (4), (5), and (8) amended, p. 796, § 16, effective August 2. L. 2004: (8) amended, p. 1523, § 5, effective May 28. L. 2015: IP(2), (4), and (6) amended and (8) repealed, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 854, § 2, effective August 5. L. 2018: (1) amended, (SB 18-107), ch. 104, p. 789, § 3, effective August 8.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-302 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

(2) For the legislative declaration in SB 18-107 see section 1 of chapter 104, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.

31-10-303. Withdrawal from nominations.

1. Any person who has been nominated and who has accepted a nomination may cause his or her name to be withdrawn from such nomination at any time prior to sixty-three days before election by a written affidavit withdrawing from such nomination. The affidavit stating withdrawal shall be signed by the candidate and filed with the clerk.
2. Repealed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1044, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1) amended, p. 1176, § 12, effective July 1. L. 2015: (1) amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 856, § 8, effective August 5. L. 2018: (2) repealed, (SB 18-107), ch. 104, p. 789, § 4, effective August 8.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-303 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

(2) For the legislative declaration in SB 18-107, see section 1 of chapter 104, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.

31-10-304. Vacancies in nominations. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1044, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1176, § 13, effective July 1. L. 2018: Entire section repealed, (SB 18-107), ch. 104, p. 789, § 4, effective August 8.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-10-304 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 18-107, see section 1 of chapter 104, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.

31-10-305. Objections to nominations.

All petitions of nomination and affidavits that are in apparent conformity with the provisions of section 31-10-302, as determined by the clerk, are valid unless objection thereto is duly made in writing within three days after the filing of the same. In case objection is made, notice thereof shall be forthwith mailed to any candidate who may be affected thereby. The clerk shall decide objections within at least forty-eight hours after the same are filed, and any objections sustained may be remedied or defect cured upon the original petition, by an amendment thereto, or by filing a new petition within three days after the objection is sustained, but in no event later than the sixty-fourth day before the day of election. The clerk shall pass upon the validity of all objections, whether of form or substance, and the clerk's decisions upon matters of form shall be final. The clerk's decisions upon matters of substance shall be open to review if prompt application is made, as provided in section 31-10-1401, but the remedy in all cases shall be summary, and the decision of the district court shall be final and not subject to review by any other court; except that the supreme court, in the exercise of its discretion, may review any proceeding in a summary way.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1045, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: Entire section amended, p. 286, § 59, effective June 29. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1176, § 14, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1708, § 5, effective July 1. L. 2015: Entire section amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 856, § 9, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-305 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-10-306. Write-in candidate affidavit.

The governing body of a municipality may provide by ordinance that no write-in vote for any municipal office shall be counted unless an affidavit of intent has been filed with the clerk by the person whose name is written in prior to sixty-four days before the day of the election indicating that such person desires the office and is qualified to assume the duties of that office if elected.

Source: L. 81: Entire section added, p. 1499, § 5, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 755, § 25, effective April 4. L. 2016: Entire section amended, (SB 16-142), ch. 173, p. 591, § 76, effective May 18.

31-10-401. Appointment of election judges.

At least fifteen days before each municipal election, the governing body shall appoint the judges of election. Each judge of election shall be an elector registered to vote in Colorado and shall be at least eighteen years of age. The clerk shall make and file in his office a list of all persons so appointed, giving their names, addresses, and precincts. Such list shall be a public record and shall be subject to inspection and examination during office hours by any qualified elector of the municipality with the right to make copies thereof. The governing body may by resolution delegate to the clerk the authority and responsibility to appoint judges of election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1045, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1499, § 6, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 329, § 87, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 797, § 17, effective August 2.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-401 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-402. Number of judges.

The governing body, or the clerk if authorized pursuant to section 31-10-401, shall appoint for each municipal election precinct at least three judges of election and such additional judges as deemed necessary.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1045, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1) R&RE, p. 1177, § 15, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section R&RE, p. 1500, § 7, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-402 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-403. Certificates of appointment.

Immediately after the appointment of the judges of election, the clerk shall issue certificates under his official seal certifying such appointments in each precinct. He shall mail one certificate to each person appointed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1045, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1500, § 8, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-403 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-404. Acceptances.

With each certificate of appointment transmitted by the clerk to the judges of election, there shall be enclosed a form for acceptance of the appointment. Each person appointed as an election judge shall file his acceptance in the office of the clerk within seven days after the mailing by the clerk of the certificate of appointment and the acceptance form. Failure of any person appointed as a judge of election to file an acceptance within said seven days shall result in a vacancy. Such vacancy shall be filled in the same way the original appointment was made.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1045, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1500, § 9, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-404 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-405. Vacancies.

If for any reason any person appointed as a judge of election refuses, fails, or is unable to serve, it is the duty of the person or any other judge of election to immediately notify the clerk. The clerk shall forthwith appoint another qualified person to serve in the place of the person.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1046, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1500, § 10, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1709, § 6, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-405 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-406. Removal of judges.

Any judge of election who has neglected his duty, or has committed, encouraged, or connived at any fraud in connection therewith, or has violated any of the election laws, or has knowingly permitted others to do so, or has been convicted of any felony, or has violated his oath, or has committed any act which interferes or tends to interfere with a fair and honest election shall be summarily removed by the clerk.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1046, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1500, § 11, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-406 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-407. Oath of judges.

1. Before any votes are taken at any municipal election, the judges of election shall severally take an oath or affirmation in the following form:
2. The judges of election may administer the oaths or affirmations to each other. Each judge shall record and sign any such oaths or affirmations administered by him and shall attach the record to the pollbook.

"I, ...., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States and the state of Colorado; that I am a registered elector in Colorado; that I will perform the duties of judge according to law and the best of my ability; that I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit, and abuse in conducting the same; that I will not try to ascertain how any elector voted, nor will I disclose how any elector voted if, in the discharge of my duties as judge, such knowledge shall come to me, unless called upon to disclose the same before some court; and that I will not disclose the result of the votes until the polls have closed."

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1046, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1500, § 12, effective July 1. L. 93: (1) amended, p. 1709, § 7, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-407 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-408. Compensation of judges.

The judges of election at any municipal election shall receive in full compensation for their services as judges of election not less than five dollars and not more than the maximum amount allowed by statute for payment to the judges of the general election of the state of Colorado, as determined by the governing body of the municipality.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1046, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1501, § 13, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-408 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-409. Compensation for delivery of election returns and other election papers.

The judges of election in each precinct shall select one of their number to deliver the election returns, registration book or list, ballot boxes, if any, and other election papers and supplies to the office of the clerk or to such other place as the clerk may designate as the counting center. The judge so selected shall be paid not more than four dollars for the performance of such service.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1046, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1177, § 16, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-409 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-501. Clerk to give notice.

1. The clerk, at least ten days before each municipal election, shall give written or printed notice of the election stating the date of the election and the hours during which the polls will be open, designating the polling place of each precinct, stating the qualifications of persons to vote in the election, naming the officers to be elected and the questions to be voted upon, and listing the names of those candidates whose nominations have been certified to him, which listing shall be as nearly as possible in the form in which such nominations shall appear upon the official ballot with reference to wards where applicable. A copy of such notice shall be posted until after the election in a conspicuous place in the office of the clerk.
2. In addition, the notice shall be published in at least one newspaper having general circulation in the municipality. If the clerk finds it impracticable to make the publication on the tenth day before the election day, he shall make the same on the earliest possible day before the tenth day. The publications in any weekly newspaper shall be in the next to last issue thereof before the day of election.
3. All polling places shall be designated by a sign conspicuously posted at least ten days before each municipal election. Such sign shall be substantially in the following form: "POLLING PLACE FOR PRECINCT NO. ...". In addition, such sign shall state the date of the next election and the hours the polling place will be open.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1047, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1501, § 14, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-501 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-501.5. Ballot issue notice.

1. Any ballot issue notice, as defined in section 1-1-104 (2.5), C.R.S., relating to a municipal ballot issue, as defined in section 1-1-104 (2.3), C.R.S., shall be prepared and distributed in a manner consistent with part 9 of article 7 of title 1, C.R.S.
2. In addition to the requirements set forth in subsection (1) of this section, a municipality submitting a ballot issue concerning the creation of any debt or other financial obligation at an election in the municipality shall post notice in accordance with the requirements of section 1-7-908, C.R.S.

Source: L. 94: Entire section added, p. 1192, § 93, effective July 1. L. 2003: Entire section amended, p. 750, § 6, effective August 6.

31-10-502. Establishing precincts and polling places.

1. 1. The governing body of each municipality shall divide the municipality into as many election precincts for municipal elections as it deems expedient for the convenience of electors of said municipality and shall designate the location and address for each precinct at which elections are to be held. Municipal election precincts shall consist of one or more whole general election precincts wherever practicable, and clerks and governing bodies shall cooperate with the county clerk and recorder and board of county commissioners of their county to accomplish this purpose. In municipalities having wards, no precinct or part thereof shall be located within more than one ward, and each ward shall contain at least one precinct. The precincts shall be numbered consecutively beginning with the number one. The precincts and polling places established pursuant to this section shall remain until changed by the governing body.
   3. Repealed.
2. 1. Changes in the boundaries of election precincts or wards and the creation of new election precincts shall be completed not less than ninety days prior to any municipal election, except in cases of precinct changes resulting from annexations.
   2. All changes in precinct or ward boundaries and in municipal boundaries shall be reported by the clerk to the county clerk and recorder, and a corrected map shall be transmitted to the county clerk and recorder as soon as possible after such changes have been effected.
3. It is the duty of the governing body to change any polling place upon petition of a majority of the registered electors residing within the precinct.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1046, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1)(b) and (1)(c) repealed, p. 1182, § 28, effective July 1. L. 81: (3) amended, p. 1502, § 15, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-502 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-503. Judges may change polling places.

1. When it becomes impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the place designated therefor, the judges of election, after notifying the clerk and after having assembled at or as near as practicable to such place and before receiving any vote, may move to the nearest convenient place for holding the election and at such newly designated place forthwith proceed with the election.
2. Upon moving to a new polling place, the judges shall display a proclamation of the change and shall station a police officer or some other proper person at the original polling place to notify all registered electors of the new location for holding the election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1048, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended, p. 1502, § 16, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-503 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-504. Number of voting booths or voting machines.

1. In municipalities which use paper ballots, the governing body shall provide in each polling place a sufficient number of voting booths. Each voting booth shall be situated so as to permit voters to prepare their ballots screened from observation and shall be furnished with such supplies and conveniences as will enable the voter to prepare his ballot for voting.
2. In municipalities which use voting machines, the governing body shall supply each precinct with a sufficient number of voting machines.
3. In municipalities which use an electronic voting system, the governing body shall provide adequate materials and equipment for the orderly conduct of voting.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1048, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-504 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-505. Arrangement of voting machines or voting booths and ballot boxes.

The voting machines or the voting booths and ballot box shall be situated in the polling place so as to be in plain view of the election officials and watchers. No person other than the election officials and those admitted for the purpose of voting shall be permitted within the immediate voting area, which shall be considered as within six feet of the voting machines or the voting booths and ballot box, except by authority of the judges of election, and then only when necessary to keep order and enforce the law.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1048, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-505 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-506. Election expenses to be paid by municipality.

The cost of conducting a municipal election, including the cost of printing and supplies, shall be paid by the municipality in which such election is held.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1048, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-513 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-507. Election may be canceled - when.

In any ordinance adopted by the governing body of the municipality requiring an affidavit of intent for write-in candidates as provided in section 31-10-306, the governing body may also provide that, if the only matter before the voters is the election of persons to office and if, at the close of business on the sixty-fourth day before the election, there are not more candidates than offices to be filled at such election, including candidates filing affidavits of intent, the clerk, if instructed by resolution of the governing body either before or after such date, shall cancel the election and by resolution declare the candidates elected. If so provided by ordinance, upon such declaration the candidates shall be deemed elected. Notice of such cancellation shall be published, if possible, in order to inform the electors of the municipality, and notice of such cancellation shall be posted at each polling place and in not less than one other public place.

Source: L. 81: Entire section added, p. 1502, § 17, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 755, § 26, effective April 4. L. 2016: Entire section amended, (SB 16-142), ch. 173, p. 591, § 77, effective May 18.

31-10-601. Hours of voting.

At all elections held under this article, the polls shall be opened at 7 a.m. and remain open until 7 p.m. of the same day. If a full set of judges of election do not attend at the hour of 7 a.m., an alternate election judge shall be appointed as provided in section 31-10-405. The polls shall be opened if a majority of judges are present, even though the alternate judge has not arrived. Every person, otherwise qualified to vote, who is standing in line waiting to vote at 7 p.m. shall be permitted to vote.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1048, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1502, § 18, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-601 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-602. Watchers at municipal elections.

Each candidate for office, or interested party in case of an issue, at a municipal election is entitled to appoint some person to act in his behalf in every precinct in which he is a candidate or in which the issue is on the ballot. Such candidate or interested party shall certify the names of the persons so appointed to the clerk on forms provided by the clerk. In case a watcher must leave the polling place, he may designate an alternate to act in his behalf while he is absent, if such alternate is made known to the election judges by an affidavit of the person first named as a watcher.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1048, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-602 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-603. Employee entitled to vote.

1. Any registered elector entitled to vote at any municipal election held within this state is entitled to absent himself from any service or employment in which he is then engaged or employed on the day of such election for a period of two hours between the time of opening and time of closing the polls. Any such absence shall not be sufficient reason for the discharge of any such person from such service or employment. Such elector, because of so absenting himself, shall not be liable to any penalty, nor shall any deduction be made from his usual salary or wages on account of such absence. Registered electors who are employed and paid by the hour shall receive their regular hourly wage for the period of such absence, not to exceed two hours. Application shall be made for such leave of absence prior to the day of election. The employer may specify the hours during which such employee may absent himself, but such hours shall be at the beginning or ending of the work shift if the employee so requests.
2. This section shall not apply to any person whose hours of employment on the day of the election are such that there are three or more hours between the time of opening and the time of closing of the polls during which he is not employed on the job.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1049, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (2) amended, p. 1185, § 1, effective April 25.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-603 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-604. Judges open ballot box first.

In precincts which use an electronic voting system or paper ballots, it is the duty of the judges of the election, immediately before the opening of the polls, to open the ballot box in the presence of the people there assembled and turn it upside down so as to empty it of everything that may be in it and then lock it securely. It shall not be reopened until the time for counting the ballots therein.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1049, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-604 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-605. Judge to keep pollbook.

A judge of election shall keep a pollbook, which shall contain one column headed "names of voters" and one column headed "number on ballot". The name and number on the ballot of each registered elector voting shall be entered in regular succession under the headings in the pollbook.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1049, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1502, § 19, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-605 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-606. Preparing to vote.

1. Any registered elector desiring to vote shall write his name and address on a form available at the polling place and shall give the form to one of the judges of election, who shall thereupon announce the same clearly and audibly. If said elector is unable to write, he may request assistance from one of the judges of election, and such judge must sign the form and witness the elector's mark. The form to be available shall be in substance: "I, ...., who reside at ...., am a registered elector of this precinct and desire to vote at this .... election. Date .....". If the name is found on the registration book or the registration list by the election judge having charge thereof, he shall likewise repeat the name, and said elector shall be allowed to enter the immediate voting area. If the name is not found on the registration book or the registration list by the election judge, such election judge, if practicable and not unduly disruptive to the election process, shall attempt to contact the county clerk and recorder's office, by telephone or otherwise, to request oral verification of the elector's registration in that precinct; and, if such oral verification is received by such election judge from the county clerk and recorder's office, such election judge shall record such verification on a form to be provided by the clerk and shall likewise repeat the elector's name, and said elector shall be allowed to enter the immediate voting area. After it is determined that the elector is duly registered, the election official in charge of the pollbook shall write upon the pollbook the name of such elector and, in precincts using paper ballots, the number of the ballot given to such elector.
2. Besides the election officials, not more than four voters in excess of the number of voting booths or voting machines shall be allowed within the immediate voting area at one time.
3. The completed signature forms shall be returned with other election materials to the clerk. If no challenges have been made, the forms may be destroyed after forty-five days.
4. If the judges are using the registration book and the registered elector's signature does not appear on his or her registration record, said elector shall show documentation of his or her registration and sign his or her registration record before being allowed to vote. If said elector is unable to write, he or she may request assistance from one of the judges of election, and such judge shall sign the registration record and witness said elector's mark.
5. In precincts using paper ballots, an election judge shall give the registered elector one, and only one, ballot, which shall be removed from the package of ballots by tearing the same along the perforated line between the stub and duplicate stub. Before delivering such ballot to said elector, the judge of election having charge of the ballots shall endorse his initials on the duplicate stub, and said judge shall enter the date and the number of said ballot on the registration book or registration list opposite the name of said elector.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1049, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1) amended, p. 1177, § 17, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) and (5) amended, p. 1503, § 20, effective July 1. L. 91: (4) amended, p. 640, § 86, effective May 1. L. 2014: (4) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 61, § 19, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-606 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-607. Manner of voting in precincts which use paper ballots.

1. In precincts which use paper ballots, upon receiving his ballot, the registered elector shall immediately retire alone to one of the voting booths provided and shall prepare his ballot by marking or stamping in ink or indelible pencil, in the appropriate margin or place, a cross mark (X) opposite the name of the candidate of his choice for each office to be filled; except that no cross mark (X) shall be required opposite the name of a write-in candidate. In case of a question submitted to a vote of the people, said elector shall mark or stamp, in the appropriate margin or place, a cross mark (X) opposite the answer which he desires to give. Before leaving the voting booth, said elector shall fold his ballot without displaying the marks thereon, so that the contents of the ballot are concealed and the stub can be removed without exposing any of the contents of the ballot, and he shall keep the same so folded until he has deposited his ballot in the ballot box.
2. Each registered elector who has prepared his ballot and is ready to cast his vote shall then leave the voting booth and approach the judge of election having charge of the ballot box. He shall give his name to that judge, who shall announce the name of such elector and the number upon the duplicate stub of his ballot, which number must correspond with the stub number previously placed on the registration book or registration list. If the stub number of the ballot corresponds and is identified by the initials of the judge of election placed thereupon, the judge of election shall then remove the duplicate stub from such ballot. Such ballot shall then be returned to the registered elector, who shall thereupon, in full view of the judges of election, cast his vote by depositing the ballot in the ballot box, with the official endorsement on said ballot uppermost.
3. Each registered elector shall mark and deposit his ballot without undue delay and shall leave the immediate voting area as soon as he has voted. No such elector shall occupy a voting booth already occupied by another, nor remain within the immediate voting area more than ten minutes, nor occupy a voting booth for more than five minutes if all such booths are in use and other voters are waiting to occupy the same. No registered elector whose name has been entered on the pollbook shall be allowed to reenter the immediate voting area during the election except a judge of election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1050, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (2) amended, p. 1178, § 18, effective July 1. L. 81: (2) and (3) amended, p. 1503, § 21, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-607 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-608. Disabled voter - assistance.

1. If, at any regular or special election, any voter declares under oath to the judges of election of the precinct where he is entitled to vote that, by reason of blindness or other physical disability or inability to read or write, he is unable to prepare his ballot or operate the voting machine without assistance, he is entitled, upon his request, to receive the assistance of any one of the judges of election or, at his option, of any qualified elector of the precinct selected by the disabled voter. No person other than a judge of election in the precinct is permitted to enter the polling booth as an assistant to more than one voter.
2. A notation shall be made in the pollbook opposite the name of each voter thus assisted stating that the voter has been assisted.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1051, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended, p. 1504, § 22, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-608 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-609. Spoiled ballots.

