Download A COLORADO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION FACT SHEET

Fact
Sheet
Colorado Constitution,
Art. XIX, Sec. 1
“The general assembly may at any time by
a vote of two-thirds of the members elected
to each house, recommend to the electors of
the state, to vote at the next general election
for or against a convention to revise,
alter and amend this constitution; and if a
majority of those voting on the question
shall declare in favor of such convention,
the general assembly shall, at its next
session, provide for the calling thereof.
…Said convention shall meet… and
prepare such revisions, alterations or
amendments to the constitution as may
be deemed necessary; which shall be
submitted to the electors for their ratification
or rejection at an election appointed by the
convention for that purpose, not less than
two nor more than six months after
adjournment thereof; and unless
††
so submitted and approved by
a majority of the electors
voting at the election,
no such revision,
††
alteration or
amendment
shall take
††
effect.”
A Colorado
Constitutional
Convention
A state constitutional convention
is a gathering of elected delegates
who propose revisions to a state
constitution. In some states, a
ballot measure asking the people
to approve or disapprove a
convention appears automatically
on the ballot every 10 or 20 years.
In other states, the legislature
can call a convention without
first receiving voter approval. In
Colorado, the state legislature
must receive voter approval
before arranging for a convention.
Timeline
Two-thirds of both the House and Senate affirmatively vote to
submit a measure to the electorate to approve a constitutional
convention.
During the next general election, a majority of the electorate
approves the measure to hold a constitutional convention.
During the next legislative session, the General Assembly
designates the time and place of the convention, fixes the pay
of its delegates and officers, and provides for the funding of the
convention and associated expenses.
†† Two delegates are elected to represent each of Colorado’s 35
Senate districts.
†† A convention is held within 3 months after the election of
delegates. During the convention, delegates prepare such
revisions to the constitution as they deem necessary.
†† At an election appointed by the convention (2-6 months after
adjournment of the convention), a majority of the electorate must
approve such revisions in order for the revisions to be ratified.
Historical Precedent
Colorado’s legislature has voted to put a convention
measure on the ballot 3 times: in 1915, 1921, and 1929.
Voters rejected the proposed convention each time.
Colorado Association of School Boards • 303-832-1000 • 800-530-8430 • www.casb.org