October 9 - Colorado Secretary of State's Office Permanently Adopts Amended Election Rules; Files Notice of Temporary Adoption of Some Revisions with Immediate Effect

Denver, October 9, 2026 - The Secretary of State's Office has adopted permanent rule revisions to ensure uniform and proper administration, implementation, and enforcement of Colorado election law. The Office has also issued a notice of temporary adoption of a subset of those rules with immediate effect.

A public rulemaking hearing was held September 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. MT to hear testimony concerning the preliminary draft of permanent rules for Elections. This hearing was conducted in person and via webinar.

The permanent rules will become effective twenty days after publication in the Colorado Register, then superseding the temporary rules that are effective immediately.

The rules adopted temporarily with immediate effect include new language defining "election materials" and clarify steps a county clerk must take if legally required to transfer custody of an election record or material. The rules further clarify the appointment of official observers in Colorado.

Notice of Adoption (PDF)

Notice of Rulemaking (PDF)

Elections rulemaking hearing page

Notice of Temporary Adoption (PDF)

Members of the public with questions about rulemaking should contact [email protected].

Members of the press with questions relating to the rulemaking should contact [email protected].