DENVER — A Colorado bill is aiming to level the playing for for people with disabilities. The bill ensures that the caucus process, which is accessible for candidates with disabilities, remains an option in Colorado.
State Rep. David Ortiz, Colorado’s first elected wheelchair user, is sponsoring the legislation.
“This bill is based off personal experience, when I was thinking about being a first-time candidate,” said Ortiz. “Petitioning was not the route that was going to work for me, so I went through the caucus route.”
The Littleton Democrat said the caucus process was crucial during election season, since going door-to-door for petition signatures was difficult for him. Recent discussions have taken place focused on removing the caucus process entirely. The new bill would ensure that caucuses remain an option.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department wants 30 percent of its police force to be women by the year 2030, a commitment to the nationwide 30×30 Initiative.
“Your issues with caucuses don’t justify discriminating against and removing the only means for candidates with a disability to get on the ballot,” said Ortiz.