C.R.S. Section 1-7-515
Risk-limiting audits

  • rules
  • legislative declaration
  • definitions

(1)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that the auditing of election results is necessary to ensure effective election administration and public confidence in the election process. Further, risk-limiting audits provide a more effective manner of conducting audits than traditional audit methods in that risk-limiting audit methods typically require only limited resources for election races with wide margins of victory while investing greater resources in close races.

(b)

By enacting this section, the general assembly intends that the state move toward an audit process that is developed with the assistance of statistical experts and that relies upon risk-limiting audits making use of best practices for conducting such audits.

(2)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

Following each primary, general, coordinated, recall, or congressional vacancy election, each county shall make use of a risk-limiting audit in accordance with the requirements of this section. Races to be audited must be selected in accordance with procedures established by the secretary of state, and all contested races are eligible for such selection.
(b)(Deleted by amendment, L. 2021.)(3) Repealed.

(4)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The secretary of state shall promulgate rules in accordance with article 4 of title 24 as may be necessary to implement and administer the requirements of this section. In connection with the promulgation of the rules, the secretary shall consult recognized statistical experts, equipment vendors, and county clerk and recorders, and shall consider best practices for conducting risk-limiting audits.

(b)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(I)

On or before January 1, 2025, the secretary of state shall promulgate rules in accordance with article 4 of title 24 as necessary to conduct risk limiting audits in an election using instant runoff voting. In connection with the promulgation of the rules, the secretary shall consult recognized statistical experts, equipment vendors, and county clerk and recorders, and shall consider best practices for conducting risk-limiting audits. The secretary of state may consult with additional auditing experts.

(II)

A county shall audit an election using instant runoff voting conducted as part of a coordinated election before January 1, 2025, in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary of state related to ranked choice or instant runoff voting, or, if no such rules are adopted, in accordance with procedures adopted by the county clerk and recorder.

(5)

As used in this section:

(a)

“Incorrect outcome” means an outcome that is inconsistent with the election outcome that would be obtained by conducting a full recount.

(b)

“Risk-limiting audit” means an audit protocol that makes use of statistical methods and is designed to limit to acceptable levels the risk of certifying a preliminary election outcome that constitutes an incorrect outcome.

Source: Section 1-7-515 — Risk-limiting audits - rules - legislative declaration - definitions, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-01.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

1‑7‑101
Hours of voting on election day
1‑7‑102
Employees entitled to vote
1‑7‑104
Affidavits of eligibility
1‑7‑105
Watchers at primary elections
1‑7‑106
Watchers at general and congressional vacancy elections
1‑7‑107
Watchers at nonpartisan elections
1‑7‑108
Requirements of watchers
1‑7‑110
Preparing to vote in person
1‑7‑111
Electors requiring assistance
1‑7‑113
Influencing electors
1‑7‑114
Write-in votes
1‑7‑115
Time in voting area
1‑7‑116
Coordinated elections - definition
1‑7‑118
Ranked voting in a coordinated election - procedure - costs - definition
1‑7‑119
Voter service and polling centers - electors - use of mobile phones
1‑7‑201
Voting at primary election
1‑7‑203
Accounting forms
1‑7‑301
Judges open ballot box first
1‑7‑302
Electors given only one ballot
1‑7‑303
Spoiled ballots
1‑7‑304
Manner of voting in person
1‑7‑305
Counting by counting judges
1‑7‑307
Method of counting paper ballots
1‑7‑309
Determination of improperly marked ballots
1‑7‑401
Judges to inspect machines
1‑7‑402
Sample ballots - ballot labels
1‑7‑403
Instruction to electors
1‑7‑404
Judge to inspect voting machine
1‑7‑405
Seal on voting machine
1‑7‑406
Close of polls and count - seals
1‑7‑407
Close of polls - primary
1‑7‑501
Judges open ballot box first
1‑7‑503
Manner of voting
1‑7‑504
Spoiled ballot or ballot card
1‑7‑505
Close of polls - security of voting machinery
1‑7‑507
Electronic vote-counting - procedure
1‑7‑508
Determination of improperly marked ballots
1‑7‑509
Electronic and electromechanical vote counting - testing of equipment required - rules
1‑7‑510
Election software code - escrow - definitions
1‑7‑511
Election software - voting equipment providers - escrow - definitions
1‑7‑512
Voting system providers - duties
1‑7‑513
Voting equipment - records
1‑7‑513.5
Voting equipment - security
1‑7‑514
Random audit
1‑7‑515
Risk-limiting audits - rules - legislative declaration - definitions
1‑7‑601
Judges’ certificate and statement
1‑7‑603
Alternative preparation of election returns - procedures
1‑7‑701
Delivery of election returns, ballot boxes, and other election papers
1‑7‑801
Ballots preserved
1‑7‑802
Preservation of election records
1‑7‑901
Receipt of comments concerning ballot issues
1‑7‑902
Preparation of fiscal information
1‑7‑903
Preparation of written comments
1‑7‑904
Transmittal of notices
1‑7‑905
Preparation of notices
1‑7‑905.5
Form of notice
1‑7‑906
Mailing of notices
1‑7‑907
Ballot issue notice
1‑7‑908
Additional notice - election to create financial obligation
1‑7‑1001
Short title
1‑7‑1002
Ranked voting methods - report - definitions
1‑7‑1003
Conduct of elections using ranked voting methods - instant runoff voting - choice voting or proportional voting - reports
1‑7‑1004
Secretary of state - rules - guidance to local governments
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 1-7-515’s source at colorado​.gov