In precincts which use an electronic voting system or paper ballots, no person shall take or remove any ballot from the polling place before the close of the polls. If any voter spoils a ballot, he may successively obtain others, one at a time, not exceeding three in all, upon returning each spoiled one. The spoiled ballots thus returned shall be immediately canceled and shall be preserved and returned to the clerk along with other election records and supplies.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1051, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-609 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-610. Counting paper ballots.

1. In precincts which use paper ballots, as soon as the polls at any election have finally closed, the judges shall immediately open the ballot box and proceed to count the votes polled, and the counting thereof shall be continued until finished before the judges of election adjourn. They shall first count the number of ballots in the box. If the ballots are found to exceed the number of names entered on the pollbook, the judges of election shall then examine the official endorsements upon the outside of the ballots without opening the same, and if, in the unanimous opinion of the judges, any of the ballots in excess of the number on the pollbook do not bear the proper official endorsement, they shall be put into a separate pile by themselves, and a separate record and return of the votes in such ballots shall be made under the head of "excess ballots". When the ballots and the pollbook agree, the judges of election shall proceed to count the votes. Each ballot shall be read and counted separately, and every name separately marked as voted for on such ballot, where there is no conflict to obscure the intention of the voter, shall be read and marked upon the tally sheets before any other ballot is proceeded with. The entire number of ballots, excepting "excess ballots", shall be read and counted and placed upon the tally sheets in like manner. When all of the ballots, excepting "excess ballots", have been counted, the judges of election shall estimate and publish the votes.
2. When all the votes have been read and counted, the ballots, together with one of the tally lists, shall be returned to the ballot box, and the opening shall be carefully sealed, and each of the judges shall place his initials on said seal. The cover shall then be locked and the ballot box delivered to the clerk as provided in section 31-10-614.
3. All persons, except judges of election and watchers, shall be excluded from the place where the counting is being carried on until the count has been completed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1051, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) and (3) amended, p. 1504, § 23, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-610 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-611. Tally sheets.

As the judges of election open and read the ballots, the votes each of the candidates have received shall be carefully marked down, upon tally sheets prepared by the clerk for that purpose, by any appropriate election official.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1052, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section R&RE, p. 1178, § 19, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-611 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-612. Defective ballots.

If a voter marks in ink or indelible pencil more names than there are persons to be elected to an office or if, for any reason, it is impossible to determine the choice of any voter for any office to be filled, his ballot shall not be counted for such office. A defective or an incomplete cross marked on any ballot in ink in a proper place shall be counted if there is no other mark or cross in ink or indelible pencil on such ballot indicating an intention to vote for some person other than those indicated by the first mentioned defective cross or mark. No ballot without the official endorsement, except as provided in section 31-10-805, shall be deposited in the ballot box, and none but ballots provided in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be counted. When the judges of election in any precinct discover in the counting of votes that the name of any candidate voted for is misspelled or the initial letters of his given name are transposed or omitted in part or altogether on the ballot, the vote for such candidate shall be counted for him if the intention of the elector to vote for him is apparent. Ballots not counted shall be marked "defective" on the back thereof and shall be preserved for such time as is provided in section 31-10-616 for ballots and destroyed as therein directed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1052, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-612 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-613. Judges' certificate.

1. As soon as all the votes have been read and counted, the judges of election shall make a certificate, stating the name of each candidate, designating the office for which such person received votes, and stating the number of votes he received, the number being expressed in words at full length and in numerical figures, such entry to be made as nearly as circumstances will admit, in the following form:
2. In addition, the judges of election shall make a statement in writing showing the number of ballots voted, making a separate statement of the number of unofficial and substitute ballots voted, the number of ballots delivered to voters, the number of spoiled ballots, the number of ballots not delivered to voters, and the number of ballots returned, identifying and specifying the same. All unused ballots, spoiled ballots, and stubs of ballots voted shall be returned with such statement.

"At an election held at .... in .... precinct in the municipality of .... and state of Colorado, on the .... day of ...., in the year ...., the following named persons received the number of votes annexed to their respective names for the following described offices: Total number of votes cast were ...., A.B. had seventy-two (72) votes for mayor; C.D. had seventy-one (71) votes for mayor; N.O. had seventy-two (72) votes for councilman or trustee; P.Q. had seventy-one (71) votes for councilman or trustee (and in the same manner for any other persons voted for).

Certified by us:

E.F. ) Judges ) G.H. ) of ) I.J. ) Election"

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1052, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1) amended, p. 1178, § 20, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended, p. 1504, § 24, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-613 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-614. Delivery of election returns, ballot boxes, and other election papers.

When all the votes have been read and counted, the election officials selected in accordance with section 31-10-409 shall deliver to the clerk the certificate and statement required by section 31-10-613, the ballot boxes and all keys thereto, and the registration list, pollbooks, tally sheets, spoiled ballots, unused ballots, ballot stubs, oaths, affidavits, and other election papers and supplies. Such delivery shall be made at once and with all convenient speed, and informality in such delivery shall not invalidate the vote of any precinct when delivery has been made previous to the completion of the official abstract of the votes by the canvassers. The clerk shall give his receipt for all such papers so delivered.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1053, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-614 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-615. Judges to post returns.

In addition to all certificates otherwise required to be made of the count of votes polled at any election, the judges of election are hereby required to make out an abstract of the count of votes, which abstract shall contain the names of the offices, names of the candidates, ballot titles and submission clauses of all initiated, referred, or other measures voted upon, and the number of votes counted for or against each candidate or measure. Said abstract shall be posted in a conspicuous place upon the outside of the polling place immediately upon completion of the count. The abstract may be removed at any time after forty-eight hours following the election. Suitable blanks for the required abstract shall be prepared, printed, and furnished to all judges of election at the same time and in the same manner as other election supplies are furnished.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1053, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-615 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-616. Preservation of ballots and election records.

1. The ballots, when not required to be taken from the ballot box for the purpose of election contests, shall remain in the ballot box in the custody of the clerk until six months after the election at which such ballots were cast or until the time has expired for which the ballots would be needed in any contest proceedings, at which time the ballot box shall be opened by the clerk and the ballots destroyed by fire, shredding, or burial, or by any other method approved by the executive director of the department of personnel. If the ballot boxes are needed for a special election before the legal time for commencing any proceedings in the way of contests has elapsed or in case such clerk, at the time of holding such special election, has knowledge of the pendency of any contest in which the ballots would be needed, the clerk shall preserve the ballots in some secure manner and provide for their being kept so that no one can ascertain how any voter may have voted.
2. The clerk shall preserve all other official election records and forms for at least six months following a regular or special election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1053, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (1) amended, p. 1179, § 21, effective July 1. L. 96: (1) amended, p. 1543, § 135, effective June 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-616 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-617. Ranked voting methods.

1. Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, a municipality may use a ranked voting method, as defined in section 1-1-104 (34.4), C.R.S., to conduct a regular election to elect the mayor or members of the governing body of the municipality in accordance with section 1-7-1003, C.R.S., and the rules adopted by the secretary of state pursuant to section 1-7-1004 (1), C.R.S.
2. A municipality conducting an election using a ranked voting method may adapt the requirements of this article, including requirements concerning the form of the ballot, the method of marking the ballot, the procedure for counting ballots, and the form of the election judges' certificate, as necessary for compatibility with the ranked voting method.

Source: L. 2008: Entire section added, p. 1252, § 4, effective August 5.

31-10-701. Use of voting machines.

Voting machines may be used in any municipal election if the governing body, by resolution, authorizes their use. The adoption and use of voting machines for municipal elections shall be in accordance with the provisions for the adoption and use of voting machines for general and primary elections insofar as such provisions are applicable to municipal elections.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1053, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-701 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For use of voting machines in general and primary elections, see part 4 of article 7 of title 1.

31-10-702. Judges to inspect machines.

The judges of election of each precinct using voting machines shall meet at the polling place therein at least three-quarters of an hour before the time set for the opening of the polls at each election. Before the polls are open for an election, each judge shall carefully examine each machine used in the precinct and see that no vote has been cast and that every counter, except the protective counter, registers zero.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1054, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-702 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-703. Sample ballots, ballot labels, and cards of instruction.

1. Sample ballots shall be printed and in the possession of the clerk ten days before the election and shall be subject to public inspection. The sample ballots shall be arranged in the form of a diagram showing the front of the voting machine as it will appear after the official ballot labels are arranged thereon for voting on election day. Such sample ballots may be either in full or reduced size. The clerk shall provide at least two sample ballots for each election precinct, to be delivered to the judges of election and posted in the polling place on election day.
2. The clerk shall also prepare and place on each voting machine to be used in election precincts under the clerk's supervision a set of official ballot labels arranged in the manner prescribed for the official election ballot to be used on voting machines. When there is more than one person to be elected to an office, there shall be provided two, and only two, spaces for write-in purposes for each different office. No cross mark (X) shall be required opposite the name of a write-in candidate. Candidate names shall be arranged by lot as prescribed by the municipal clerk under the designation of the office. The clerk shall deliver the required number of voting machines, equipped with the official ballot, to each election precinct no later than the day prior to the day of election.
3. Cards of instruction for the guidance of voters in casting their ballots on voting machines shall also be supplied by the clerk as provided in section 31-10-906.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1054, § 1, effective July 1. L. 93: (2) amended, p. 1709, § 8, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-703 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-704. Instructions to vote.

In case any voter after entering the voting machine asks for further instructions concerning the manner of voting, a judge shall give such instruction to him; but no judge or other election officer or person assisting such voter shall enter the voting machine, except as provided in section 31-10-608, or in any manner request, suggest, or seek to persuade or induce any such voter to vote for any particular ticket, or for any particular candidate, or for or against any particular amendment, question, or proposition. After receiving such instruction, such voter shall vote as in the case of an unassisted voter.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1054, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-704 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-705. Length of time to vote.

No voter shall remain within the voting machine booth longer than three minutes. If he refuses to leave after a lapse of three minutes, he shall be removed by the judges, but the judges in their discretion may permit a voter to remain longer than three minutes.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1054, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-705 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-706. Judge to watch voting machines.

The judges shall designate at least one of their number to be stationed beside the entrance to the voting machine during the entire period of the election to see that it is properly closed after a voter has entered to vote. At such intervals as he deems proper or necessary, the judge shall examine the face of the machine to ascertain whether it has been defaced or injured, to detect the wrongdoer, and to repair any injury.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1054, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-706 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-707. Clerk to supply seals for voting machines.

The clerk shall supply each election precinct with a seal for each voting machine to be used in the precinct for the purpose of sealing the machine after the polls are closed and with an envelope for the return of the keys to the machine along with the election returns.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1054, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-707 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-708. Close of polls and count of votes.

As soon as the polls are closed, the judges of election shall immediately lock and seal each voting machine against further voting, and it shall so remain for a period of thirty days unless otherwise ordered by the court. Immediately after each machine is locked and sealed, the judges of election shall open the counting compartments thereof and proceed to count the votes thereon. After the total vote for each candidate and upon each question or proposition has been ascertained, the judges of election shall make out a certificate of votes cast, in numerical figures only, and return the same to the clerk as provided in section 31-10-614.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1055, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-708 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-709. Election laws apply - separate absentee ballots permitted.

All of the provisions of this article not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 31-10-701 to 31-10-708 shall apply to all elections held in precincts where voting machines are used. Nothing in sections 31-10-701 to 31-10-708 shall prohibit the use of a separate paper ballot by absentee voters or for charter amendments where such is required.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1055, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-709 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-801. Use of electronic system.

An electronic voting system may be used in any municipal election if the governing body authorizes its use. The adoption and use of an electronic voting system for municipal elections shall be in accordance with the provisions for the adoption and use of such system for general and primary elections insofar as such provisions are applicable to municipal elections.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1055, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-802. Sample ballots.

Sample ballots shall be printed and in the possession of the clerk ten days before the election and shall be subject to public inspection. Such ballots shall be in the form of the official ballot but shall be printed on paper of a different color from the official ballot. The clerk shall provide that at least two sample ballots for each election precinct are delivered to the judges of election and posted in the polling place on election day.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1055, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-803. Ballots - electronic voting.

1. Ballot pages or ballot cards placed upon voting devices shall be, so far as practicable, in the same order of arrangement as provided by section 31-10-902 for paper ballots; except that they shall be of the size and design required by the vote recorder or the electronic vote counting equipment, or both the vote recorder and the electronic vote counting equipment, and may be printed on a number of separate pages which are placed on the voting device or on one or more ballot cards.
2. If votes are recorded on a ballot card, a separate write-in ballot may be provided, which may be in the form of a paper ballot or envelope on which the voter may write in the titles of the office and the names of persons not on the printed ballot for whom he wishes to vote.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1055, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-804. Preparation for use - electronic voting.

1. Prior to an election in which an electronic voting system is to be used, the clerk shall have the vote recorders or punching devices, or both the vote recorders and punching devices, prepared for voting and shall inspect and determine that each such recorder or device is in proper working order and shall cause a sufficient number of such recorders or devices to be delivered to each election precinct in which the electronic voting system is to be used.
2. The clerk shall supply each election precinct in which vote recorders or voting devices are to be used with a sufficient number of ballot cards, sample ballots, ballot boxes, write-in ballots, if required, and other supplies and forms as may be required. Each ballot card shall have a serially numbered stub attached, which shall be removed by a judge of election before the card is deposited in the ballot box.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1055, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-805. Instructions to vote.

In case any voter, after commencing to vote, asks for further instructions concerning the manner of voting, a judge shall give such instructions to him; but no judge or other election officer or person assisting such voter shall request, suggest, or seek to persuade or induce any such voter to vote for any particular ticket, or for any particular candidate, or for or against any particular amendment, question, or proposition. After receiving such instructions, such voter shall vote as in the case of an unassisted voter.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1056, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-806. Ballots.

The clerk of each municipality using an electronic voting system shall provide sufficient ballots for every municipal election. The official ballots shall be printed and in the possession of the clerk at least ten days before the election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1056, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-807. Distribution of ballots.

In municipalities using an electronic voting system, the clerk shall distribute to the election judges in the respective precincts a sufficient number of ballots. The ballots shall be sent in one or more sealed packages for each precinct with marks on the outside of each stating clearly the precinct and polling place for which it is intended, together with the number of ballots enclosed. Such package shall be delivered to one of the judges of election of such precinct between the close of business on the Friday preceding election day, or during any earlier day in which a judges' school of instruction is held, and 8 p.m. on the Monday before election day. A receipt for the ballots thus delivered shall be given by the election judge who received them. The receipt shall be filed with the clerk, who shall also keep a record of the time when and the manner in which each of said packages was sent and delivered.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1056, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1505, § 25, effective July 1.

31-10-808. Cards of instruction.

1. The clerk shall furnish to the judges of election of each precinct a sufficient number of instruction cards for the guidance of voters in preparing their ballots. The election judges shall post at least one card in each polling place on the day of election. Such cards shall be printed in large, clear type and shall contain full instructions to the voter as to what should be done:
   1. To obtain a ballot for voting;
   2. To prepare the ballot for deposit in the ballot box;
   3. To obtain a new ballot in the place of one spoiled by accident or mistake; and
   4. To obtain assistance in marking ballots.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1056, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-809. Close of polls - count and seals in electronic voting.

After the polls have been closed, the election judges shall secure the vote recorders or the voting devices, or both the vote recorders and the voting devices, against further use and prepare a ballot return in duplicate showing the number of voters as indicated by the pollbook who have voted in the precinct, the number of official ballot cards received, and the number of spoiled and unused ballot cards returned. The original copy of said ballot return shall be deposited in a metal or durable plastic transfer box, along with all voted and spoiled ballots. The transfer box shall then be sealed in such a way as to prevent tampering with the box or its contents. The clerk shall provide such a numbered seal. The duplicate copy of said ballot return shall be mailed at the nearest post office or post box to the clerk by a judge other than the one who delivers the transfer box to the counting center. One judge shall deliver the sealed transfer box to the counting center or other place designated by the clerk.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1056, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-810. Electronic vote counting - test.

1. The clerk shall have the electronic ballot counting equipment tested in the manner prescribed in this section to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and all measures. The electronic equipment shall be tested at least three times, once on the day before the election, again just prior to the start of the count on election day, and finally at the conclusion of the counting. The clerk may make any additional tests he deems necessary.
2. The clerk shall vote and retain at least one hundred test ballots, and shall observe the tabulation of all test ballots by means of the electronic counting equipment, and shall compare such tabulation with the previously retained records of the test vote count. The cause of any discrepancies shall be corrected prior to the actual vote tabulation.
3. All test materials, when not in use, shall be kept in a metal box, and the clerk shall be the custodian of the box.
4. After the final conclusion of the counting, all programs, test materials, and ballots shall be sealed and retained as provided for paper ballots.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1057, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-811. Electronic vote counting - procedure.

1. All proceedings at the counting center shall be under the direction of the clerk and shall be conducted under the observation of watchers, so far as practicable, in accordance with the provisions of part 6 of this article; but no persons except those authorized for the purpose shall touch any ballot or ballot card or return. All persons who are engaged in the processing and counting of the ballots shall be deputized in writing and take an oath that they will faithfully perform their assigned duties. If any ballot is damaged or defective so that it cannot properly be counted by the electronic vote counting equipment, a true duplicate copy shall be made of the damaged ballot in the presence of two witnesses. The duplicate ballot shall be substituted for the damaged ballot. All duplicate ballots shall be clearly labeled as such and shall bear a serial number which shall be recorded on the damaged ballot.
2. The return printed by the electronic vote tabulating equipment, to which have been added write-in votes, shall constitute, when certified by the clerk, the official return of each precinct. The clerk may from time to time release unofficial returns. Upon completion of the count, the official returns shall be open to the public.
3. Absentee ballots shall be counted at the counting center in the same manner as precinct ballots. Write-in ballots may be counted in their precincts by the precinct judges of election or at the counting center, but, before any write-in vote is counted, it shall be compared with votes cast for the same office on the ballot card to ascertain whether the write-in vote is valid. If the voter has cast more votes for the office than he is lawfully entitled to vote, the word "void" shall be written across the write-in vote, and it shall not be counted. Votes cast for a nominated candidate whose name appears on the ballot shall not be voided because of an invalid write-in vote for the same office.
4. If for any reason it becomes impracticable to count all or a part of the ballots with electronic vote tabulating equipment, the clerk may direct that they be counted manually, following as far as practicable the provisions governing the counting of paper ballots.
5. The receiving, opening, and preservation of the transfer boxes and their contents shall be the responsibility of the clerk, who shall provide adequate personnel and facilities to assure accurate and complete election results. Any indication of tampering with the ballots or ballot cards or other fraudulent action shall be immediately reported to the municipal attorney who shall immediately investigate such action and report in writing within ten days his findings to the clerk and shall prosecute to the full extent of the law any person responsible for such fraudulent action. The conduct of municipal elections when electronic voting systems are used shall follow, as nearly as practicable, the conduct of general and primary elections when such systems are used.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1057, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-812. Election laws apply - separate absentee ballots permitted.

All of the provisions of this article not inconsistent with the provisions of this part 8 shall apply to all elections held in precincts where an electronic voting system is used. Nothing in this part 8 shall prohibit the use of a separate paper ballot by absentee voters or for charter amendments where such is required.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1058, § 1, effective July 1.

31-10-901. Ballot boxes.

