Colorado’s bid to boost its national profile and create a presidential primary will cost $1.7 million, according to a new legislative analysis. But who will pay for the extra election remains unclear. The newly filed bill doesn’t specify. Right now, the Colorado Secretary of State pays for elections from money it collects from filing fees — a method being challenged in the courts, in fact. To cover the $1.7 million price tag, Secretary Wayne Williams would need to increase fees against businesses and charities who file documents with his office.
However, the assumption, according to legislative analysts, is that the state will use taxpayer money from the discretionary account, known as the general fund. It’s not clear when or how state lawmakers would do this.
A Senate committee is expected to hear the measure for the first time Friday afternoon.
The bill — first reported by The Denver Post — is designed to put a bigger spotlight on Colorado amid the wide-open 2016 presidential election. It would direct the governor to set a date for the primary election not later than the third Tuesday in March — but in line with both major party’s calendar rules.
Full Article: Colorado’s bid for a presidential primary costs $1.7 million.