Presidential Primaries Could Return To Colorado, As Ballot Measures Win Enough Signatures

Two ballot measures that could reshape the way Colorado votes in presidential election years have garnered enough signatures to go before voters in November, the Colorado Secretary of State's office said Wednesday.

One of the initiatives would drop the presidential caucus system in favor of a primary in late March, which has widespread support. The other has more opposition, and would open all of Colorado’s primaries to unaffiliated voters.

As CPR reported in May, record turnouts to overcrowded precincts in March resulted in widespread frustration with the process, causing state lawmakers to consider switching to a primary.

The announcement brings the total number of citizen initiatives on the ballot to seven. Officials are still checking signatures on two more.