The governing body of each municipality using paper ballots shall provide one ballot box for each polling place. Each ballot box shall be strongly constructed so as to prevent tampering, with a small opening at the top thereof and with a lid to be locked. The ballot boxes and keys shall be kept by the clerk and delivered to the judges of election within one day immediately preceding any municipal election, to be returned as provided in section 31-10-614. Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing body from obtaining ballot boxes from the office of the county clerk and recorder.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1058, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1505, § 26, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-507 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-902. Ballots.

1. The clerk of each municipality using paper ballots shall provide printed ballots for every municipal election. The official ballots shall be printed and in the possession of the clerk at least ten days before the election. In addition, sample ballots shall be printed and in the possession of the clerk ten days before the election and shall be subject to public inspection. The sample ballots shall be printed in the form of the official ballots but upon paper of a different color from the official ballots. Sample ballots shall be delivered to the judges of election and posted with the cards of instruction provided in section 31-10-906.
2. Every ballot shall contain the names of all duly nominated candidates for offices to be voted for at that election, except those who have died or withdrawn, and the ballot shall contain no other names. The names of the candidates for each office shall be printed upon the ballot without political party designation and without any title or degree designating the business or profession of the candidate. The names shall be arranged by lot as prescribed by the municipal clerk under the designation of the office.
3. 1. The ballots shall be printed to give each voter a clear opportunity to designate his choice of candidates by a cross mark (X) in the square at the right of the name. On the ballot may be printed such words as will aid the voter, such as "vote for not more than one".
   2. At the end of the list of candidates for each different office shall be as many blank spaces as there are persons to be elected to such office in which the voter may write the name of any eligible person not printed on the ballot for whom he desires to vote as a candidate for such office; but no cross mark (X) shall be required at the right of the name so written in.
   3. When the approval of any question is submitted at a municipal election, such question shall be printed upon the ballot after the lists of candidates for all offices. The ballots shall be printed to give each voter a clear opportunity to designate his answer by a cross mark (X) in the appropriate square at the right of the question.
4. 1. The extreme top part of each ballot shall be divided by two perforated lines into two spaces, each of which shall be not less than an inch in width, the top portion being known as the stub and the next portion as the duplicate stub. Upon each of said stubs nothing shall be printed except the number of the ballot, and the same number shall be printed upon both stubs. Stubs and duplicate stubs of ballots shall both be numbered consecutively. The requirements of this subsection (4)(a) do not apply to ballots used in mail ballot elections.
   2. All ballots shall be uniform and of sufficient length and width to allow for the names of candidates and the proposed questions to be printed in clear, plain type with a space of at least one-half inch between the different columns on said ballot. On the back of each ballot shall be printed the endorsement "Official ballot for....", and after the word "for" shall follow the designation of the precinct, ward, and municipality for which the ballot is prepared, the date of the election, and a facsimile of the signature of the clerk who has caused the ballot to be printed. The ballot shall contain no caption or other endorsement or number. Each clerk shall use precisely the same quality and tint of paper, the same kind of type, and the same quality and tint of plain black ink for all ballots furnished by him at one election. When candidates are to be voted for only by the registered electors of a particular ward, the names of such candidates shall not be printed on any other ballots than those provided for use in such ward. The ballots shall be of such form that when folded the whole endorsement is visible and the contents of the ballot are not exposed.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1058, § 1, effective July 1. L. 93: (2) amended, p. 1710, § 9, effective July 1. L. 2020: (4) amended, (HB 20-1156), ch. 51, p. 177, § 2, effective September 14.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-508 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-903. Ballots changed if candidate dies or withdraws.

If any person duly nominated dies before the day fixed for the election and the fact of such death becomes known to the clerk or withdraws by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the clerk before the date fixed for election, the name of the deceased or withdrawn candidate shall not be printed upon the ballots for the election. If the ballots are already printed, the name of the deceased candidate or withdrawn candidate shall be erased or canceled, if possible, before the ballots are delivered to the voters.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1059, § 1, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 756, § 27, effective April 4. L. 92: Entire section amended, p. 2178, § 41, effective June 2.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-509 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-904. Printing and distribution of ballots.

In municipalities using paper ballots, the clerk shall cause to be printed and distributed to the election judges in the respective precincts a sufficient number of ballots. The ballots shall be sent in one or more sealed packages for each precinct with marks on the outside of each clearly stating the precinct and polling place for which it is intended, together with the number of ballots enclosed. Such packages shall be delivered to one of the judges of election of such precinct between the close of business on the Friday preceding election day or during any earlier day in which a judges' school of instruction is held, and 8 p.m. on the Monday before election day. A receipt for the ballots thus delivered shall be given by the election judge who receives them. The receipt shall be filed with the clerk, who shall also keep a record of the time when and the manner in which each of said packages was sent and delivered. The election judge receiving such package shall produce the same, with the seal unbroken, in the proper polling place at the opening of the polls on election day and, in the presence of all election judges for the precinct, shall open the package.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1060, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1506, § 27, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-510 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-905. Substitute ballots.

If the ballots to be furnished to any election judge are not delivered by 8 p.m. on the Monday before election day or if after delivery they are destroyed or stolen, the clerk shall cause other ballots to be prepared, as nearly in the form prescribed as practicable, with the word "substitute" printed in brackets immediately under the facsimile signature of the clerk. Upon receipt of ballots thus prepared, accompanied by a written and sworn statement of the clerk that the same have been so prepared and furnished by him and that the original ballots have so failed to be received or have been destroyed or stolen, the election judges shall cause the ballots so substituted to be used at the election. If from any cause none of the official ballots or substitute ballots prepared by the clerk are ready for distribution at any polling place or if the supply of ballots is exhausted before the polls are closed, unofficial ballots, printed or written, made as nearly as possible in the form of the official ballots, may be used until substitutes prepared by the clerk are printed and delivered.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1060, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-511 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-906. Cards of instruction.

1. The clerk shall furnish to the judges of election of each precinct a sufficient number of instruction cards for the guidance of voters in preparing their ballots. The election judges shall post at least one card in each polling place upon the day of the election. Such cards shall be printed in large, clear type and shall contain full instructions to the voter as to what should be done:
   1. To obtain ballots for voting;
   2. To prepare the ballot for deposit in the ballot box;
   3. To obtain a new ballot in the place of one spoiled by accident or mistake; and
   4. To obtain assistance in marking ballots.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1060, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-512 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-907. Definitions.

As used in sections 31-10-908 to 31-10-913, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Eligible elector" means a person who is a registered elector, as defined in section 31-1-101 (9).
2. "Mail ballot election" means an election for which eligible electors may cast ballots by mail and in accordance with this part 9.
3. "Mail ballot packet" means the packet of information provided by the clerk to eligible electors in a mail ballot election. The packet includes the ballot, instructions for completing the ballot, a secrecy envelope, and a return envelope.
4. "Return envelope" means an envelope that is printed with spaces for the name and address of, and a self-affirmation to be signed by, an eligible elector voting in a mail ballot election, that contains a secrecy envelope and ballot, and that is designed to allow election officials, upon examining the signature, name, and address on the outside of the envelope, to determine whether the enclosed ballot is being submitted by an eligible elector who has not previously voted in that particular election.
5. "Secrecy envelope" means the envelope or sleeve used for a mail ballot election that contains the eligible elector's ballot for the election and that is designed to conceal and maintain the confidentiality of the elector's vote until the counting of votes for that particular election.

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 61, § 20, effective February 18.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-908. Mail ballot elections - preelection process.

1. If the governing body of a municipality determines that an election is to be conducted by mail ballot, the clerk shall supervise the distributing, handling, counting of ballots, and the survey of returns and shall take all necessary steps to protect the confidentiality of the ballots cast and the integrity of the election.
2. Official ballots must be prepared and all other preelection procedures followed as otherwise provided by this article; except that mail ballot packets must be prepared in accordance with this part 9.

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 62, § 20, effective February 18.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-909. Nomination of candidates in mail ballot elections.

1. Any person who desires to be a candidate for a municipal office in a mail ballot election conducted pursuant to this part 9 after May 1, 2014, shall comply with the nominating procedures set forth in this article 10; except that:
   1. Any nominating petition in a mail ballot election may be circulated and signed beginning on the ninety-first day prior to the election and must be filed with the municipal clerk no later than the close of business on the seventy-first day prior to the election. The petition may be amended to correct or replace signatures that the clerk finds are not in apparent conformity with the requirements of this article 10 by filing such changes anytime prior to sixty-three days before the day of the election.
   2. Any person who has been nominated and who has accepted a nomination may cause his or her name to be withdrawn from such nomination at any time prior to sixty-three days before the election by a written affidavit withdrawing from such nomination. The affidavit stating withdrawal shall be signed by the candidate and filed with the clerk.
   3. Repealed.

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 62, § 20, effective February 18. L. 2018: (1)(c) repealed, (SB 18-107), ch. 104, p. 789, § 4, effective August 8. L. 2020: IP(1), (1)(a), and (1)(b) amended, (HB 20-1156), ch. 51, p. 177, § 3, effective September 14.

Cross references: (1) For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

(2) For the legislative declaration in SB 18-107, see section 1 of chapter 104, Session Laws of Colorado 2018.

31-10-910. Procedures for conducting mail ballot election.

1. 1. No later than thirty days prior to election day, the county clerk and recorder shall submit to the clerk conducting the mail ballot election a complete preliminary list of registered electors.
   2. No later than twenty days prior to election day, the county clerk and recorder shall submit to the clerk a supplemental list of the names of eligible electors who registered to vote on or before twenty-two days before the election whose names were not included on the preliminary list.
   3. All lists of registered electors provided to a clerk under this section must include the last mailing address of each elector.
2. 1. Not sooner than twenty-two days before an election, and no later than fifteen days before an election, the clerk shall mail to each active eligible elector, at the last mailing address appearing in the registration records and in accordance with United States postal service regulations, a mail ballot packet marked "Do not forward. Address correction requested.", or any other similar statement that is in accordance with United States postal service regulations.
   2. A ballot or ballot label must contain the following warning:
   3. 1. A return envelope must have printed on it a self-affirmation substantially in the following form:
      2. The signing of the self-affirmation on the return envelope described in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (c) constitutes an affirmation by the eligible elector, under penalty of perjury, that the facts stated in the self-affirmation are true. If the eligible elector is unable to sign, the eligible elector may affirm by making a mark on the self-affirmation, with or without assistance, witnessed by another person.
      3. A return envelope is not required to have a flap covering the signature.
   4. No sooner than twenty-two days prior to election day, and until 7 p.m. on election day, mail ballots must be made available at the clerk's office for eligible electors who request a ballot.
   5. 1. An eligible elector may obtain a replacement ballot if the ballot was destroyed, spoiled, lost, or for some other reason not received by the eligible elector. An eligible elector may obtain a ballot if a mail ballot packet was not sent to the elector because the eligibility of the elector could not be determined at the time the mail ballot packets were mailed. In order to obtain a ballot in such cases, the eligible elector must sign a sworn statement specifying the reason for requesting the ballot. The statement must be presented to the clerk no later than 7 p.m. on election day. The clerk shall keep a record of each ballot issued in accordance with this paragraph (e) together with a list of each ballot obtained pursuant to paragraph (d) of this subsection (2).
      2. The clerk shall not transmit a mail ballot packet under this paragraph (e) unless a sworn statement requesting the ballot is received on or before election day. A ballot may be transmitted directly to the eligible elector requesting the ballot at the clerk's office or may be mailed to the eligible elector at the address provided in the sworn statement. Ballots may be cast no later than 7 p.m. on election day.
3. 1. Upon receipt of a ballot, the eligible elector shall mark the ballot, sign and complete the self-affirmation on the return envelope, and comply with the instructions provided with the ballot.
   2. The eligible elector may return the marked ballot to the clerk by United States mail or by depositing the ballot at the office of the clerk or any place designated as a depository by the clerk. The ballot must be returned in the return envelope. If an eligible elector returns the ballot by mail, the elector must provide postage. The ballot must be received at the clerk's office or a designated depository, which must remain open until 7 p.m. on election day. The depository must be designated by the clerk and located in a secure place under the supervision of the clerk, an election judge, or another person designated by the clerk.
4. Once the ballot is returned, an election judge shall first qualify the submitted ballot by comparing the information on the return envelope with the registration records to determine whether the ballot was submitted by an eligible elector who has not previously voted in the election. If the ballot so qualifies and is otherwise valid, the election judge shall indicate in the pollbook that the eligible elector cast a ballot and deposit the ballot in an official ballot box.

   (4.5) The signature of the eligible elector on the self-affirmation on the return envelope must be compared with the signature of the eligible elector on file in the statewide voter registration system, created in section 1-2-301, C.R.S., in accordance with section 31-10-910.3.

5. All deposited ballots must be counted as provided in this article. A mail ballot is valid and counted only if it is returned in the return envelope, the self-affirmation on the return envelope is signed and completed by the eligible elector to whom the ballot was issued, and the information on the return envelope is verified in accordance with subsection (4) of this section. Mail ballots must be counted in the same manner provided by section 31-10-610 for counting paper ballots or section 31-10-811 for counting electronic ballots. If the election official determines that an eligible elector to whom a replacement ballot has been issued has voted more than once, the first ballot returned by the elector is considered the elector's official ballot. Rejected ballots are handled in the same manner as provided in section 31-10-612.

WARNING:

Any person who, by use of force or other means, unduly influences an eligible elector to vote in any particular manner or to refrain from voting, or who falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any mail ballot before or after it has been cast, or who destroys, defaces, mutilates, or tampers with a ballot is subject, upon conviction, to imprisonment, or to a fine, or both.

State of .... Municipality of ...., County of .... I, ...., affirm and say that I am a qualified and registered elector in the municipality of .... and state of Colorado; that my residence and post office address is ....; and that I herein enclose my ballot in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". I realize that if any false statements are contained herein that I shall be subject to prosecution for criminal action. .......................... .................................. Date Signature of voter

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 63, § 20, effective February 18. L. 2016: (4.5) added, (HB 16-1070), ch. 130, p. 373, § 3, effective August 10. L. 2020: (2)(c)(I) amended, (HB 20-1156), ch. 51, p. 178, § 4, effective September 14.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-910.3. Verification of signatures - signature verification devices - procedures - training - definitions.

1. 1. In every mail ballot election conducted after March 30, 2018, an election judge shall, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (1), compare the signature on the self-affirmation on each return envelope with the signature of the eligible elector stored in the statewide voter registration system in accordance with this section.
   2. A clerk may allow an election judge to use a signature verification device to compare the signature on the self-affirmation on a return envelope of an eligible elector's ballot with the signature of the elector stored in the statewide voter registration system in accordance with this section.
2. 1. The election judges must compare the signature on the self-affirmation on each return envelope with the signature provided by the secretary of state pursuant to section 1-2-301, C.R.S. The election judges must research the signature further if there is:
      1. An obvious change in the signature's slant;
      2. A printed signature on one document and a cursive signature on the other document;
      3. A difference in the signature's size or scale;
      4. A difference in the signature's individual characteristics, such as how the "t's" are crossed, "i's" are dotted, or loops are made on "y's" or "j's";
      5. A difference in the elector's signature style, such as how the letters are connected at the top and bottom;
      6. Evidence that ballots or envelopes from the same household have been switched; or
      7. Any other noticeable discrepancy such as misspelled names.
   2. 1. If an election judge must conduct further research on an elector's signature, he or she must check the additional signatures provided by the secretary of state pursuant to section 1-2-301, C.R.S., if available.
      2. An election judge may compare additional information written by the elector on the return envelope, such as the elector's address and date of signing. Any similarities noted when comparing other information may be used as part of the signature verification decision process.
      3. If an election judge determines that an elector inadvertently returned his or her ballot in another household member's ballot return envelope, the election judge must process and prepare the ballot of the elector who signed the self-affirmation for counting if it is otherwise valid. The election judge need not send a signature verification discrepancy letter to the elector.
   3. If the election judges dispute the signature, they must document the discrepancy and the research steps taken in a log that identifies the elector only by name and elector identification number, does not contain the elector's signature, notes the final resolution and ballot disposition, and identifies the election judges responsible for the final resolution and ballot disposition.
3. 1. If the election judge determines that the signature of an eligible elector on the self-affirmation matches the elector's signature stored in the statewide voter registration system, the election judge shall follow the procedures specified in section 31-10-910 (5) concerning the qualification and counting of mail ballots.
   2. If a signature verification device used pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section determines that the signature on the self-affirmation on a return envelope of an eligible elector's ballot matches the signature of the elector stored in the statewide voter registration system, the signature on the self-affirmation is deemed verified, and the election judge shall follow the procedures specified in section 31-10-910 (5) concerning the qualification and counting of mail ballots.
4. If, upon comparing the signature of an eligible elector on the self-affirmation on the return envelope with the signature of the eligible elector stored in the statewide voter registration system, the election judge determines that the signatures do not match, or if a signature verification device used pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section is unable to determine that the signatures match, two other election judges shall simultaneously compare the signatures and proceed according to subsection (5) of this section.
5. 1. If the two other election judges specified in subsection (4) of this section agree that the signature of an eligible elector on the self-affirmation matches the elector's signature stored in the statewide voter registration system, the initial election judge shall follow the procedures specified in section 31-10-910 (5) concerning the qualification and counting of mail ballots.
   2. In the case of a disagreement between the two other election judges as to whether the signature of an eligible elector on the self-affirmation on the return envelope matches the signature of the eligible elector stored in the statewide voter registration system pursuant to the procedures specified in subsection (4) of this section, the signatures are deemed to match, and the initial election judge shall follow the procedures specified in section 31-10-910 (5) concerning the qualification and counting of mail ballots.
   3. 1. If both other election judges agree that the signatures do not match, the clerk shall, within three days after the signature deficiency has been confirmed, but in no event later than two days after election day, send to the eligible elector at the address indicated in the registration records a letter explaining the discrepancy in signatures and a form for the eligible elector to confirm that the elector returned a ballot to the clerk.
      2. 1. If the clerk receives the form within eight days after election day confirming that the elector returned a ballot to the clerk, and if the ballot is otherwise valid, the ballot must be counted.
         2. If the eligible elector returns the form indicating that the elector did not return a ballot to the clerk, or if the eligible elector does not return the form within eight days after election day, the self-affirmation on the return envelope must be categorized as incorrect, and the ballot shall not be counted. An original return envelope with an enclosed secrecy envelope containing a voted ballot that is not counted in accordance with this sub-subparagraph (B) must be stored in the office of the clerk in a secure location separate from valid return envelopes and may be removed only by order of a court having jurisdiction.
6. An election judge shall not determine that the signature of an eligible elector on the self-affirmation does not match the signature of that eligible elector stored in the statewide voter registration system solely on the basis of substitution of initials or use of a common nickname.
7. The clerk shall provide training in the techniques and standards of signature comparison to election judges who compare signatures pursuant to this section.
8. As used in this section, "statewide voter registration system" means the statewide voter registration system created pursuant to section 1-2-301, C.R.S.

Source: L. 2016: Entire section added, (HB 16-1070), ch. 130, p. 370, § 1, effective August 10.

31-10-911. Counting mail ballots.

The election officials at the mail ballot counting center may receive and prepare mail ballots delivered and turned over to them by the clerk for counting. Counting of the mail ballots may begin fifteen days prior to the election and continue until counting is completed. The election official in charge of the mail ballot counting center shall take all precautions necessary to ensure the secrecy of the counting procedures, and the election officials or watchers shall not release any information concerning the count until after 7 p.m. on election day.

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 65, § 20, effective February 18.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-912. Write-in candidate affidavit in mail ballot elections.

