Editor:

The Colorado Senate should admit the obvious and acknowledge that they cannot responsibly pass the Primary Participation Bill this session.

Fortunately, the Primary Participation Bill, HB1454, has hit a snag in the House, where it is stalled awaiting more amendments and a final vote before being sent to the Senate. Senate observers report growing skepticism over the legal structure, and they notice waning public support. Engaged citizens following the bill’s progress can clearly see the right solution. Why can’t the lawmakers see it?

The bill is riddled with drafting errors, constitutional clashes and unresolved conflicts with other laws. Sine die looms. The problems cannot be sorted out with responsible, transparent deliberation in time for passage by the Senate and subsequent negotiations with the House to pass the bill by Wednesday. While the temptation may be to “pass something” so that we can “see what’s in it” in 2020, it is a reckless way to address voters’ legitimate concerns stemming from the 2016 nominating process.

The Senate should immediately form a bipartisan special committee to address Colorado’s presidential nomination process. The summer and fall can be used to hear from voters, the Colorado delegations to the national conventions, academic experts, campaigns and election officials. The committee should seek expert legal guidance to avoid constitutional violations and study best practices in other states. The committee could report to the 2017 General Assembly, which will then be prepared to address the issues with far greater wisdom.

Threats of ballot initiatives should not override the voice of the people who want to talk to their representatives at the Capitol about their experiences and the solutions they want. Our representatives should not kowtow to threats from Let Colorado Vote. Instead, legislators, take the summer and fall to listen to the people.

Just say “no” to the Primary Participation Bill now!

Al Kolwicz

Trustee, Colorado Voter Group

Boulder

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