Colorado Redistricting 2025: What You Need to Know About the CO-ERRA Act

Written By Jorge@redistrict.co

Colorado voters may soon face one of the most important democracy questions in years: whether to adopt the Colorado Election Rigging Response Act (CO-ERRA), also known as the Defensive Gerrymander Guard Act (DGGP Act). This proposed constitutional amendment would give Colorado emergency tools to respond to extreme gerrymanderingin other states.

In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Colorado redistricting in 2025, the new ballot measure, and why it matters for fair elections.

What Is Redistricting in Colorado?

Redistricting is the process of redrawing congressional and legislative district lines. In Colorado, Amendments Y and Z (passed in 2018) created independent commissions to prevent partisan gerrymandering. Those commissions drew Colorado’s maps in 2021, which are expected to last until after the 2030 Census.

More on Amendments Y and Z:
https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_Amendments_Y_and_Z,_Independent_Redistricting_Commissions_Amendments_(2018)

Why Is the Colorado Election Rigging Response Act (CO-ERRA) Different?

The CO-ERRA ballot measure introduces a safeguard against extreme election manipulation in other states. Here’s what it does:

  • Emergency Redistricting Authority – Allows Colorado to redraw maps if national representation is distorted by extreme gerrymanders elsewhere.

  • Time-Bound Powers – Limits authority to the sitting Governor’s current term.

  • Transparency Protections – Keeps Colorado’s strong standards for open hearings and public input.

This amendment is designed as a defensive tool, not a partisan weapon.

Why Gerrymandering Matters in 2025

Across the country, states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina have aggressively redrawn maps mid-decade to lock in partisan advantages. Analysts say this distorts the balance of power in Congress and unfairly dilutes the voices of voters in states that follow the rules.

Examples:

Without a response, Colorado could end up under-represented in Washington, D.C., even if its elections remain fair.

Timeline for the Colorado Redistricting Ballot Measure 2025

  • August 2025 – Title Board hearings on the proposed amendment.

  • September 2025 – Draft 2 of the bill is scheduled for release:
    https://leg.colorado.gov/content/emergency-congressional-redistricting-0

  • Fall/Winter 2025 – Final language submitted for either legislative referral or citizen ballot initiative.

  • 2026 Ballot – If approved, voters could decide on the Colorado Election Rigging Response Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colorado gerrymandered?
Currently, Colorado’s maps are widely seen as fair due to the independent redistricting commissions created in 2018.

Why would Colorado redraw maps before 2030?
The CO-ERRA Act would allow mid-decade redistricting only if extreme gerrymanders in other states distort national representation.

What is the difference between gerrymandering and redistricting?
Redistricting is a neutral process of updating district lines. Gerrymandering happens when those lines are drawn to unfairly favor one political party.

When will Colorado voters decide on the CO-ERRA ballot measure?
If approved for the ballot, Colorado voters could vote on the measure in 2026 or in a 2025 special election depending on legislative action.

How to Get Involved

Conclusion

Colorado has long been a leader in fair maps and transparent elections. But as other states push aggressive gerrymanders, Colorado must decide whether to act defensively to protect fair representation in Congress.

The Colorado Election Rigging Response Act (CO-ERRA) represents a historic step: balancing fairness at home with strength against national election manipulation.

Stay tuned to Redistrict Colorado for updates:
https://redistrict.co

Jorge@redistrict.co
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