No write-in vote for any office shall be counted unless an affidavit of intent to be a write-in candidate has been filed with the clerk by the person wishing to be a write-in candidate not later than sixty-four days before the day of the election. The affidavit of intent must indicate the office to which the affiant desires election and that the affiant is qualified to assume the office if elected.

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 65, § 20, effective February 18.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-913. Challenges.

Any mail ballot election held pursuant to this part 9 shall not be invalidated on the grounds that an eligible elector did not receive a ballot so long as the clerk acted in good faith in complying with the provisions of this part 9.

Source: L. 2014: Entire section added, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 65, § 20, effective February 18.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1001. When absent electors may vote.

Any registered elector of a municipality may cast a ballot at the election in the manner provided in sections 31-10-1001 to 31-10-1007.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1060, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 329, § 88, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1669, § 85, effective July 1; entire section amended, p. 1710, § 10, effective July 1.

31-10-1002. Application for absentee voter's ballot - permanent absentee voter status - ballot delivery - list of absentee voters.

1. Requests for an application for an absentee voter's ballot may be made orally or in writing. Applications for absentee voters' ballots shall be filed in writing and personally signed by the applicant or a family member related by blood, marriage, civil union, or adoption to the applicant. If the applicant is unable to sign the application, the applicant shall make such applicant's mark on the application, which shall be witnessed by another person. The application shall be filed with the clerk not earlier than ninety days before and not later than the close of business on the Friday immediately preceding such regular or special election. The application may be in the form of a letter.
2. Upon receipt of an application for an absentee voter's ballot within the proper time, the clerk receiving it shall examine the records of the county clerk and recorder to ascertain whether or not the applicant is registered and lawfully entitled to vote as requested, and, if found to be so, the clerk shall deliver, as soon as practicable, but not more than seventy-two hours after the ballots have been received, to the applicant personally in the clerk's office or by mail to the mailing address given in the application for an official absentee voter's ballot, an identification return envelope with the affidavit thereon properly filled in as to precinct and residence address as shown by the records of the county clerk and recorder, and an instruction card.

   (2.3) The clerk shall keep a list of names of eligible electors who have applied for absentee ballots and, if applicable, of permanent absentee voters pursuant to subsection (2.5) of this section, with the date on which each application was made, the date on which the absentee voter's ballot was sent, and the date on which each absentee voter's ballot was returned. If an absentee voter's ballot is not returned, or if it is rejected and not counted, that fact will be noted on the list. The list is open to public inspection under proper regulations.

   1. (2.5) (a) The clerk may permit an eligible elector to request permanent absentee voter status.
   2. Upon receipt of an application for permanent absentee voter status, the clerk shall process the application in the same manner as an application for an absentee voter's ballot. If the clerk determines that the applicant is an eligible elector, the clerk shall place the eligible elector's name on the list maintained by the municipality pursuant to subsection (2.3) of this section of those eligible electors to whom an absentee voter's ballot is mailed every time there is a polling place election conducted by the municipality from which the eligible elector has requested permanent absentee voter status.
   3. 1. An eligible elector whose name appears on the list maintained pursuant to subsection (2.3) of this section as a permanent absentee voter must remain on the list and must be mailed an absentee voter's ballot for each polling place election conducted by the municipality.
      2. An eligible elector must be deleted from the permanent absentee voter list if:
         1. The eligible elector notifies the clerk that he or she no longer wishes to vote by absentee voter's ballot; or
         2. The absentee voter's ballot sent to the eligible elector is returned to the clerk as undeliverable; or
         3. The person is no longer eligible to vote in the political subdivision.
3. Before any absentee voter's ballot is delivered or mailed or before any registered elector is permitted to cast his or her vote on a voting machine, the clerk shall record such elector's name, the precinct number, and the number appearing on the stub of the ballot, together with the date the ballot is delivered or mailed. This information must be recorded on the registration record or registration list before the registration book or list is delivered to the judges of election. A separate list of the registered electors who have received absentee voters' ballots must be delivered to the judges of election in the precinct designated for counting absentee voters' ballots, or, if the clerk elects to deliver absentee voters' envelopes received from electors of each precinct to the judges of election of such precinct, as provided by section 31-10-1006, a separate list of the registered electors of each precinct who have received absentee voters' ballots must be delivered to the judges of election of each such precinct.
4. (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 640 ,  87, effective May 1, 1991.)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1061, § 1, effective July 1. L. 77: (1) amended, p. 233, § 7, effective June 19. L. 79: (2) and (3) amended, p. 1179, § 22, effective July 1. L. 87: (1) amended and (4) added, p. 329, § 89, effective July 1. L. 91: (3) and (4) amended, p. 640, § 87, effective May 1. L. 93: (1) amended, p. 1670, § 86, effective July 1; (1) and (2) amended, p. 1710, § 11, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1) amended, p. 797, § 18, effective August 2. L. 2009: (2.5) added, (HB 09-1216), ch. 165, p. 730, § 8, effective August 5. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 65, § 21, effective February 18.

31-10-1003. Self-affirmation on return envelope.

1. The return envelope shall have printed on its face a self-affirmation substantially in the following form:
2. (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 641 , § 88, effective May 1, 1991.)

"State of .... Municipality of ...., County of .... I, ...., affirm and say that I am a qualified and registered elector in the municipality of .... and state of Colorado; that my residence and post-office address is ....; and that I herein enclose my ballot in accordance with the provisions of the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965". I realize that if any false statements are contained herein that I shall be subject to prosecution for criminal action. ............................................................ Signature of voter"

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1061, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 330, § 90, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 641, § 88, effective May 1. L. 2014: (1) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 67, § 22, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-803 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: (1) For the "Colorado Municipal Election Code of 1965", see article 10 of this title.

(2) For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1004. Manner of absentee voting by paper ballot.

1. Any registered elector applying for and receiving an absent voter's ballot, in casting the ballot, shall make and subscribe to the self-affirmation on the return identification envelope. The voter shall then mark the ballot. The voter shall fold the ballot so as to conceal the marking, deposit it in the return envelope, and seal the envelope securely. The envelope may be delivered personally or mailed by the voter to the clerk issuing the ballot. It is permissible for a voter to deliver the ballot to any person of the voter's own choice or to any duly authorized agent of the clerk for mailing or personal delivery to the clerk. All envelopes containing absent voters' ballots shall be in the hands of the clerk not later than the hour of 7 p.m. on the day of election. (1.5) (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 641 , § 89, effective May 1, 1991.)
2. Upon receipt of an absent voter's ballot, the clerk shall write or stamp upon the envelope containing the same the date and hour such envelope was received in his office and, if the ballot was delivered in person, the name and address of the person delivering the same. He shall safely keep and preserve all absent voters' ballots unopened until the time prescribed for delivery to the judges, as provided in section 31-10-1006.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1062, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (2) amended, p. 1180, § 23, effective July 1. L. 87: (1) amended and (1.5) added, p. 330, § 91, effective July 1. L. 91: (1) and (1.5) amended, p. 641, § 89, effective May 1. L. 93: (1) amended, p. 1711, § 12, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-804 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1005. Absent voters' voting machines - electronic voting systems.

1. Any municipality using voting machines may provide one or more voting machines in the clerk's office for the use of qualified applicants for absent voters' ballots. If such machines are provided, they shall be available from twelve days prior to the election until the closing of business on the Friday immediately preceding the election. Votes on such machines shall be cast and counted in the same manner as votes would be cast and counted on a voting machine in a precinct polling place on election day. The clerk shall supervise the casting and counting of absent voters' ballots on the machines. The machines shall remain locked and the tabulation of the votes cast shall remain unknown until the day of the election.
2. Any municipality using an electronic voting system may provide such system for the use of qualified applicants for absent voters' ballots. Such system shall be available from twelve days prior to the election until the closing day of business on the Friday immediately preceding the election. Votes cast using such system shall be cast in the same manner as votes would be cast in a precinct polling place on election day. The clerk shall supervise the casting and counting of absent voters' ballots using such system.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1062, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-805 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1006. Delivery to judges.

Not later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of any municipal election, the clerk shall deliver to the judges of one of the precincts of the municipality, which precinct shall be selected by the clerk, all the absent voters' envelopes received up to that time, in sealed packages, taking a receipt for the packages, together with the list of absent voters, or, in the clerk's discretion, the clerk may elect to deliver the absent voters' envelopes received from electors of each precinct and the list of absent voters for each precinct to the judges of the precinct. The clerk shall continue to deliver any envelopes which may be received thereafter during said day up to and including 7 p.m. On the sealed packages shall be printed or written, "This package contains ....(number) absent voters' ballots." With the envelopes the clerk shall deliver to one of the election judges written instructions, which shall be followed by the judges of election in casting and counting the ballots, and all the books, records, and supplies as are needed for tabulating, recording, and certifying said absent voters' ballots.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1062, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1180, § 24, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1711, § 13, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-806 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1007. Casting and counting absentee ballots.

1. If the self-affirmation on the envelope containing the absentee voter's ballot is properly sworn to, one of the judges shall open such voter's identification envelope in the presence of a majority of the judges, and, after announcing in an audible voice the name of such absentee voter, he or she shall tear open such envelope without defacing the self-affirmation printed thereon or mutilating the enclosed ballot. Such ballot must then be cast and counted in the same manner as if such absentee voter had been present in person; except that one of the judges shall deposit the ballot in the ballot box without unfolding it. If the absentee voters' ballots are delivered to the judges of one precinct selected by the clerk as provided by section 31-10-1006, the absentee vote must be certified separately from the vote of the precinct where it is counted.
2. (Deleted by amendment, L. 91, p. 642 , § 90, effective May 1, 1991.)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1063, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1180, § 25, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 331, § 92, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section amended, p. 642, § 90, effective May 1. L. 2014: (1) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 67, § 23, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-807 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1008. Challenge of absentee ballots - rejection - record.

1. The vote of any absentee voter may be challenged in the same manner as other votes are challenged, and the judges of election shall have power to determine the legality of such ballot. If the challenge is sustained or if the judges determine that the self-affirmation accompanying the absentee voter's ballot is insufficient or that the voter is not a registered elector, the envelope containing the ballot of such voter shall not be opened, and the judges shall endorse on the back of the envelope the reason therefor. When it is made to appear to the judges of election by sufficient proof that any absentee voter who has marked and forwarded his or her ballot has died, the envelope containing the ballot of such deceased voter shall not be opened, and the judges shall make proper notation on the back of such envelope. If an absentee voter's envelope contains more than one marked ballot of any one kind, none of such ballots shall be counted, and the judges shall make notation on the back of the ballots the reason therefor. Judges of election shall certify in their returns the number of absentee voters' ballots cast and counted and the number of such ballots rejected.
2. All absentee voters' identification envelopes, ballot stubs, and absentee voters' ballots rejected by the judges of election in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be returned to the clerk. All absentee voters' ballots received by the clerk after 7 p.m. the day of the election, together with those rejected and returned by the judges of election, as provided in this section, shall remain in the sealed identification envelopes and be destroyed later, as provided in section 31-10-616.
3. If an absentee voter's ballot is not returned or if it is rejected and not counted, such fact shall be noted on the record kept by the clerk. Such record shall be open to public inspection under proper regulations.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1063, § 1, effective July 1. L. 91: (1) amended, p. 642, § 91, effective May 1. L. 93: (2) amended, p. 1711, § 14, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 68, § 24, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-808 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1009. Oaths for absentee ballots. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1063, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 331, § 93, effective July 1. L. 91: Entire section repealed, p. 642, § 92, effective May 1.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-10-809 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1010. Emergency absentee voting - definition.

1. 1. If the voter is confined in a hospital or his or her place of residence on election day because of conditions arising after the closing day for absent voters' ballot applications, the voter may request in a written statement, signed by him or her, that the clerk send him or her an absent voter's ballot with the word "EMERGENCY" stamped on the stubs thereof. The clerk shall deliver the emergency absent voter's ballot at his or her office, during the regular hours of business, to any authorized representative of the voter possessing a written statement from the voter's physician, physician assistant authorized under section 12-240-107 (6), advanced practice nurse, or practitioner that the voter will be confined in a hospital or his or her place of residence on election day. For the purposes of this subsection (1)(a), "authorized representative" means a person possessing a written statement from the voter containing the voter's signature, name, and address and requesting that the emergency absent voter's ballot be given to the authorized person as identified by name and address. The authorized person shall acknowledge receipt of the emergency ballot with his or her signature, name, and address.
   2. A request for an emergency absent voter's ballot under this section shall be made before, and the ballot shall be returned to the clerk's office no later than, 7 p.m. on election day.
2. Any voter unable to go to the polls because of conditions arising after the closing day for absent voters' ballot applications which will result in his absence from the precinct on election day may apply at the office of the clerk for an emergency absent voter's ballot. Upon receipt of an affidavit signed by the voter on a form provided by the clerk and attesting to the fact that the voter will be compelled to be absent from his precinct on election day because of conditions arising after the closing day for absent voters' ballot applications, the clerk shall provide the voter with an absent voter's ballot, with the word "EMERGENCY" stamped on the stubs thereof.
3. After marking his ballot, the voter shall place it in a return envelope provided by the clerk. He shall then fill out and sign the self-affirmation on the envelope, as provided in section 31-10-1003, on or before election day and return it to the office of the clerk. Upon receipt of the envelope, the clerk shall verify the voter's name on the return envelope with that which appears on his office precinct record and, if they compare, shall deliver the envelope to the election judges, as provided in section 31-10-1006.

Source: L. 79: Entire section added, p. 1181, § 26, effective July 1. L. 81: (1)(b) and (2) amended, p. 1506, § 28, effective July 1. L. 91: (3) amended, p. 643, § 93, effective May 1. L. 93: (1)(b) amended, p. 1712, § 15, effective July 1. L. 2008: (1)(a) amended, p. 135, § 28, effective January 1, 2009. L. 2016: (1)(a) amended, (SB 16-158), ch. 204, p. 729, § 23, effective August 10. L. 2019: (1)(a) amended, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1719, § 217, effective October 1.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 16-158, see section 1 of chapter 204, Session Laws of Colorado 2016.

31-10-1101. No voting unless registered.

Unless otherwise permitted pursuant to section 31-10-203, no person shall be permitted to vote at any regular or special election unless his or her name is found on the registration list or official registration book or unless registration in that precinct is confirmed as provided by section 31-10-606 (1).

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1064, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1181, § 27, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1506, § 29, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 68, § 25, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-901 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1102. Right to vote may be challenged.

1. When any person whose name appears on the registration list or in the registration book makes application for a ballot, his right to vote at that poll and election may be challenged. If the person so applying is not entitled to vote, no ballot shall be delivered to him. Any person may also be challenged when he offers his ballot for deposit in the ballot box.
2. It is the duty of any judge of election to challenge any person offering to vote who he believes is not a registered elector. In addition, challenges may be made by watchers or any registered elector of the precinct who is present.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1064, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (2) amended, p. 1506, § 30, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-902 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1103. Challenge to be made by written oath.

Each challenge shall be made by written oath, signed by the challenger under penalty of perjury, setting forth the name of the person challenged and the basis for the challenge. The judges of election shall deliver all challenges and oaths to the clerk at the time the other election papers are returned. The clerk shall forthwith deliver all challenges and oaths to the district attorney for investigation and appropriate action.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1064, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-903 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For penalty for perjury under this article, see § 31-10-1506.

31-10-1104. Challenge questions asked voter.

1. If a person offering to vote is challenged as unqualified, one of the judges shall tender to him the following written oath or affirmation: "You do solemnly swear or affirm that you will fully and truly answer all such questions as are put to you touching your place of residence and qualifications as a registered elector at this election."
2. If the person is challenged as unqualified on the ground that he is not a citizen and will not exhibit his papers pertaining to his naturalization, the judges, or one of them, shall put the following questions:
   1. "Are you a citizen of the United States?"
   2. "Are you a native or naturalized citizen?"
   4. Repealed.
3. Repealed.
4. If the person is challenged as unqualified on the ground that he or she has not resided in this state for twenty-two days immediately preceding the election, the judges, or one of them, shall put the following questions:
   1. "Have you resided in this state for twenty-two days immediately preceding this election?"
   2. "Have you been absent from this state within the twenty-two days immediately preceding this election, and during that time have you maintained a home or domicile elsewhere?"
   3. "If so, when you left, was it for a temporary purpose with the design of returning, or did you intend to remain away?"
   4. "Did you, while absent, look upon and regard this state as your home?"
   5. "Did you, while absent, vote in any state or territory?"
5. If the person is challenged on the ground that he or she has not resided in the municipality, one of the judges shall question the person as to his or her residence in a manner similar to the method of questioning a person as to his or her residence in this state.
6. If the person is challenged as unqualified on the ground that he is not eighteen years of age, the judges, or one of them, shall ask the following question: "Are you eighteen years of age or over to the best of your knowledge and belief?"
7. If the person challenged answers satisfactorily all of the questions put to him, he shall sign his name on the form of the challenge after the printed questions. The judges of election shall indicate in the proper place on the form of challenge whether the challenge was withdrawn and whether the challenged voter refused to answer the questions and left the polling place without voting.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1064, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: (2)(c), (2)(d), and (3) repealed, p. 1640, § 50, effective July 19. L. 92: (4) and (5) amended, p. 2179, § 42, effective June 2. L. 94: IP(4), (4)(a), (4)(b), and (5) amended, p. 1774, § 42, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2014: (4) and (5) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 68, § 26, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-904 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1105. Oath of challenged voter.

1. If the challenge is not withdrawn after the person offering to vote has answered the questions put to him or her, one of the judges shall tender the following oath:
2. After the person has taken the oath or affirmation, his ballot shall be received and the word "sworn" shall be written on the pollbook after the person's name.

"You do solemnly swear or affirm that you are a citizen of the United States of the age of eighteen years or over; that you have been a resident of this state for twenty-two days next preceding this election and have not retained a home or domicile elsewhere; that you are a resident of this municipality; that you are a registered elector of this precinct; and that you have not voted at this election."

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1065, § 1, effective July 1. L. 92: (1) amended, p. 2179, § 43, effective June 2. L. 94: (1) amended, p. 1775, § 43, effective January 1, 1995. L. 2014: (1) amended, (HB 14-1164), ch. 2, p. 69, § 27, effective February 18.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-905 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 14-1164, see section 1 of chapter 2, Session Laws of Colorado 2014.

31-10-1106. Refusal to answer questions or take oath.

If the challenged person refuses to answer fully any question which is put to him as provided in section 31-10-1104 or refuses to take the oath or affirmation tendered as provided in section 31-10-1105, the judges shall reject his vote.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1065, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-906 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1201. Returns - canvass.

The returns of all municipal elections shall be made to the clerk of the municipality. The clerk shall request the assistance of the mayor of the municipality in conducting the canvass of votes. If there is no mayor or if the mayor has been a candidate at the election, the clerk shall appoint a municipal judge, a member of the election commission, or a person who is qualified to be an election judge and who did not serve as an election judge in the election as an assistant. No later than ten days after the election, the clerk, in the presence of the assistant, shall open the returns and make out abstracts of votes for each office.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1065, § 1, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1712, § 16, effective July 1. L. 2015: Entire section amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 857, § 10, effective August 5.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1001 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-10-1202. Imperfect returns.

When the clerk and his assistant find that the returns from any precinct do not strictly conform to the requirements of law in making, certifying, and returning the same, the votes cast in such precinct nevertheless shall be canvassed and counted if such returns are sufficiently explicit to enable such persons authorized to canvass votes and returns to determine therefrom how many votes were cast for the several candidates.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1066, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1002 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1203. Corrections.

