Colorado's state constitution, ratified on 1 July 1876, is a complex and extremely detailed document specifying the duties and structure of state and local government. Despite numerous amendments (143 by January 2003) and revisions, some anachronistic legislation has remained on the books. In 2002 voters approved several constitutional reforms, including a campaign finance reform measure.
The general assembly, which meets annually from the 2nd Wednesday of January into May (for a maximum of 120 calendar days), consists of a 35-member senate and 65-member house of representatives. The legislature may call special sessions by request of two-thirds of the members of each house. The governor may also call a special session of the legislature. Members of the legislature must be US citizens, at least 25 years old, and have lived in their district for at least one year. The legislative salary in 2002 was $30,000, unchanged from 1999.
The executive branch is headed by the governor, who submits the budget and legislative programs to the general assembly, and appoints judges, department heads, boards, and commissions. The governor, who is limited to serving two consecutive terms, must be a US citizen, at least 30 years old, and have been a resident of the state for two years or more. Elected with the governor is the lieutenant governor, who assumes the governor's duties in the governor's absence. Other elective officers include the secretary of state, attorney general, and treasurer, all of whom serve four-year terms. In 2002 the governor's salary was $90,000, unchanged from 1999.
Bills may originate in either house of the general assembly and become law when passed by majority vote of each house and signed by the governor; a bill may also become law if the governor fails to act on it within 10 days after receiving it (or within 30 days after the legislature has adjourned). A two-thirds vote of the elected members in each house is needed to override a gubernatorial veto.
The state constitution may be amended in several ways. An amendment may be introduced in the legislature, passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses, and submitted to the voters for approval. Alternatively, an initiative amendment, signed by a number of eligible voters equaling at least 5% of the number of votes cast for secretary of state in the previous election and then published in every county, may be filed no later than four months before the general election. If approved by the voters, it then becomes law.
Any US citizen 18 or older who is a resident of a Colorado county 30 days prior to an election may register to vote. Prisoners may not vote.