Plain Language Ballots One Step Closer to Becoming Statute

DENVER—State Rep. Libby Szabo saw her ‘Plain Language Bill’ through committee today. The measure that will make Colorado’s ballots easier to understand received bipartisan support from the House State Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

Szabo’s bill, House Bill 1024, requires the ballot for statewide initiated and referred measures to avoid technical jargon, and use accurate, clear and coherent language that most voters can understand.

“This is a good government bill,” explained Szabo, R-Arvada. “It increases transparency and encourages greater citizen participation.”

Despite the bill dying in the Democrat-controlled Senate last year, in the summer of 2011, Senate Democrats posted on their facebook page an article lamenting a study that showed citizens in Colorado needed a doctorate level of reading comprehension to understand the language of our state ballots.

Republican lawmakers hope the Democrat’s post can be taken as a sign that Szabo’s measure will pass the Senate this year.

“I can’t see why anyone would oppose a measure that strengthens our understanding of ballot initiatives,” added Szabo. “Citizen understanding and participation are cornerstones to a well-functioning democracy.”

###