If, upon proceeding to canvass the votes, it clearly appears to the clerk and his assistant that in any statement produced to them certain matters are omitted which should have been inserted or that any mistakes which are merely clerical exist, they shall cause the statement to be sent to the precinct judges from whom they were received to have the same corrected. The judges of election, when so demanded, shall make such correction as the facts of the case require but shall not change or alter any decision made before by them. The clerk and his assistant may adjourn from day to day for the purpose of obtaining and receiving such statement.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1066, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1003 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1204. Tie - lots - notice to candidates.

If any two or more candidates receive an equal and the highest number of votes for the same office and if there are not enough offices remaining for all such candidates, the clerk and his assistant shall determine by lot the person who shall be elected. Reasonable notice shall be given to such candidates of the time when such election will be so determined.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1066, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1004 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1205. Statement - certificates of election.

1. The clerk shall immediately make out statements from the abstract of votes which shall show the names of the candidates and the whole number of votes given to each, distinguishing the several precincts in which they were given. The clerk and his assistant shall certify such statement to be correct and subscribe their names thereto. They shall thereupon determine which persons have been by the greatest number of votes duly elected and shall endorse and subscribe on such statements a certificate of their determination.

   (1.5) In any election in a municipality that utilizes four-year overlapping terms of office for members of the governing body as provided in sections 31-4-107 (3) and 31-4-301 (5), any available four-year terms of office shall be awarded to the candidate or the candidates receiving the highest number of votes. The term of office of the candidate or candidates receiving the next highest vote total or totals shall be shortened as provided in sections 31-4-107 (3) and 31-4-301 (5).

2. The clerk shall record in his or her office, in a book to be kept for that purpose, each such certified statement and determination and shall, without delay, make out and transmit to each of the persons declared to be elected a certificate of election, certified by the clerk under his or her seal of office. The clerk shall also, without delay, cause a copy of the certified statement and determination to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the municipality or posted when no newspaper is published within the municipality. The clerk shall also file a copy with the division of local government in the department of local affairs, which shall post the same on its official website in a form that is readily accessible to the public. The secretary of state shall provide a hyperlink to such posting on his or her official website.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1066, § 1, effective July 1. L. 93: (1.5) added, p. 1712, § 17, effective July 1. L. 96: (1.5) amended, p. 1769, § 66, effective July 1. L. 2016: (2) amended, (HB 16-1012), ch. 19, p. 44, § 1, effective August 10.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1005 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1206. Fees of municipal judge.

Each municipal judge appointed to assist the clerk in opening the returns of any municipal election and making abstracts of the votes cast thereat, as required in this article, shall receive for such services the sum of ten dollars for each day in which he is actually engaged therein, to be paid by the municipality in which such service is rendered.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1066, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1006 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1207. Recount.

1. The municipal clerk shall conduct a recount of the votes cast in any election if it appears, as evidenced by the survey of returns, that the difference between the highest number of votes cast in the election and the next highest number of votes cast in the election is less than or equal to one-half of one percent of the highest number of votes cast in the election. Any recount conducted pursuant to this subsection (1) shall be completed no later than the fifteenth day following the election and shall be paid for by the governing body. The clerk shall give notice of the recount to all candidates and, in the case of a ballot issue or question, to any petition representatives identified pursuant to sections 31-2-221 (1), 31-4-502 (1)(a)(I), and 31-11-106 (2) that are affected by the result of the election. Such notice shall be given by certified mail, by posting such notice in three public places within the municipal limits, or by other means reasonably expected to notify the affected candidates or petition representatives. Any affected candidate or petition representative is allowed to be present during and observe the recount.
2. Whenever a recount of the votes cast in an election is not required pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, any interested party, including a candidate for office or the petition representatives for a ballot issue or question, may submit to the clerk a written request for a recount at the expense of the interested party making the request. This request shall be filed with the clerk within ten days after the election. Before conducting the recount, the clerk shall give notice of the recount in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, shall determine the cost of the recount, shall notify the interested party that requested the recount of such cost, and shall collect the cost of conducting the recount from such interested party. The interested party that requested the recount shall pay on demand the cost of the recount to the clerk. The funds paid to the clerk for the recount shall be placed in escrow for payment of all expenses incurred in the recount. If, after the recount, the result of the election is reversed in favor of the interested party that requested the recount or if the amended election count is such that a recount otherwise would have been required pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the payment for expenses shall be refunded to the interested party who paid them. Any recount of votes conducted pursuant to this subsection (2) shall be completed no later than the fifteenth day after the election.
3. The clerk shall be responsible for conducting the recount and shall be assisted by those persons who assisted in preparing the official abstract of votes. If the person cannot participate in the recount, another person shall be appointed as provided in section 31-10-1201. The clerk may appoint additional persons qualified to be the election judges who did not serve as judges in the election as assistants in conducting the recount. Persons assisting in the conduct of the recount shall be compensated as provided in section 31-10-1206.
4. The clerk may require the production of any documentary evidence regarding the legality of any vote cast or counted and may correct the survey of returns in accordance with the clerk's findings based on the evidence presented.
5. In precincts using paper or electronic ballots, the recounts shall be of the ballots cast, and the votes shall be tallied on sheets other than those used at the election. In precincts using voting machines, the recount shall be of the votes tabulated on the voting machines, and separate tally sheets shall be used for each machine.
6. After a recount conducted pursuant to this section has been completed, the clerk shall notify the governing body of the results of the recount, shall make a certificate of election for each candidate who received the highest number of votes for an office for which a recount was conducted, and shall deliver the certificate to such candidate.

Source: L. 93: Entire section added, p. 1712, § 18, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1) and (2) amended and (6) added, p. 797, § 19, effective August 2. L. 2015: (1) and (2) amended, (HB 15-1130), ch. 230, p. 857, § 11, effective August 5.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 15-1130, see section 1 of chapter 230, Session Laws of Colorado 2015.

31-10-1301. Who may contest - causes.

1. The election of any person declared duly elected to any municipal office may be contested by any registered elector of such municipality:
   1. When the contestee is not eligible for the office to which he has been declared elected;
   2. When illegal votes have been received or legal votes rejected at the polls in sufficient numbers to change the results;
   3. For any error or mistake on the part of any of the judges of election or the clerk and his assistant in counting or declaring the result of the election if the error or mistake would be sufficient to change the result;
   4. For malconduct, fraud, or corruption on the part of the judges of election in any precinct or any clerk or his assistant if the malconduct, fraud, or corruption would be sufficient to change the result;
   5. For any other cause which shows that another was the legally elected person.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1067, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: IP(1) amended, p. 331, § 94, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1101 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1302. District judge to preside - bond.

1. All contested election cases of municipal officers shall be tried and determined in the district court of the county in which the municipality is located. Where a municipality is located in more than one county, the district court of either county has jurisdiction. The style and form of process, the manner of service of process and papers, the fees of officers, and judgment for costs and execution thereon shall be according to the rules and practices of the district court.
2. Before the district court is required to take jurisdiction of the contest, the contestor must file with the clerk of said court a bond, with sureties, to be approved by the district judge, running to said contestee and conditioned to pay all costs in case of failure to maintain his contest.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1067, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1102 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1303. Filing statement - contents.

The contestor shall file in the office of the clerk of the district court, within ten days after the expiration of the period within which a recount may be requested pursuant to section 31-10-1207 (2), or within ten days after the conclusion of a recount conducted pursuant to section 31-10-1207, whichever is later, a written statement of the contestor's intention to contest the election, setting forth the name of the contestor, that the contestor is a registered elector of the municipality, the name of the contestee, the office contested, the time of election, and the particular causes of the contest. The statement shall be verified by the affidavit of the contestor or some registered elector of the municipality that the causes set forth in such statement are true to the best of the affiant's knowledge and belief.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1067, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: Entire section amended, p. 332, § 95, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 799, § 20, effective August 2.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1103 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1304. Summons - answer.

1. The clerk of the district court shall thereupon issue a summons in the ordinary form, in which the contestor shall be named as plaintiff and the contestee as defendant, stating the court in which the action is brought and a brief statement of the causes of contest, as set forth in the contestor's statement. The summons shall be served upon the contestee in the same manner as other summonses are served out of the district court of this state.
2. The contestee, within ten days after the service of such summons, shall make and file his answer to the same with the clerk of said court in which he shall either admit or specifically deny each allegation intended to be controverted by the contestee on the trial of such contest and shall set up in such answer any counterstatement which he relies upon as entitling him to the office to which he has been declared elected.
3. When the reception of illegal votes or the rejection of legal votes is alleged as the cause of the contest, a list of the number of persons who so voted or offered to vote shall be set forth in the statement of contestor and shall be likewise set forth in the answer of contestee if any such cause is alleged in his answer by way of counterstatement.
4. When the answer of the contestee contains new matter constituting a counterstatement, the contestor, within ten days after the filing of such answer, shall reply to the same, admitting or specifically denying, under oath, each allegation contained in such counterstatement intended by him to be controverted on the trial, and file the same in the office of the clerk of the district court.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1067, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1104 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1305. Trial and appeals.

Immediately after the joining of issue, the district court shall fix a day for the trial to commence, not more than twenty days nor less than ten days after the joining of issue. Such trial shall take precedence over all other business in said court. The testimony may be oral or by depositions taken before any officer authorized to take depositions. Any depositions taken to be used upon the trial of such contest may be taken upon four days' notice thereof. The district judge shall cause the testimony to be taken in full and filed in said cause. The trial of such causes shall be conducted according to the rules and practice of the district court in other cases. Such proceedings may be reviewed and finally adjudicated by the supreme court of this state if application to such court is made by either party and if the supreme court is willing to assume jurisdiction of the case.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1068, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1105 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1306. Recount.

If, upon the trial of any contested election under this article, the statement or counterstatement sets forth an error in canvass sufficient to change the result, the trial judge has the power to conduct a recount of the ballots cast or the votes tabulated on the voting machines in the precinct where the alleged error was made. The court may also require the production before it of such witnesses, documents, records, and other evidence as may have or may contain information regarding the legality of any vote cast or counted for either of the contesting candidates or the correct number of votes cast for either candidate and may correct the canvass in accordance with the evidence presented and its findings thereon.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1068, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1106 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1307. Judgment.

The court shall pronounce judgment whether the contestee or any other person was duly elected. The person so declared elected is entitled to the office upon qualification. If the judgment is against the contestee and he has received his certificate, the judgment annuls it. If the court finds that no person was duly elected, the judgment shall be that the election be set aside and that a vacancy exists.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1068, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1107 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1308. Ballot questions and ballot issues - how contested.

1. The results of an election on any ballot question may be contested in the manner provided by this part 13. The grounds for such contest shall be those grounds set forth in section 31-10-1301 (1)(b), (1)(c), and (1)(d). The contestee shall be the appropriate election official. In addition to other matters required to be set forth by this part 13, the statement of intention to contest the election shall set forth the question contested.
2. Any contest arising out of a ballot issue or ballot question, as defined in section 1-1-104 (2.3) and (2.7), C.R.S., concerning the order on the ballot or concerning whether the form or content of any ballot title meets the requirements of section 20 of article X of the state constitution, shall be conducted as provided in section 1-11-203.5, C.R.S.
3. The result of an election on any ballot issue, as defined in section 1-1-104 (2.3), C.R.S., approving the creation of any debt or other financial obligation may be contested in the manner provided by this part 13. The grounds for such contest shall be those grounds set forth in sections 1-11-201 (4), C.R.S., and 31-10-1301 (1)(b), (1)(c), and (1)(d). The contestee shall be the municipality for which the ballot issue was decided.

Source: L. 81: Entire section added, p. 1507, § 31, effective July 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 1192, § 94, effective July 1. L. 2000: (2) amended, p. 799, § 21, effective August 2. L. 2003: (3) added, p. 750, § 7, effective August 6.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1108 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1401. Controversies.

1. When any controversy arises between any official charged with any duty or function under this article and any candidate or other person, the district court, upon the filing of a verified petition by any such official or person setting forth in concise form the nature of the controversy and the relief sought, shall issue an order commanding the respondent in such petition to appear before the court and answer under oath to such petition. It is the duty of the court to summarily hear and dispose of any such issues, with a view to obtaining a substantial compliance with the provisions of this article by the parties to such controversy, and to make and enter orders and judgments and to follow the procedures of such court to enforce all such orders and judgments.
2. Such proceedings may be reviewed and finally adjudicated by the supreme court of this state if application to such court is made within five days after the termination thereof by the court in which the petition was filed and if the supreme court is willing to assume jurisdiction of the case.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1068, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1201 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1402. Correction of errors.

1. The clerk shall, on his own motion, correct without delay any error in publication or sample or official ballots which he discovers or which is brought to his attention and which can be corrected without interfering with the timely distribution of the ballots.
2. When it appears by verified petition of a candidate or his agent to the district court that an error or omission has occurred in the publication of the names or descriptions of the candidates or in the printing of the sample or official ballots which has not been corrected by the clerk, the court shall issue an order requiring the clerk to forthwith correct such error or to forthwith show cause why such error should not be corrected. Costs, including a reasonable attorney fee, may be taxed in the discretion of such court against either party.
3. Such proceedings may be reviewed and finally adjudicated by the supreme court of this state if application to such court is made within five days after the termination thereof by the court in which the petition was filed and if the supreme court is willing to assume jurisdiction of the case.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1069, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1202 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1501. District attorney or attorney general to prosecute.

1. Any person may file with the district attorney an affidavit stating the name of any person who has violated any of the provisions of this article and stating the facts which constitute the alleged offense. Upon the filing of such affidavit, the district attorney shall forthwith investigate, and, if reasonable grounds appear therefor, he shall prosecute the same.
2. The attorney general of the state shall have equal power with district attorneys to file informations or complaints against any person for violating any provision of this article.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1069, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1301 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1502. Sufficiency of complaint - judicial notice.

Irregularities or defects in the mode of calling, giving notice of, convening, holding, or conducting any regular or special election constitutes no defense to a prosecution for a violation of this article. When an offense is committed in relation to any municipal election, an indictment, information, or complaint for such offense is sufficient if it alleges that such election was authorized by law, without stating the call or notice of the election, the names of the judges of election holding such election, or the names of the persons voted for at such election. Judicial notice shall be taken of the holding of any regular or special election.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1069, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: Entire section amended, p. 1507, § 32, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1302 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1503. Immunity of witness from prosecution.

Any person violating any provision of this article is a competent witness against any other such violator and may be compelled to attend and testify upon any trial, hearing, proceeding, or investigation in the same manner as any other person, but the testimony so given shall not be used in any prosecution or proceeding, civil or criminal, against the person so testifying except for perjury in giving such testimony. A person so testifying shall not thereafter be liable to indictment, prosecution, or punishment for the offense with reference to which his testimony was given and may plead or prove the giving of testimony accordingly in bar of such indictment or prosecution.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1303 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1504. Penalties for election offenses.

In all cases where an offense is denominated by this article as being a misdemeanor and no penalty is specified, the offender, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1304 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1505. Payment of fines.

All fines collected under the provisions of this article shall be paid to the county in which the municipality concerned is located.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1305 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1506. Perjury.

Any person, having taken any oath or made any affirmation required by this article, who swears or affirms willfully, corruptly, and falsely in a matter material to the issue or point in question or suborns any other person to swear or affirm willfully, corruptly, and falsely commits perjury in the second degree or subornation of perjury.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1306 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1507. Forgery.

Any person who falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any ballot before or after it has been cast, or who forges any name of a person as a signer or witness to a petition or nomination paper, or who forges the name of a registered elector to an absent voter's ballot commits forgery.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1. L. 97: Entire section amended, p. 1027, § 57, effective August 6.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1307 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1508. Tampering with nomination papers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who, being in possession of nomination papers entitled to be filed under this article, wrongfully or willfully destroys, defaces, mutilates, suppresses, neglects, or fails to cause the same to be filed by the proper time in the clerk's office or who files any such paper knowing the same, or any part thereof, to be falsely made commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1508. Tampering with nomination papers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who, being in possession of nomination papers entitled to be filed under this article 10, wrongfully or willfully destroys, defaces, mutilates, suppresses, neglects, or fails to cause the same to be filed by the proper time in the clerk's office or who files any such paper knowing the same, or any part thereof, to be falsely made commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3251, § 512, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1509. Bribery of petition signers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who offers or knowingly permits any person to offer for his benefit any bribe or promise of gain to an elector to induce him to sign any nomination petition or other election paper or any person who accepts any such bribe or promise of gain of any kind in the nature of a bribe as consideration for signing the same, whether such bribe or promise of gain in the nature of a bribe is offered or accepted before or after signing, commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1509. Bribery of petition signers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who offers or knowingly permits any person to offer for his or her benefit any bribe or promise of gain to an elector to induce the elector to sign any nomination petition or other election paper, or any person who accepts any such bribe or promise of gain of any kind in the nature of a bribe as consideration for signing the same, whether such bribe or promise of gain in the nature of a bribe is offered or accepted before or after signing, commits a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3251, § 513, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1510. Statements of expenses. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1070, § 1, effective July 1. L. 85: Entire section repealed, p. 273, § 7, effective April 30.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-10-1310 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1511. Custody and delivery of ballots and other election papers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022.]

1. Any election official having charge of official ballots, tally sheets, the registration book or list, and the pollbook who destroys, conceals, or suppresses the same, except as expressly permitted by this article, commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.
2. Any election official who has undertaken to deliver the official ballots, the tally sheets, the registration book or list, and the pollbook to the clerk and who neglects or refuses to do so within the time prescribed by law or who fails to account fully for all official ballots and other papers in his charge commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1511. Custody and delivery of ballots and other election papers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022.]

1. Any election official having charge of official ballots, tally sheets, the registration book or list, and the pollbook who destroys, conceals, or suppresses the same, except as expressly permitted by this article 10, commits a class 1 misdemeanor.
2. Any election official who has undertaken to deliver the official ballots, the tally sheets, the registration book or list, and the pollbook to the clerk and who neglects or refuses to do so within the time prescribed by law or who fails to account fully for all official ballots and other papers in the election official's charge commits a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1071, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3251, § 514, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1512. Destroying, removing, or delaying delivery of ballots and other election papers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who willfully destroys or defaces any ballot or tally sheet, or who willfully delays the delivery of the ballots, tally sheets, registration book or list, or pollbook, or who conceals or removes any ballot, ballot box, or tally sheet from the polling place or from the possession of the person authorized by law to have the custody thereof, or who aids, counsels, procures, or assists any person in doing any of said acts commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1512. Destroying, removing, or delaying delivery of ballots and other election papers.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who willfully destroys or defaces any ballot or tally sheet, or who willfully delays the delivery of the ballots, tally sheets, registration book or list, or pollbook, or who conceals or removes any ballot, ballot box, or tally sheet from the polling place or from the possession of the person authorized by law to have the custody thereof, or who aids, counsels, procures, or assists any person in doing any of said acts commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1071, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3251, § 515, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1513. Unlawfully refusing or permitting to vote.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any election judge who willfully and maliciously refuses or neglects to receive the ballot of any registered elector who has taken or offered to take the oath prescribed in section 31-10-1105 or knowingly and willfully permits any person to vote who is not entitled to vote at any election commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1513. Unlawfully refusing or permitting to vote.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any election judge who willfully and maliciously refuses or neglects to receive the ballot of any registered elector who has taken or offered to take the oath prescribed in section 31-10-1105 or knowingly and willfully permits any person to vote who is not entitled to vote at any election commits a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1071, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3252, § 516, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1514. Revealing how elector voted.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any election official, watcher, or person who assists an individual with a disability in voting and who reveals how the individual with a disability voted commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1514. Revealing how elector voted.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any election official, watcher, or person who assists an individual with a disability in voting and who reveals how the individual with a disability voted commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1071, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2014: Entire section amended, (SB 14-118), ch. 250, p. 986, § 21, effective August 6. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3252, § 517, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1515. Violation of duty.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any municipal official election official or other person upon whom any duty is imposed by this article who violates, neglects, or omits to perform such duty or is guilty of corrupt conduct in the discharge of the same or any notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths who administers an oath knowing it to be false or who knowingly makes a false certificate in regard to an election matter commits a misdemeanor for each offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1515. Violation of duty.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any municipal official election official or other person upon whom any duty is imposed by this article 10 who violates, neglects, or omits to perform such duty or is guilty of corrupt conduct in the discharge of the same, or any notary public or other officer authorized by law to administer oaths who administers an oath knowing it to be false or who knowingly makes a false certificate in regard to an election matter, commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1071, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3252, § 518, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1516. Unlawful receipt of money.

