A quick note from Chair Morgan Carroll on COVID-19:

Good evening, everyone. It's not hyperbole to say that we're dealing with an unprecedented situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19). While I am thankful that we have steady leadership in the state capitol with Governor Jared Polis, and our Democratic majorities in the General Assembly, there are still a lot of questions out there, and understandably a lot of fear and uncertainty.

I would like to echo what our elected leaders have been saying here in Colorado: this is a scary situation, but we will get through this together. We're in this together, and it's up to all of us to practice smart habits to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.

As you all are likely have been wondering, COVID-19 is indeed impacting our assembly and convention process. I want to be clear: Our focus is on protecting public health and safety, while ensuring the wheels of democracy continue to move forward fairly.

The law and rules at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak did not allow dates to be changed or remote or electronic meetings or voting. Therefore, the state party pursued emergency legislation, emergency executive orders and emergency rules to allow us to make the necessary changes to protect public health and safety, while also ensuring that voters can still exercise their right to vote.

The legislature is moving quickly to pass this emergency legislation before they suspend their activities for two weeks in the interest of public safety. As the state party, we are prepared to assist our county parties in every way possible to ensure that -- pending the legislation's passage -- they will be able to allow remote participation in their assemblies and conventions.

Why is this being done?

Personal and Public Safety. We want to keep everyone healthy and safe.
Every Vote Matters. Every person entitled to vote in the assembly and convention process should be able to do so without putting themselves, their loved ones, or others at risk.
Fair Ballot Access for Candidates. Every candidate going through the assembly process can still be nominated and seconded. Meetings should accommodate a way to hear from candidates to determine who gets on the ballot.
Delegate Fairness. Coloradans elected to be delegates should still have a chance to run and be elected to a subsequent assembly or convention.
Fair Representation. Delegates elected to a subsequent assembly should still reflect the proportion of support a candidate earned to the maximum extent possible.
Democracy and Democratic Processes Must Be Protected. Despite the challenges, we must still allow democratic processes and elections to continue. Cancelling voting and elections would set an alarming precedent.

I want to emphasize that in the wake of COVID-19, it is imperative for our country's future that our democratic processes aren't frozen or scrapped. Under the circumstances, elections must still be held to choose the leaders who will represent Colorado both in Washington and here at home.

Stay safe and stay well. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at mcarroll@coloradodems.org with any questions. We will get through this together.

In Solidarity,

Morgan Carroll, Chair
Colorado Democratic Party