Bill > HB1155

This bill modifies Colorado election law to expand the definition of "watchers" and their selection rights during recounts and elections. Specifically, the bill allows candidates for certain offices (including U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress, state offices, district offices, and county offices subject to a recount) to select an additional watcher during a recount, beyond the watchers already permitted. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify that watchers can now be selected directly by candidates for these specific offices, in addition to the current provisions allowing political party chairs or candidates to select watchers. The new provisions require county clerks and the secretary of state to ensure that candidates subject to a recount can choose an extra watcher for the recount process. The bill will take effect after the ninety-day period following the general assembly's final adjournment, with a potential referendum provision that could delay implementation until the November 2026 election if challenged. The new rules will apply to recounts conducted on or after the bill's effective date.