1. It is unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by himself or through any other person:
   1. To receive, agree to, or contract for, before or during any municipal election, any money, gift, loan, or other valuable consideration for himself or any other person for voting or agreeing to vote, or for going or agreeing to go to the polls, or for remaining away or agreeing to remain away from the polls, or for refraining or agreeing to refrain from voting for any particular person or measure at any municipal election; or
   2. To receive any money or other valuable thing during or after any municipal election on account of himself or any other person for voting or refraining from voting at such election, or on account of himself or any other person for voting or refraining from voting for any particular person at such election, or on account of himself or any other person for going to the polls or remaining away from the polls at such election, or on account of having induced any person to vote or refrain from voting for any particular person or measure at such election.
2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Each offense mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, the offender shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

   (2) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Each offense mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1072, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: (2) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3252, § 519, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1517. Disclosing or identifying vote.

1. No person shall solicit or induce a voter to reveal how he or she voted. No voter shall place any mark upon his or her ballot by means of which it can be identified as the one voted by him or her, and no other mark shall be placed upon the ballot to identify it after it has been prepared for voting.
2. 1. Any voter may show his or her voted ballot to any other person as long as the disclosure is not undertaken in furtherance of any election violation proscribed in this part 15.
   2. Any voter who makes available an image of the voter's own ballot through electronic means after it is prepared for voting is deemed to have consented to the transmittal of that image.
   3. The ability of a voter to disclose his or her voted ballot as described in this subsection (2) at a polling place or at any other location at which votes are being tabulated is subject to the power of the clerk to properly monitor activity at such polling place or other location, including placing reasonable restrictions on the use of photography in such settings or imposing other restrictions on activity in such settings as the clerk finds necessary, to ensure the fair and efficient conduct of elections.
3. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (3) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Any person violating subsection (1) of this section commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

   (3) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (3) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person violating subsection (1) of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1072, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2017: Entire section amended, (HB 17-1014), ch. 42, p. 124, § 2, effective August 9. L. 2021: (3) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3252, § 520, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1518. Delivering and receiving ballots at polls.

1. No voter shall receive an official ballot from any person except one of the judges of election, and no person other than a judge of election shall deliver an official ballot to a voter.
2. No person except a judge of election shall receive from any voter a ballot prepared for voting.
3. Any voter who does not vote the ballot received by him shall return his ballot to the judge of election from whom he received the same before leaving the polling place.
4. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (4) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Each violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, the offender shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

   (4) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (4) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Each violation of the provisions of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1072, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) to (3) amended, p. 1507, § 33, effective July 1. L. 2021: (4) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3253, § 521, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1519. Voting twice.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who votes more than once or, having voted once, offers to vote again or offers to deposit in the ballot box more than one ballot, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than eighteen months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

31-10-1519. Voting twice.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who votes more than once or, having voted once, offers to vote again or offers to deposit in the ballot box more than one ballot commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1072, § 1, effective July 1. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 858, § 105, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3253, § 522, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1520. Voting in the wrong precinct.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who, at any municipal election, fraudulently votes or offers to vote in any precinct in which he or she does not reside shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than eighteen months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

31-10-1520. Voting in the wrong precinct.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who, at any municipal election, fraudulently votes or offers to vote in any precinct in which he or she does not reside commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1072, § 1, effective July 1. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 858, § 106, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3253, § 523, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1521. Electioneering near polls.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who does any electioneering on election day within any polling place or in any public street or room or in any public manner within one hundred feet of any building in which a polling place is located commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1521. Electioneering near polls.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who does any electioneering on election day within any polling place or in any public street or room or in any public manner within one hundred feet of any building in which a polling place is located commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1073, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3253, § 524, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1521.5. Anonymous statements concerning candidates or issues - penalties. (Repealed)

Source: L. 93: Entire section added, p. 1713, § 19, effective July 1. L. 97: Entire section repealed, p. 1545, § 16, effective July 1.

31-10-1522. Employer's unlawful acts.

1. It is unlawful for any employer, whether corporation, association, company, firm, or person, or any officer or agent of such employer:
   1. To refuse any of his employees the privilege of taking time off to vote as provided in section 31-10-603; or
   2. To influence the vote of any employee by force, violence, or restraint, or by inflicting or threatening to inflict any injury, damage, harm, or loss, or by discharging from employment, or by promoting in employment; or
   3. To enclose, in paying his employees the salary or wages due them, their pay in pay envelopes upon which there are written or printed any political mottoes, devices, or arguments containing threats, expressed or implied, intended or calculated to control the political opinions, views, or actions of such employees; or
   4. To put up or otherwise exhibit, within ninety days prior to any municipal election, in his factory, workshop, mine, mill, office, or other establishment or place where his employees may be working or be present in the course of such employment any handbill, notice, or placard containing any threat, notice, or information that, in case any particular candidate is elected or issue is carried, work in his place or establishment will cease in whole or in part or the wages of his employees be reduced or containing any other threats, expressed or implied, intended or calculated to control the political opinions or actions of his employees; or
   5. To either expressly or by implication threaten, intimidate, influence, induce, or compel any employee to vote or refrain from voting for any particular person or issue in any municipal election or to refrain from voting at any municipal election.
2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Each offense mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, the offender shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

   (2) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Each offense mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1073, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: (2) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3253, § 525, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1523. Intimidation.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] It is unlawful for any person directly or indirectly, by himself or any other person in his behalf, to make use of any force, violence, restraint, abduction, duress, or forcible or fraudulent device or contrivance, or to inflict or threaten the infliction of any injury, damage, harm, or loss, or in any manner to practice intimidation upon or against any person in order to impede, prevent, or otherwise interfere with the free exercise of the elective franchise of any qualified elector, or to compel, induce, or prevail upon any qualified elector either to give or refrain from giving his vote at any municipal election or to give or refrain from giving his vote for any particular person or measure at any such election. Each such offense is a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, the offender shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1523. Intimidation.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] It is unlawful for any person directly or indirectly, by himself or herself, or any other person in his or her behalf, to make use of any force, violence, restraint, abduction, duress, or forcible or fraudulent device or contrivance, or to inflict or threaten the infliction of any injury, damage, harm, or loss, or in any manner to practice intimidation upon or against any person in order to impede, prevent, or otherwise interfere with the free exercise of the elective franchise of any qualified elector, or to compel, induce, or prevail upon any qualified elector either to give or refrain from giving the elector's vote at any municipal election or to give or refrain from giving the elector's vote for any particular person or measure at any such election. Each such offense is a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1073, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3253, § 526, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1524. Unlawfully giving or promising money.

1. It is unlawful for any person, directly, by himself, or through any other person:
   1. To pay, loan, or contribute or offer or promise to pay, loan, or contribute any money or other valuable consideration to or for any qualified or registered elector or to or for any other person to induce such elector to vote or refrain from voting at any municipal election, or to induce any registered elector to vote or refrain from voting at such election for any particular person, or to induce such elector to go to the polls or remain away from the polls at such election or on account of such qualified or registered elector having voted or refrained from voting for any particular person or having gone to the polls or remained away from the polls at such election; or
   2. To advance or pay or cause to be paid any money or other valuable thing to or for the use of any other person with the intent that the same, or any part thereof, be used in bribery at any municipal election or to knowingly pay or cause to be paid any money or other valuable thing to any person in discharge or repayment of any money wholly or in part expended in bribery at any such election.
2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Each offense mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, the offender shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

   (2) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Each offense mentioned in subsection (1) of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1073, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: (2) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3254, § 527, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1525. Corrupt means of influencing vote.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] If any person, by bribery, menace, or other corrupt means or device whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, attempts to influence any voter of this state in giving his vote or ballot, or deters him from giving the same, or disturbs or hinders him in the free exercise of the right of suffrage at any municipal election in this state, or fraudulently or deceitfully changes or alters a ballot, such person so offending commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1525. Corrupt means of influencing vote.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] If any person, by bribery, menace, or other corrupt means or device whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, attempts to influence any voter of this state in giving the voter's vote or ballot, or deters the voter from giving the same, or disturbs or hinders the voter in the free exercise of the right of suffrage at any municipal election in this state, or fraudulently or deceitfully changes or alters a ballot, such person so offending commits a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1074, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3254, § 528, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1526. Interference with voter while voting.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who interferes with any voter when inside the immediate voting area or when marking a ballot or operating a voting machine commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1526. Interference with voter while voting.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who interferes with any voter when inside the immediate voting area or when marking a ballot or operating a voting machine commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1074, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3254, § 529, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1527. Introducing liquor into polls - repeal.

1. It is unlawful for any person to introduce into any polling place or to use therein or offer to another for use therein at any time while any election is in progress or the results thereof are being ascertained by the counting of the ballots any intoxicating malt, spirituous, or vinous liquors. Each such offense is a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, the offender shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.
2. This section is repealed, effective March 1, 2022.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1074, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section repealed, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3254, § 530, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1528. Inducing defective ballot.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who willfully causes a ballot to misstate in any way the wishes of the voter casting the same or who causes any other deceit to be practiced with intent fraudulently to induce such voter to deposit a defective ballot so as to have the ballot thrown out and not counted commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1528. Inducing defective ballot.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who willfully causes a ballot to misstate in any way the wishes of the voter casting the same or who causes any other deceit to be practiced with intent fraudulently to induce such voter to deposit a defective ballot so as to have the ballot thrown out and not counted commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1074, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3254, § 531, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1529. Personating elector.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who falsely personates any registered elector and votes under the name of such elector shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than eighteen months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

31-10-1529. Personating elector.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who falsely personates any registered elector and votes under the name of such elector commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1074, § 1, effective July 1. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 858, § 107, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3254, § 532, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1530. Altering posted abstract of votes.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who defaces, mutilates, alters, or unlawfully removes the abstract of votes posted outside of a polling place commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1530. Altering posted abstract of votes.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who defaces, mutilates, alters, or unlawfully removes the abstract of votes posted outside of a polling place commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1074, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3255, § 533, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1531. Wagers with electors.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] It is unlawful for any person, including any candidate for public office, before or during any municipal election, to make any bet or wager with a qualified elector or take a share or interest in, or in any manner become a party to, any such bet or wager or provide or agree to provide any money to be used by another in making such bet or wager upon any event or contingency whatever arising out of such election. For each such offense, the offender commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1531. Wagers with electors.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] It is unlawful for any person, including any candidate for public office, before or during any municipal election, to make any bet or wager with a qualified elector or take a share or interest in, or in any manner become a party to, any such bet or wager or provide or agree to provide any money to be used by another in making such bet or wager upon any event or contingency whatever arising out of such election. For each such offense, the offender commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3255, § 534, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1532. Tampering with notices or supplies.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who, prior to a municipal election, willfully defaces, removes, or destroys any notice of election posted in accordance with the provisions of this article, or who, during an election, willfully defaces, removes, or destroys any card of instruction or sample ballot posted for the instruction of voters, or who, during an election, willfully removes or destroys any of the supplies or conveniences furnished to enable a voter to prepare his ballot commits a misdemeanor for each offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1532. Tampering with notices or supplies.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who, prior to a municipal election, willfully defaces, removes, or destroys any notice of election posted in accordance with the provisions of this article 10, or who, during an election, willfully defaces, removes, or destroys any card of instruction or sample ballot posted for the instruction of voters, or who, during an election, willfully removes or destroys any of the supplies or conveniences furnished to enable a voter to prepare the voter's ballot commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3255, § 535, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1533. Tampering with registration book, registration list, or pollbook.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who mutilates or erases any name, figure, or word on any registration book, registration list, or pollbook, or who removes such registration book, registration list, or pollbook or any part thereof from the place where it has been deposited with an intention to destroy the same, or to procure or prevent the election of any person, or to prevent any registered elector from voting, or who destroys any registration book or pollbook or part thereof commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1533. Tampering with registration book, registration list, or pollbook.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who mutilates or erases any name, figure, or word on any registration book, registration list, or pollbook, or who removes such registration book, registration list, or pollbook or any part thereof from the place where it has been deposited with an intention to destroy the same, or to procure or prevent the election of any person, or to prevent any registered elector from voting, or who destroys any registration book or pollbook or part thereof commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3255, § 536, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1534. Tampering with voting machine.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who tampers with a voting machine before, during, or after any municipal election with intent to change the tabulation of votes thereon to reflect other than an accurate accounting commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1534. Tampering with voting machine.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who tampers with a voting machine before, during, or after any municipal election with intent to change the tabulation of votes thereon to reflect other than an accurate accounting commits a class 1 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3255, § 537, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1535. Interference with election official.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any person who at any municipal election intentionally interferes with any election official in the discharge of his duty, or who induces any election official to violate or refuse to comply with his duty, or who aids, counsels, procures, advises, or assists any person to do so commits a misdemeanor for each offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1535. Interference with election official.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person who at any municipal election intentionally interferes with any election official in the discharge of the election official's duty, or who induces any election official to violate or refuse to comply with the election official's duty, or who aids, counsels, procures, advises, or assists any person to do so commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3256, § 538, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1536. Unlawful qualification as taxpaying elector.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] It is unlawful to take or place title to property in the name of another, or to pay the taxes, or to take or issue a tax receipt in the name of another for the purpose of attempting to qualify such person as a "qualified taxpaying elector", or to aid or assist any person to do so. The ballot of any such person violating this section shall be void. Each person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor for each offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 31-10-1504.

31-10-1536. Unlawful qualification as taxpaying elector.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] It is unlawful to take or place title to property in the name of another, or to pay the taxes, or to take or issue a tax receipt in the name of another for the purpose of attempting to qualify such person as a "qualified taxpaying elector", or to aid or assist any person to do so. The ballot of any such person violating this section shall be void. Each person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3256, § 539, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1537. Absentee voting.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until March 1, 2022. ] Any election official or other person who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this article relative to the casting of absent voters' ballots or who aids or abets fraud in connection with any absent vote cast or to be cast shall be punished by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than eighteen months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

31-10-1537. Absentee voting.

[ Editor's note: This version of this section is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any election official or other person who knowingly violates any of the provisions of this article 10 relative to the casting of absent voters' ballots or who aids or abets fraud in connection with any absent vote cast or to be cast commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1075, § 1, effective July 1. L. 95: Entire section amended, p. 859, § 108, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3256, § 540, effective March 1, 2022.

31-10-1538. Article to be liberally construed.

This article shall be liberally construed so that all legally registered electors may be permitted to vote and so that fraud and corruption in municipal elections may be prevented.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1076, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1338 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1539. Applicability.

1. This article shall apply to regular and special municipal elections.
2. This article shall not apply to cities, towns, or cities and counties having home rule, but any such city, town, or city and county may adopt all or any part of this article by reference.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1076, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-1339 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-10-1540. Political campaign signs - restrictions. (Repealed)

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1076, § 1, effective July 1. L. 79: Entire section repealed, p. 293, § 1, effective June 7.

Editor's note: Before its repeal, this section was similar to former § 31-10-1340 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-11-101. Legislative declaration.

It is the intention of the general assembly to set forth in this article the procedures for exercising the initiative and referendum powers reserved to the municipal electors in subsection (9) of section 1 of article V of the state constitution. It is not the intention of the general assembly to limit or abridge in any manner these powers but rather to properly safeguard, protect, and preserve inviolate for municipal electors these modern instrumentalities of democratic government.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 422, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-102. Applicability of article.

This article shall apply to municipal initiatives, referenda, and referred measures unless alternative procedures are provided by charter, ordinance, or resolution.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 422, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-103. Definitions.

As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Ballot title" means the language that is printed on the ballot that is comprised of the submission clause and the title.
2. "Final determination of petition sufficiency" means the date following passage of the period of time within which a protest must be filed pursuant to section 31-11-110 or the date on which any protest filed pursuant to section 31-11-110 results in a finding of sufficiency, whichever is later.
3. "Petition section" means the stapled or otherwise bound package of documents described in section 31-11-106.
4. "Submission clause" means the language that is attached to the title to form a question that can be answered by "yes" or "no".
5. "Title" means a brief statement that fairly and accurately represents the true intent and meaning of the proposed initiative, referendum, or referred measure.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 422, § 1, effective May 8. L. 96: (2) amended, p. 1770, § 67, effective July 1.

31-11-103.5. Computation of time.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, calendar days shall be used in all computations of time made under the provisions of this article. In computing time for any act to be done before any municipal election, the first day shall be included, and the last or election day shall be excluded. Except when computing business days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be included, but, if the time for any act to be done or the last day of any period is a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the period is extended to include the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. If the time for an act to be done under this article is referred to in business days, the time shall be computed by excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

Source: L. 2000: Entire section added, p. 799, § 22, effective August 2.

31-11-104. Ordinances - initiative - conflicting measures.

1. Any proposed ordinance may be submitted to the legislative body of any municipality by filing written notice of the proposed ordinance with the clerk and, within one hundred eighty days after approval of the petition pursuant to section 31-11-106 (1), by filing a petition signed by at least five percent of the registered electors of the city or town on the date of such notice. The proposed ordinance may be adopted without alteration by the legislative body within twenty days following the final determination of petition sufficiency. If vetoed by the mayor, the proposed ordinance may be passed over the mayor's veto within ten days after the veto. If the proposed ordinance is not adopted by the legislative body, the legislative body shall forthwith publish the proposed ordinance as other ordinances are published and shall refer the proposed ordinance, in the form petitioned for, to the registered electors of the municipality at a regular or special election held not less than sixty days and not more than one hundred fifty days after the final determination of petition sufficiency, unless otherwise required by the state constitution. The ordinance shall not take effect unless a majority of the registered electors voting on the measure at the election vote in favor of the measure.
2. Alternative ordinances may be submitted at the same election, and, if two or more conflicting measures are approved by the people, the one that receives the greatest number of affirmative votes shall be adopted in all particulars as to which there is a conflict.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 423, § 1, effective May 8. L. 96: (1) amended, p. 1770, § 68, effective July 1. L. 2000: (1) amended, p. 799, § 23, effective August 2.

31-11-105. Ordinances - when effective - referendum.

