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This page summarizes the proposed amendment and confirms distribution to state leadership. For the authoritative draft and future revisions, use the button above.

Section X: Emergency Redistricting Authority

(1) Notwithstanding any provisions of Article V, Sections 44 and 48 of the Colorado Constitution, emergency redistricting authority shall be triggered by either:

A declaration by the Governor of Colorado; or
A joint resolution passed by a majority vote of both chambers of the General Assembly, in which case the Governor shall be required to initiate the emergency redistricting process as outlined in this section.

(2) This authority may be exercised if substantial evidence exists that one or more states have enacted congressional redistricting plans that result in severe partisan imbalance, voter disenfranchisement, or a significant deviation from proportional representation norms, thereby materially harming the representation or political interests of the State of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives.

(3) Upon such declaration or legislative resolution, the Governor shall:

Suspend operation of the Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission for the remainder of the Governor’s current term.
Appoint a Temporary Emergency Commission to redraw congressional districts based on alternative criteria, including proportional response to national redistricting imbalances.
Submit the revised maps to the Colorado Supreme Court for expedited constitutional review.

(4) This authority shall terminate automatically at the end of the Governor’s current term unless reauthorized by a majority vote of Colorado voters.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to violate federal requirements for equal population, minority voting protections, or compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Note: This is a proposed constitutional amendment. The “Sent Out” status indicates that the draft has been transmitted to relevant Colorado offices for consideration and feedback. This page is for public transparency and outreach and is not legal advice.