This insiders’ undercut was undoubtedly the low point in an otherwise uneventful end to this year’s legislative session. Senate Bill 24-210, a bipartisan election reform bill, was not particularly contentious as it made its way through the legislature. As is the case with many bills of this nature, some last-minute changes can be made via amendment, and in the final days of the session, those tend to come quite rapidly and with little consideration. Some state legislators, understanding those time limitations, snuck in what has been dubbed a “poison pill” for a ballot initiative that will most likely go before voters this November.

This sneaky amendment was pushed by those in power because they viewed a specific citizen’s initiative as being a threat to that power. This is a tactic they’ve deployed before, and unless voters start holding them accountable, it’s one they’ll use again.

Whether or not you agree with the citizen’s initiative that this move aimed to preempt — Initiative 310 — politicians’ chicanery to prevent citizens from bringing initiatives to the ballot should be universally condemned. Nearly 90% of Coloradans support the right to vote directly on ballot measures, according to a March poll by the Colorado Polling Institute.

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If pundits and politicians wanted to make arguments for or against Initiative 310 from a procedural standpoint — they could have done so during the title board proceedings, during the Supreme Court hearing. If they believe Colorado is somehow unable to implement the timeline for Initiative 310, despite it matching the timelines of other states that have enacted similar reforms successfully, then make that case to voters, during the campaign, and let them decide if it’s legitimate or hogwash.

Bringing an initiative to ballot via the citizens initiative process is no small feat. From drafting, to the title board, comments, critiques, edits, potential state supreme court challenges, etc., all happen before even asking voters for their signature to place it upon the ballot. It is an unwieldy process that requires time, effort and determination. For that to be undone with a dirty trick by those we entrust with writing our laws is politics at its worst.

A framework for a measured, responsible transition to RCV | COUNTERPOINT

My counterpoint warns voter confidence could waver if these reforms are not enacted on a timeline more preferable to certain elected officials. It’s hard to imagine anything undermining voter confidence more than saying their voice isn’t the most important in our electoral system. Government’s function is to serve the people, not the reverse. Put another way: elections belong to people, not politicians.

Gov. Jared Polis has until Friday, Jine 7 to make his decision (many of you will be reading this a few days after the fact) on whether this bill becomes law or meets his veto pen. It’s a shameful position the legislature — and members of his own party — have put him in.

Despite my counterpoint’s best efforts to have you believe otherwise, the question we’re answering today is not whether Initiative 310 is good or bad policy. Instead, the question is who has the final say? Is it Capitol insiders and partisan politicians, or is it you, the voter? I think you know where I stand.

(Full disclosure: I am actively working on supporting Initiative 310 and am contracted with Colorado Voters First, which is leading the campaign on 310. I supported the effort before being brought onto the team.)

Sage Naumann is a conservative commentator and strategist. He operates Anthem Communications and was previously the spokesman for the Colorado Senate Republicans. Follow him on Twitter @SageNaumann.