1. No ordinance passed by the legislative body of any municipality shall take effect before thirty days after its final passage and publication, except an ordinance calling for a special election or necessary to the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, and not then unless the ordinance states in a separate section the reasons why it is necessary and unless it receives the affirmative vote of three-fourths of all the members elected to the legislative body taken by ayes and noes.
2. Within thirty days after final publication of the ordinance, a referendum petition protesting against the effect of the ordinance or any part thereof may be filed with the clerk. The petition must be signed during the thirty-day period by at least five percent of the registered electors of the municipality registered on the date of final publication.
3. If a referendum petition is filed, the ordinance or part thereof protested against shall not take effect, and, upon a final determination of petition sufficiency, the legislative body shall promptly reconsider the ordinance. If the petition is declared not sufficient by the clerk or found not sufficient in a protest, the ordinance shall forthwith take effect, unless otherwise provided therein.
4. If, upon reconsideration, the ordinance or part thereof protested is not repealed, the legislative body shall submit the measure to a vote of the registered electors at a regular or special election held not less than sixty days and not more than one hundred fifty days after the final determination of petition sufficiency, unless otherwise required by the state constitution. The ordinance or part thereof shall not take effect unless a majority of the registered electors voting on the measure at the election vote in favor of the measure.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 423, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-106. Form of petition sections.

1. Each petition section shall be printed in a form consistent with the requirements of this article. No petition section shall be printed or circulated unless the form and the first printer's proof of the petition section have first been approved by the clerk. The clerk shall approve or reject the form and the first printer's proof of the petition no later than five business days following the date on which the clerk received such material. The clerk shall assure that the petition section contains only those elements required by this article and contains no extraneous material. The clerk may reject a petition or a section of a petition on the grounds that the petition or a section of the petition does not propose municipal legislation pursuant to section 1 (9) of article V of the state constitution.
2. Each petition section shall designate by name and mailing address two persons who shall represent the proponents thereof in all matters affecting the petition and to whom all notices or information concerning the petition shall be mailed.
3. 1. At the top of each page of every initiative or referendum petition section, the following shall be printed, in a form as prescribed by the clerk:
   2. A summary of the proposed initiative or ordinance that is the subject of a referendum petition shall be printed following the warning on each page of a petition section. The summary shall be true and impartial and shall not be an argument, or likely to create prejudice, either for or against the measure. The summary shall be prepared by the clerk.
   3. The full text of the proposed initiated measure or ordinance that is the subject of a referendum petition shall be printed following the summary on the first page or pages of the petition section that precede the signature page. Notwithstanding the requirement of paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), if the text of the proposed initiated measure or ordinance requires more than one page of a petition section, the warning and summary need not appear at the top of other than the initial text page.
   4. The signature pages shall consist of the warning and the summary, followed by ruled lines numbered consecutively for registered electors' signatures. If a petition section contains multiple signature pages, all signature lines shall be numbered consecutively, from the first signature page through the last. The signature pages shall follow the page or pages on which the full text of the proposed initiated measure or ordinance that is the subject of the referendum petition is printed.
   5. 1. Following the signature pages of each petition section, there shall be attached a signed, notarized, and dated affidavit executed by the person who circulated the petition section, which shall include the following:
         1. The affiant's printed name, the address at which the affiant resides, including the street name and number, the municipality, the county, and the date the affiant signed the affidavit;
         2. That the affiant has read and understands the laws governing the circulation of petition;
         3. That the affiant was eighteen years of age or older at the time the section of the petition was circulated and signed by the listed electors;
         4. That the affiant circulated the section of the petition;
         5. That each signature thereon was affixed in the affiant's presence;
         6. That each signature thereon is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be;
         7. That, to the best of the affiant's knowledge and belief, each of the persons signing the petition section was, at the time of signing, a registered elector; and
         8. That the affiant has not paid or will not in the future pay and that the affiant believes that no other person has paid or will pay, directly or indirectly, any money or other thing of value to any signer for the purpose of inducing or causing such signer to affix the signer's signature to the petition.
      2. The clerk shall not accept for filing any section of a petition that does not have attached thereto the notarized affidavit required by subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (e). Any disassembly of a section of the petition that has the effect of separating the affidavit from the signature page or pages shall render that section of the petition invalid and of no force and effect.
      3. Any signature added to a section of a petition after the affidavit has been executed shall be invalid.
4. All sections of any petition shall be prenumbered serially.
5. Any petition section that fails to conform to the requirements of this article or that is circulated in a manner other than that permitted by this article shall be invalid.

WARNING: IT IS AGAINST THE LAW:

For anyone to sign any initiative or referendum petition with any name other than his or her own or to knowingly sign his or her name more than once for the same measure or to knowingly sign a petition when not a registered elector who is eligible to vote on the measure.

DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION UNLESS YOU ARE A REGISTERED ELECTOR AND ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON THIS MEASURE. TO BE A REGISTERED ELECTOR, YOU MUST BE A CITIZEN OF COLORADO AND REGISTERED TO VOTE.

Do not sign this petition unless you have read or have had read to you the proposed initiative or referred measure or the summary in its entirety and understand its meaning.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 424, § 1, effective May 8. L. 2000: (1) and (3)(e)(I) amended, p. 800, § 24, effective August 2.

31-11-107. Circulators - requirements.

The circulation of any petition section other than personally by a circulator is prohibited. No section of a petition for any initiative or referendum measure shall be circulated by any person who is not at least eighteen years of age at the time the section is circulated.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 426, § 1, effective May 8. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 801, § 25, effective August 2.

31-11-108. Signatures.

Any initiative or referendum petition shall be signed only by registered electors who are eligible to vote on the measure. Each registered elector shall sign his or her own signature and shall print his or her name, the address at which he or she resides, including the street number and name, the city or town, the county, and the date of signing. Each registered elector signing a petition shall be encouraged by the circulator of the petition to sign the petition in ink. In the event a registered elector is physically disabled or is illiterate and wishes to sign the petition, the elector shall sign or make his or her mark in the space so provided. Any person, but not a circulator, may assist the disabled or illiterate elector in completing the remaining information required by this section. The person providing assistance shall sign his or her name and address and shall state that such assistance was given to the disabled or illiterate elector.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 426, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-109. Signature verification - statement of sufficiency.

1. The clerk shall inspect timely filed initiative or referendum petitions and the attached affidavits, and may do so by examining the information on signature lines for patent defects, by comparing the information on signature lines against a list of registered electors provided by the county, or by other reasonable means.
2. After examining the petition, the clerk shall issue a statement as to whether a sufficient number of valid signatures have been submitted. A copy of the statement shall be mailed to the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to section 31-11-106 (2).
3. The statement of sufficiency or insufficiency shall be issued no later than thirty calendar days after the petition has been filed. If the clerk fails to issue a statement within thirty calendar days, the petition shall be deemed sufficient.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 427, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-110. Protest.

1. Within forty days after an initiative or referendum petition is filed, a protest in writing under oath may be filed in the office of the clerk by any registered elector who resides in the municipality, setting forth specifically the grounds for such protest. The grounds for protest may include, but shall not be limited to, the failure of any portion of a petition or circulator affidavit to meet the requirements of this article. No signature may be challenged that is not identified in the protest by section and line number. The clerk shall forthwith mail a copy of such protest to the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to section 31-11-106 (2) and to the protester, together with a notice fixing a time for hearing such protest that is not less than five or more than ten days after such notice is mailed.
2. The county clerk shall furnish a requesting protester with a list of the registered electors in the municipality and shall charge a fee to cover the cost of furnishing the list.
3. Every hearing shall be held before the clerk with whom such protest is filed. The clerk shall serve as hearing officer unless some other person is designated by the legislative body as the hearing officer, and the testimony in every such hearing shall be under oath. The hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses. The hearing shall be summary and not subject to delay and shall be concluded within sixty days after the petition is filed. No later than five days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written determination of whether the petition is sufficient or not sufficient. If the hearing officer determines that a petition is not sufficient, the officer shall identify those portions of the petition that are not sufficient and the reasons therefor. The result of the hearing shall be forthwith certified to the protester and to the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to section 31-11-106 (2). The determination as to petition sufficiency may be reviewed by the district court for the county in which such municipality or portion thereof is located upon application of the protester, the persons designated as representing the petition proponents pursuant to section 31-11-106 (2), or the municipality, but such review shall be had and determined forthwith.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 427, § 1, effective May 8. L. 2000: (1) amended, p. 801, § 26, effective August 2.

31-11-111. Initiatives, referenda, and referred measures - ballot titles.

1. After an election has been ordered pursuant to section 31-11-104 or 31-11-105, the legislative body of the municipality or its designee shall promptly fix a ballot title for each initiative or referendum.
2. The legislative body of any municipality may, without receipt of any petition, submit any proposed or adopted ordinance or resolution or any question to a vote of the registered electors of the municipality. The legislative body of the municipality or its designee shall fix a ballot title for the referred measure.
3. In fixing the ballot title, the legislative body or its designee shall consider the public confusion that might be caused by misleading titles and shall, whenever practicable, avoid titles for which the general understanding of the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote would be unclear. The ballot title shall not conflict with those titles selected for any other measure that will appear on the municipal ballot in the same election. The ballot title shall correctly and fairly express the true intent and meaning of the measure.
4. Any protest concerning a ballot title shall be conducted as provided by local charter, ordinance, or resolution.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 428, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-112. Petitions - not election materials - no bilingual requirement.

The general assembly hereby determines that initiative and referendum petitions are not election materials or information covered by the federal "Voting Rights Act of 1965", and are therefore not required to be printed in any language other than English in order to be circulated in any municipality in Colorado.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 428, § 1, effective May 8.

Cross references: For the federal "Voting Rights Act of 1965", see Pub.L. 89-110.

31-11-113. Receiving money to circulate petitions - filing.

The proponents of the petition shall file with the clerk a report disclosing the amount paid per signature and the total amount paid to each circulator. The filing shall be made at the same time the petition is filed with the clerk. Any payment made to circulators is an expenditure under article 45 of title 1, C.R.S.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 428, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-114. Unlawful acts - penalty.

1. It is unlawful:
   1. For any person willfully and knowingly to circulate or cause to be circulated or sign or procure to be signed any petition bearing the name, device, or motto of any person, organization, association, league, or political party, or purporting in any way to be endorsed, approved, or submitted by any person, organization, association, league, or political party, without the written consent, approval, and authorization of the person, organization, association, league, or political party;
   2. For any person to sign any name other than his or her own name to any petition or knowingly to sign his or her name more than once for the same measure at one election;
   3. For any person knowingly to sign any petition relating to an initiative or referendum in a municipality who is not a registered elector of that municipality at the time of signing the petition;
   4. For any person to sign any affidavit as circulator without knowing or reasonably believing the statements made in the affidavit to be true;
   5. For any person to certify that an affidavit attached to a petition was subscribed or sworn to before him or her unless it was so subscribed and sworn to before him or her and unless the person so certifying is duly qualified under the laws of this state to administer an oath;
   6. For any officer or person to do willfully, or with another or others conspire, or agree, or confederate to do, any act that hinders, delays, or in any way interferes with the calling, holding, or conducting of any election permitted under the initiative and referendum powers reserved by the people in section 1 of article V of the state constitution or with the registering of electors therefor;
   7. For any officer to do willfully any act that shall confuse or tend to confuse the issues submitted or proposed to be submitted at any election or refuse to submit any petition in the form presented for submission at any election;
   8. For any officer or person to violate willfully any provision of this article.
2. [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective until March 1, 2022.] Any person, upon conviction of a violation of any provision of this section, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than one year in the county jail, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

   (2) [ Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective March 1, 2022. ] Any person upon conviction of a violation of any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 429, § 1, effective May 8. L. 2021: (2) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3256, § 541, effective March 1, 2022.

Editor's note: Section 803(2) of chapter 462 (SB 21-271), Session Laws of Colorado 2021, provides that the act changing this section applies to offenses committed on or after March 1, 2022.

31-11-115. Tampering with initiative or referendum petition.

1. Any person commits a class 2 misdemeanor who:
   1. Willfully destroys, defaces, mutilates, or suppresses any initiative or referendum petition;
   2. Willfully neglects to file or delays the delivery of the initiative or referendum petition;
   3. Conceals or removes any initiative or referendum petition from the possession of the person authorized by law to have custody of the petition;
   4. Adds, amends, alters, or in any way changes the information on the petition as provided by the elector; or
   5. Aids, counsels, procures, or assists any person in doing any of such acts.
2. Any person convicted of committing such a misdemeanor shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
3. This section shall not preclude a circulator from striking a complete line on the petition if the circulator believes the line to be invalid.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 430, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-116. Enforcement.

1. Any person may file with the district attorney an affidavit stating the name of any person who has violated any of the provisions of this article and stating the facts that constitute the alleged offense. Upon the filing of such affidavit, the district attorney shall forthwith investigate, and, if reasonable grounds appear therefor, the district attorney shall prosecute the same.
2. The attorney general of the state shall have equal power with district attorneys to file information or complaints against any person for violating any provision of this article.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 430, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-117. Retention of petitions.

After a period of three years from the time of submission of the petitions to the clerk, if it is determined that the retention of the petitions is no longer necessary, the clerk may destroy the petitions.

Source: L. 95: Entire article added, p. 430, § 1, effective May 8.

31-11-118. Powers of clerk and deputy.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this article, the clerk shall render all interpretations and shall make all initial decisions as to controversies or other matters arising in the operation of this article.
2. All powers and authority granted to the clerk by this article may be exercised by a deputy clerk in the absence of the clerk or in the event the clerk for any reason is unable to perform the duties of the clerk's office.

Source: L. 2000: Entire section added, p. 801, § 27, effective August 2.

ARTICLE 12 ANNEXATION - CONSOLIDATION - DISCONNECTION

Section

PART 1 MUNICIPAL ANNEXATION ACT OF 1965

PART 2 ANNEXATION OF ADJACENT AREA UPON REORGANIZATION

PART 3 DISSOLUTION AND ANNEXATION (SPECIAL CHARTERS)

PART 4 CONSOLIDATION AND ANNEXATION - STATUTORY CITIES AND TOWNS

PART 5 DISCONNECTION BY ORDINANCE - STATUTORY CITIES AND TOWNS

PART 6 DISCONNECTION BY COURT DECREE - STATUTORY CITIES

PART 7 DISCONNECTION BY COURT DECREE - STATUTORY TOWNS

31-12-101. Short title.

This part 1 shall be known and may be cited as the "Municipal Annexation Act of 1965".

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1076, § 1, effective July 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-8-101 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For the annexation of school districts, see § 22-30-128.

31-12-102. Legislative declaration.

1. The general assembly hereby declares that the policies and procedures in this part 1 are necessary and desirable for the orderly growth of urban communities in the state of Colorado, and to these ends this part 1 shall be liberally construed. The general assembly further declares that it is the purpose of this part 1:
   1. To encourage natural and well-ordered development of municipalities of the state;
   2. To distribute fairly and equitably the costs of municipal services among those persons who benefit therefrom;
   3. To extend municipal government, services, and facilities to eligible areas which form a part of the whole community;
   4. To simplify governmental structure in urban areas;
   5. To provide an orderly system for extending municipal regulations to newly annexed areas;
   6. To reduce friction among contiguous or neighboring municipalities; and
   7. To increase the ability of municipalities in urban areas to provide their citizens with the services they require.
2. The general assembly further declares that:
   1. Section 30 of article II of the state constitution was added to the state constitution as a voter-approved ballot measure in 1980;
   2. Since its adoption, section 30 of article II of the state constitution has been in lawful force and effect. As part of the state constitution, all annexations since its enactment have been or should have been undertaken subject to its terms.
   3. By enacting House Bill 10-1259, enacted in 2010, which amends various provisions of this part 1, the general assembly does not intend to change the law governing annexations in the state but rather to better harmonize the provisions of this part 1 with those of section 30 of article II of the state constitution.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1076, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2010: (2) added, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 913, § 1, effective August 11.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-8-102 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-12-103. Definitions.

As used in this part 1, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Adult" means any person who has attained his twenty-first birthday.
2. "Agricultural land" means land used for the growing of crops, truck gardening, the grazing of farm animals, and other agricultural pursuits in contrast to land used for urban development.
3. "Development standards" means the substantive portions of building codes, zoning ordinances, housing codes, fire district ordinances, subdivision regulations, and any other ordinance, code, or regulation relating to the construction or occupancy of buildings upon land or the preparation of such land for such construction.
4. "Enclave" means an unincorporated area of land entirely contained within the outer boundaries of the annexing municipality.
5. "Identical ownership" means a situation where each owner has exactly the same degree of interest in each separate parcel of two or more parcels of land.
6. "Landowner" means the owner in fee of any undivided interest in a given parcel of land. If the mineral estate has been severed, the landowner is the owner in fee of an undivided interest in the surface estate and not the owner in fee of an undivided interest in the mineral estate.
7. (Deleted by amendment, L. 2010, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 913, § 2, effective August 11, 2010.)
8. "Period of notice for hearing" means the time between the effective date of the resolution establishing the hearing date and the date when such hearing first commences.
9. (Deleted by amendment, L. 2010, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 913, § 2, effective August 11, 2010.)
10. "Quasi-municipal corporation" means a corporation vested with the municipal powers for the accomplishment of a limited municipal purpose, including but not limited to domestic water districts, metropolitan districts, sanitation districts, water and sanitation districts, fire protection districts, recreation districts, and disposal districts.

    (10.5) "Registered elector" shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 1-1-104 (35), C.R.S.

11. "Resident" means one who makes his primary dwelling place within the area proposed to be annexed.
12. "Taxpayer" means any person who has paid or becomes liable for ad valorem taxes on real property located in the area proposed to be annexed during a specified period of time.
13. "Urban development" means the construction on land of improvements for residential, institutional, commercial, industrial, transportation, public flood control, and recreational and similar uses, in contrast to use of the land for growing crops, truck gardening, grazing of farm animals, and other agricultural pursuits. The term also applies to vacant ground which has been or is being prepared for urban development by such steps as subdivision into lots or plots and blocks, installation of water and sewer lines, construction of access streets, and construction of railroad spur or branch tracks.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1076, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2010: (7) and (9) amended and (10.5) added, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 913, § 2, effective August 11.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-8-103 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-12-104. Eligibility for annexation.

