summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill modifies the automatic voter registration process by replacing the default registration or preregistration of a person who applies for a driver's license or identification card as an unaffiliated voter with a pending registration or preregistration status (pending status). Only a person who has affirmatively chosen to be an unaffiliated voter is registered or preregistered as such. The pending status applies to a potential voter whose intent to register or preregister or whose party affiliation is unknown or pending due to a need for further information or a failure to respond. A pending voter registration or preregistration record created through existing processes may be finalized if the person affirms their intent to register or preregister, provides their desired party affiliation or identification as unaffiliated, and self-affirms their qualifications in the form required for all registrations to be complete. If a notice seeking such information is returned as undeliverable within 20 days, the pending registration or preregistration is canceled. After 20 days, an undeliverable pending registration or preregistration is marked "inactive". If a notice is not returned at all, or a person's response is incomplete, their pending registration or preregistration is marked "inactive". If a person subsequently votes in an election, their "inactive" pending registration or preregistration becomes an active voter registration record. A county clerk and recorder may, in their discretion, provide notice of an "inactive" pending registration or preregistration record and further attempt to finalize the pending registration or preregistration. The bill also adds a requirement for county clerk and recorders to mark a voter's registration as "inactive" if they fail to vote in consecutive general elections held in even-numbered years.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Colorado's automatic voter registration (AVR) process, which currently registers individuals as "unaffiliated" by default when they apply for a driver's license or identification card. Instead, the bill establishes a "pending registration" status for these individuals, meaning their registration is not complete until they take further affirmative action. This change aims to increase transparency and accuracy by requiring individuals to explicitly declare their party affiliation or confirm they wish to be unaffiliated, and to self-affirm their qualifications, rather than having it assumed. If a person's intent or affiliation is unclear or requires more information, their registration will be marked as "pending." If a notice seeking this information is returned as undeliverable within 20 days, the pending registration is canceled; otherwise, it is marked "inactive." An "inactive" registration can become active again if the person votes in an election. The bill also introduces a new provision to mark a voter's registration as "inactive" if they fail to vote in two consecutive general elections held in even-numbered years, a measure intended to save costs by identifying voters who are no longer actively participating.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee Hearing (14:00:00 2/24/2026 Old Supreme Court) (on 02/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-058 |
| Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112467/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/111053/download |
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