Colorado Bill: Opt-out of Mail Ballot Packets

CO Legislature Bill Search

Published February 11th, 2026

Detected March 6th, 2026

Summary

Colorado's SB26-106 proposes a process for registered electors to opt out of receiving mail ballot packets for elections conducted by mail ballot starting November 2, 2027. The bill requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules for this opt-out process and for electors to resume receiving ballots. County clerks will report opt-out numbers and associated cost savings.

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What changed

Colorado Senate Bill 26-106, introduced on February 11, 2026, establishes a process for registered electors to opt out of automatically receiving mail ballot packets for elections conducted by mail ballot from November 2, 2027, onwards. The Secretary of State is mandated to create rules for this opt-out mechanism, including a way for electors to opt back in, and to communicate the voluntary nature of this choice. County clerks will be required to report data on opt-outs and resulting cost reductions, which the Secretary of State will make public.

This bill introduces a new procedural option for voters in Colorado, impacting how mail ballot elections are administered. While the bill is currently in draft and under consideration, regulated entities (county clerks and the Secretary of State's office) will need to prepare for the implementation of new rules and reporting requirements by November 2, 2027. The primary implication is for election administration and voter choice regarding mail ballots.

What to do next

Prepare to implement rules for elector opt-out of mail ballot packets by November 2, 2027.
Develop public-facing communications explaining the opt-out process.
Establish reporting mechanisms for county clerks regarding opt-out numbers and cost savings.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-106

Opt-out of Mail Ballot Packets for Elections

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Elections & Redistricting |
Concerning a process by which a registered elector may choose not to receive a mail ballot packet for elections that the county clerk and recorder conducts by mail ballot.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

The bill requires the secretary of state (secretary) to adopt rules to establish a process by which a registered elector may choose not to automatically receive a mail ballot packet for all elections that the county clerk and recorder conducts by mail ballot on or after November 2, 2027. The rules must include a process by which a registered elector who has chosen not to receive mail ballots may choose to resume receipt of mail ballots. The secretary is required to develop public-facing communications explaining that choosing not to receive a mail ballot packet is voluntary. A registered elector who has chosen not to receive a mail ballot packet must either vote in person at a voter service and polling center or request a mail ballot.

For each mail ballot election conducted by a county clerk and recorder on or after November 2, 2027, each county clerk and recorder is required to report to the secretary the number of registered electors in the county who chose not to receive a mail ballot packet for the election and the number of mail ballot packets that the county clerk and recorder did not send as a result for that election. The secretary is required to use the information submitted by each county clerk and recorder to determine the reduction in the costs that each county incurred in conducting the election and to make the information reported by the county clerk and recorders and the savings determined by the secretary available to the public on the secretary's website.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)