1. No unincorporated area may be annexed to a municipality unless one of the conditions set forth in section 30 (1) of article II of the state constitution first has been met. An area is eligible for annexation if the provisions of section 30 of article II of the state constitution have been complied with and the governing body, at a hearing as provided in section 31-12-109, finds and determines:
   1. That not less than one-sixth of the perimeter of the area proposed to be annexed is contiguous with the annexing municipality. Contiguity shall not be affected by the existence of a platted street or alley, a public or private right-of-way, a public or private transportation right-of-way or area, public lands, whether owned by the state, the United States, or an agency thereof, except county-owned open space, or a lake, reservoir, stream, or other natural or artificial waterway between the annexing municipality and the land proposed to be annexed. Subject to the requirements imposed by section 31-12-105 (1)(e), contiguity may be established by the annexation of one or more parcels in a series, which annexations may be completed simultaneously and considered together for the purposes of the public hearing required by sections 31-12-108 and 31-12-109 and the annexation impact report required by section 31-12-108.5.
   2. That a community of interest exists between the area proposed to be annexed and the annexing municipality; that said area is urban or will be urbanized in the near future; and that said area is integrated with or is capable of being integrated with the annexing municipality. The fact that the area proposed to be annexed has the contiguity with the annexing municipality required by paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) shall be a basis for a finding of compliance with these requirements unless the governing body, upon the basis of competent evidence presented at the hearing provided for in section 31-12-109, finds that at least two of the following are shown to exist:
      1. Less than fifty percent of the adult residents of the area proposed to be annexed make use of part or all of the following types of facilities of the annexing municipality: Recreational, civic, social, religious, industrial, or commercial; and less than twenty-five percent of said area's adult residents are employed in the annexing municipality. If there are no adult residents at the time of the hearing, this standard shall not apply.
      2. One-half or more of the land in the area proposed to be annexed (including streets) is agricultural, and the landowners of such agricultural land, under oath, express an intention to devote the land to such agricultural use for a period of not less than five years.
      3. It is not physically practicable to extend to the area proposed to be annexed those urban services which the annexing municipality provides in common to all of its citizens on the same terms and conditions as such services are made available to such citizens. This standard shall not apply to the extent that any portion of an area proposed to be annexed is provided or will within the reasonably near future be provided with any service by or through a quasi-municipal corporation.
2. 1. The contiguity required by paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section may not be established by use of any boundary of an area which was previously annexed to the annexing municipality if the area, at the time of its annexation, was not contiguous at any point with the boundary of the annexing municipality, was not otherwise in compliance with paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section, and was located more than three miles from the nearest boundary of the annexing municipality, nor may such contiguity be established by use of any boundary of territory which is subsequently annexed directly to, or which is indirectly connected through subsequent annexations to, such an area.
   2. Because the creation or expansion of disconnected municipal satellites, which are sought to be prohibited by this subsection (2), violates both the purposes of this article as expressed in section 31-12-102 and the limitations of this article, any annexation which uses any boundary in violation of this subsection (2) may be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void ab initio in addition to other remedies which may be provided. The provisions of section 31-12-116 (2) and (4) and section 31-12-117 shall not apply to such an annexation. Judicial review of such an annexation may be sought by any municipality having a plan in place pursuant to section 31-12-105 (1)(e) directly affected by such annexation, in addition to those described in section 31-12-116 (1). Such review may be, but need not be, instituted prior to the effective date of the annexing ordinance and may include injunctive relief. Such review shall be brought no later than sixty days after the effective date of the annexing ordinance or shall forever be barred.
   3. Contiguity is hereby declared to be a fundamental element in any annexation, and this subsection (2) shall not in any way be construed as having the effect of legitimizing in any way any noncontiguous annexation.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1078, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: (1)(a) amended, p. 1218, § 1, effective May 28. L. 91: (2) added, p. 763, § 1, effective May 15. L. 2010: IP(1) amended, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 914, § 3, effective August 11.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-8-104 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For annexation of unincorporated areas, see § 30 of article II of the state constitution.

31-12-105. Limitations.

1. Notwithstanding any provisions of this part 1 to the contrary, the following limitations shall apply to all annexations:
   1. In establishing the boundaries of any territory to be annexed, no land held in identical ownership, whether consisting of one tract or parcel of real estate or two or more contiguous tracts or parcels of real estate, shall be divided into separate parts or parcels without the written consent of the landowners thereof unless such tracts or parcels are separated by a dedicated street, road, or other public way.
   2. In establishing the boundaries of any area proposed to be annexed, no land held in identical ownership, whether consisting of one tract or parcel of real estate or two or more contiguous tracts or parcels of real estate, comprising twenty acres or more (which, together with the buildings and improvements situated thereon has a valuation for assessment in excess of two hundred thousand dollars for ad valorem tax purposes for the year next preceding the annexation) shall be included under this part 1 without the written consent of the landowners unless such tract of land is situated entirely within the outer boundaries of the annexing municipality as they exist at the time of annexation. In the application of this paragraph (b), contiguity shall not be affected by a dedicated street, road, or other public way.
   3. No annexation pursuant to section 31-12-106 and no annexation petition or petition for an annexation election pursuant to section 31-12-107 shall be valid when annexation proceedings have been commenced for the annexation of part or all of such territory to another municipality, except in accordance with the provisions of section 31-12-114. For the purpose of this section, proceedings are commenced when the petition is filed with the clerk of the annexing municipality or when the resolution of intent is adopted by the governing body of the annexing municipality if action on the acceptance of such petition or on the resolution of intent by the setting of the hearing in accordance with section 31-12-108 is taken within ninety days after the said filings if an annexation procedure initiated by petition for annexation is then completed within the one hundred fifty days next following the effective date of the resolution accepting the petition and setting the hearing date and if an annexation procedure initiated by resolution of intent or by petition for an annexation election is prosecuted without unreasonable delay after the effective date of the resolution setting the hearing date.
   4. As to any annexation which will result in the detachment of area from any school district and the attachment of the same to another school district, no annexation pursuant to section 31-12-106 or annexation petition or petition for an annexation election pursuant to section 31-12-107 is valid unless accompanied by a resolution of the board of directors of the school district to which such area will be attached approving such annexation.
   5. 1. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (e), no annexation may take place that would have the effect of extending a municipal boundary more than three miles in any direction from any point of such municipal boundary in any one year. Within said three-mile area, the contiguity required by section 31-12-104 (1)(a) may be achieved by annexing a platted street or alley, a public or private right-of-way, a public or private transportation right-of-way or area, or a lake, reservoir, stream, or other natural or artificial waterway. Prior to completion of any annexation within the three-mile area, the municipality shall have in place a plan for that area that generally describes the proposed location, character, and extent of streets, subways, bridges, waterways, waterfronts, parkways, playgrounds, squares, parks, aviation fields, other public ways, grounds, open spaces, public utilities, and terminals for water, light, sanitation, transportation, and power to be provided by the municipality and the proposed land uses for the area. Such plan shall be updated at least once annually. Such three-mile limit may be exceeded if such limit would have the effect of dividing a parcel of property held in identical ownership if at least fifty percent of the property is within the three-mile limit. In such event, the entire property held in identical ownership may be annexed in any one year without regard to such mileage limitation. Such three-mile limit may also be exceeded for the annexation of an enterprise zone.
      2. Prior to completion of an annexation in which the contiguity required by section 31-12-104 (1)(a) is achieved pursuant to subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (e), the municipality shall annex any of the following parcels that abut a platted street or alley, a public or private right-of-way, a public or private transportation right-of-way or area, or a lake, reservoir, stream, or other natural or artificial waterway, where the parcel satisfies all of the eligibility requirements pursuant to section 31-12-104 and for which an annexation petition has been received by the municipality no later than forty-five days prior to the date of the hearing set pursuant to section 31-12-108 (1):
         1. Any parcel of property that has an individual schedule number for county tax filing purposes upon the petition of the owner of such parcel;
         2. Any subdivision that consists of only one subdivision filing upon the petition of the requisite number of property owners within the subdivision as determined pursuant to section 31-12-107; and
         3. Any subdivision filing within a subdivision that consists of more than one subdivision filing upon the petition of the requisite number of property owners within the subdivision filing as determined pursuant to section 31-12-107.
   6. The parcels described in subparagraph (II) of paragraph (e) of this subsection (1) shall be annexed under the same or substantially similar terms and conditions and considered at the same hearing and in the same impact report as the initial annexation in which the contiguity required by section 31-12-104 (1)(a) is achieved by annexing a platted street or alley, a public or private right-of-way, a public or private transportation right-of-way or area, or a lake, reservoir, stream, or other natural or artificial waterway. Impacts of the annexation upon the parcels described in subparagraph (II) of paragraph (e) of this subsection (1) that abut such platted street or alley, public or private right-of-way, public or private transportation right-of-way or area, or lake, reservoir, stream, or other natural or artificial waterway shall be considered in the impact report required by section 31-12-108.5. As part of the same hearing, the municipality shall consider and decide upon any petition for annexation of any parcel of property having an individual schedule number for county tax filing purposes, which petition was received not later than forty-five days prior to the hearing date, where the parcel abuts any parcel described in subparagraph (II) of paragraph (e) of this subsection (1) and where the parcel otherwise satisfies all of the eligibility requirements of section 31-12-104.
   7. In connection with any annexation in which the contiguity required by section 31-12-104 (1)(a) is achieved by annexing a platted street or alley, a public or private right-of-way, a public or private transportation right-of-way or area, or a lake, reservoir, stream, or other natural or artificial waterway, upon the latter of ninety days prior to the date of the hearing set pursuant to section 31-12-108 or upon the filing of the annexation petition, the municipality shall provide, by regular mail to the owner of any abutting parcel as reflected in the records of the county assessor, written notice of the annexation and of the landowner's right to petition for annexation pursuant to section 31-12-107. Inadvertent failure to provide such notice shall neither create a cause of action in favor of any landowner nor invalidate any annexation proceeding.
   8. In establishing the boundaries of any area proposed to be annexed, if a portion of a platted street or alley is annexed, the entire width of said street or alley shall be included within the area annexed.
   9. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (f) of this subsection (1), a municipality shall not deny reasonable access to landowners, owner of an easement, or the owner of a franchise adjoining a platted street or alley which has been annexed by the municipality but is not bounded on both sides by the municipality.
   10. The execution by any municipality of a power of attorney for real estate located within an unincorporated area shall not be construed to comply with the election provisions of this article for purposes of annexing such unincorporated area. Such annexation shall be valid only upon compliance with the procedures set forth in this article.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1078, § 1, effective July 1. L. 87: (1)(e) to (1)(g) added, p. 1218, § 2, effective May 28. L. 96: (1)(h) added, p. 1770, § 69, effective July 1. L. 97: (1)(c) and (1)(d) amended, p. 994, § 1, effective May 27. L. 2001, 2nd Ex. Sess.: (1)(e) amended and (1)(e.1) and (1)(e.3) added, p. 32, § 2, effective November 6.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-8-105 as it existed prior to 1975.

31-12-106. Annexation of enclaves, partly surrounded land, and municipally owned land.

1. Annexation of enclaves. When any unincorporated area is entirely contained within the boundaries of a municipality, the governing body may by ordinance annex such territory to the municipality in accordance with section 30 (1)(c) of article II of the state constitution, but without complying with section 31-12-104, 31-12-105, 31-12-108, or 31-12-109, if said area has been so surrounded for a period of not less than three years; except that notice of the proposed annexation ordinance shall be given by publication as provided by section 31-12-108 (2) for notices of annexation petitions, and resolutions initiating annexation proceedings, but no public hearing on the proposed annexation ordinance shall be required, and the first publication of notice shall be at least thirty days prior to the adoption of the ordinance.

   (1.1) Exception to annexation of enclaves.

   1. No enclave may be annexed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section if:
      1. Any part of the municipal boundary or territory surrounding such enclave consists at the time of the annexation of the enclave of public rights-of-way, including streets and alleys, that are not immediately adjacent to the municipality on the side of the right-of-way opposite to the enclave; or
      2. Any part of the territory surrounding the enclave was annexed to the municipality since December 19, 1980, without compliance with section 30 of article II of the state constitution.
   2. In the case of an enclave the population of which exceeds one hundred persons according to the most recent United States census and that contains more than fifty acres, the enclave shall not be annexed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section unless the governing body of the annexing municipality has:
      1. Created an annexation transition committee composed of nine members, five of whom shall reside, operate a business, or own real property within the enclave, two of whom shall represent the annexing municipality, and two of whom shall represent one or more counties in which the enclave is situated; and
      2. Published notice of the creation and existence of the committee, together with its regular mail, electronic mail, or telephonic contact information, in the same manner as provided by section 31-12-108 (2) for notices of annexation petitions and resolutions initiating annexation proceedings.
   3. The duties of the annexation transition committee required by paragraph (b) of this subsection (1.1) shall be to:
      1. Serve as a means of communication between or among the annexing municipality, one or more counties within which the enclave is situated, and the persons who reside, operate a business, or own real property within the enclave regarding any public meetings on the proposed annexation; and
      2. Provide a mechanism by which persons who reside, operate a business, or own real property within the enclave may communicate, whether by electronic mail, telephonic communication, regular mail, or public meetings, with the annexing municipality or any counties within which the enclave is situated regarding the proposed annexation.
2. (Deleted by amendment, L. 97, p. 995 , § 2, effective May 27, 1997.)
3. Annexation of unincorporated municipally owned land. When the municipality is the sole owner of the area that it desires to annex, which area is eligible for annexation in accordance with section 30 (1)(c) of article II of the state constitution and sections 31-12-104 (1)(a) and 31-12-105, the governing body may by ordinance annex said area to the municipality without notice and hearing as provided in sections 31-12-108 and 31-12-109. The annexing ordinance shall state that the area proposed to be annexed is owned by the annexing municipality and is not solely a public street or right-of-way.
4. Additional terms and conditions on the annexation. Additional terms or conditions may be imposed by the governing body in accordance with section 31-12-112.
5. Any municipality that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement, any portion of which addresses issues pertaining to the annexation of enclaves shall, promptly upon execution of the agreement, record the agreement with the clerk and recorder of any county within which any land area addressed in the agreement is situated.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1079, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) amended and (1.1) added, p. 1510, § 1, effective July 1. L. 97: (1.1) and (2) amended, p. 995, § 2, effective May 27. L. 2006: (1.1) amended and (5) added, p. 1007, § 1, effective September 1. L. 2010: (1) and (3) amended, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 914, § 4, effective August 11.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-8-106 as it existed prior to 1975.

Cross references: For annexation of unincorporated areas, see § 30 of article II of the state constitution.

31-12-107. Petitions for annexation and for annexation elections.

1. Petition for annexation in accordance with section 30 (1)(b) of article II of the state constitution:
   1. Persons comprising more than fifty percent of the landowners in the area and owning more than fifty percent of the area, excluding public streets and alleys and any land owned by the annexing municipality, meeting the requirements of sections 31-12-104 and 31-12-105 may petition the governing body of any municipality for the annexation of such territory.
   2. The petition shall be filed with the clerk.
   3. The petition shall contain the following:
      1. An allegation that it is desirable and necessary that such area be annexed to the municipality;
      2. An allegation that the requirements of sections 31-12-104 and 31-12-105 exist or have been met;
      3. An allegation that the signers of the petition comprise more than fifty percent of the landowners in the area and own more than fifty percent of the area proposed to be annexed, excluding public streets and alleys and any land owned by the annexing municipality;
      4. A request that the annexing municipality approve the annexation of the area proposed to be annexed;
      5. The signatures of such landowners;
      6. The mailing address of each such signer;
      7. The legal description of the land owned by such signer;
      8. The date of signing of each signature; and
      9. The affidavit of each circulator of such petition, whether consisting of one or more sheets, that each signature therein is the signature of the person whose name it purports to be.
   4. Accompanying the petition shall be four copies of an annexation map containing the following information:
      1. A written legal description of the boundaries of the area proposed to be annexed;
      2. A map showing the boundary of the area proposed to be annexed;
      3. Within the annexation boundary map, a showing of the location of each ownership tract in unplatted land and, if part or all of the area is platted, the boundaries and the plat numbers of plots or of lots and blocks;
      4. Next to the boundary of the area proposed to be annexed, a drawing of the contiguous boundary of the annexing municipality and the contiguous boundary of any other municipality abutting the area proposed to be annexed.
   5. No signature on the petition is valid if it is dated more than one hundred eighty days prior to the date of filing the petition for annexation with the clerk. All petitions which substantially comply with the requirements set forth in paragraphs (b) to (d) of this subsection (1) shall be deemed sufficient. No person signing a petition for annexation shall be permitted to withdraw his signature from the petition after the petition has been filed with the clerk, except as such right of withdrawal is otherwise set forth in the petition.
   6. The clerk shall refer the petition to the governing body as a communication. The governing body, without undue delay, shall then take appropriate steps to determine if the petition so filed is substantially in compliance with this subsection (1).
   7. If the petition is found to be in substantial compliance with this subsection (1), the procedure outlined in sections 31-12-108 to 31-12-110 shall then be followed. If it is not in substantial compliance, no further action shall be taken.
2. Petition for annexation election in accordance with section 30 (1)(a) of article II of the state constitution:
   1. The registered electors may petition the governing body of any municipality to commence proceedings for the holding of an annexation election in the area proposed to be annexed. This petition shall meet the standards described in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection (2) and either:
      1. Shall be signed by at least seventy-five registered electors or ten percent of said electors, whichever is less, if such area is located in a county of more than twenty-five thousand inhabitants; or
      2. Shall be signed by at least forty registered electors or ten percent of said electors, whichever is less, if such area is located in a county of twenty-five thousand inhabitants or less.
   2. The petition shall be filed with the clerk.
   3. The petition for annexation election shall comply with the provisions of paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of this section; except that:
      1. Rather than an allegation of any certain percentage of land owned, it shall contain an allegation that the signers of the petition are qualified electors resident in and landowners of the area proposed to be annexed; and
      2. The petition shall request the annexing municipality to commence proceedings for the holding of an annexation election in accordance with section 30 (1)(a) of article II of the state constitution.
   4. The requirements and procedures provided for in paragraphs (e) and (f) of subsection (1) of this section shall be met and followed in a proceeding under this subsection (2).
   5. If the petition is found to be in substantial compliance with this subsection (2), the procedure outlined in sections 31-12-108 to 31-12-110 shall then be followed, subject thereafter to an annexation election to be held in accordance with section 31-12-112. If the petition for an annexation election is not found to be in substantial compliance, no further action shall be taken; except that the governing body shall make such determination by resolution.
3. Procedures alternative: The procedures set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this section are alternative to each other and to any procedure set forth in section 31-12-106; except that a petition for annexation election filed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section shall take precedence over an annexation petition involving the same territory and filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section if such petition for annexation election is filed at least ten days prior to the hearing date set for the annexation petition filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
4. Additional terms and conditions on the annexation: Additional terms and conditions may be imposed by the governing body in accordance with section 31-12-112.
5. If a petition is filed pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section and the territory sought to be annexed meets the specifications of section 31-12-106 (1), the governing body of the municipality with which the petition is filed shall thereupon initiate annexation proceedings pursuant to the appropriate provisions of section 31-12-106 (1). In the event that any governing body fails to initiate such annexation proceedings within a period of one year from the time that such petition is filed, annexation may be effected by an action in the nature of mandamus to the district court of the county where the land to be annexed is located, and the petitioner's court costs and attorney fees incident to such action shall be borne by the municipality.
6. No proceedings for annexation to a municipality may be initiated in any area which is the same or substantially the same area in which an election for annexation to the same municipality has been held within the preceding twelve months.
7. For the purpose of determining the compliance with the petition requirements in this section, a signature by any landowner shall be sufficient so long as any other owner in fee of an undivided interest in the same area of land does not object in writing to the governing body of the annexing municipality within fourteen days after the filing of the petition for annexation or annexation election. The entire area of the land signed for shall be computed as petitioning for annexation if such signing landowner has become liable for taxes in the last preceding calendar year or is exempt by law from payment of taxes. One who is purchasing land under a written contract duly recorded shall be deemed the owner of the land which is subject to the contract if he has paid the taxes thereon for the next preceding tax year. The signers for an area owned by a corporation, whether profit or nonprofit, shall be the same persons as those authorized to convey land for such corporation.
8. No power of attorney providing the consent of a landowner to be annexed by a municipality pursuant to this section shall be valid for a term of more than five years, and no such power of attorney executed before May 27, 1997, shall be valid for a term of more than five years after May 27, 1997.

Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1080, § 1, effective July 1; (1)(d)(IV) amended, p. 1452, § 12, effective July 1. L. 87: (1)(e) and (1)(g) amended, p. 1219, § 3, effective May 28. L. 97: (5) amended and (8) added, p. 995, § 3, effective May 27. L. 2010: IP(1), (1)(a), (1)(c)(III), (1)(g), IP(2), (2)(a), (2)(c)(II), and (2)(e) amended, (HB 10-1259), ch. 211, p. 914, § 5, effective August 11.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former §§ 31-8-103 and 31-8-107 as they existed prior to 1975.