Colorado Primary Date Moves to June, Murray’s Bill Ensures Overseas Military Voters Have Voice in Election Process

DENVER—State Rep. Carole Murray’s bill to allow more time for overseas military ballots to be sent by moving the primary date up passed the House today.


Senate Bill 189 adjusts certain election-related dates in order to comply with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act.  This bill ensures that overseas military voters have a genuine opportunity to participate in the voting process.  With the passage of SB 189, the deadline for mail ballots to be delivered or mailed to military and overseas voters will move from 30 days to 45 days before an election.
“We all have an obligation to do what’s right for those serving overseas,” said Murray, R-Castle Rock.  “By ensuring our servicemen and women abroad receive their ballots earlier in the election cycle, we're showing them that we will do whatever it takes to ensure that their voice is heard.”

With the passage of SB189, several changes will be made to the election calendar including the following:  The date of the primary election will move from the second Tuesday in August to the last Tuesday in June; and the date of the precinct caucuses will move from the third Tuesday in March to the first Tuesday in March.

The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Rollie Heath, D-Boulder.  SB 189 passed the House with wide bipartisan support.  The bill will go to the governor’s office to be signed into law.

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