Report: Colorado’s Closed Road the the Ballot

How Caucuses, Assemblies, and Petitions Shape the Colorado Democracy Paradox

Published: May 20 2026

Author & Contact: Dr. Amy Spicer, Chief Impact Officer

Colorado’s Closed Road to the Ballot examines how Colorado’s caucus, assembly, petition, and primary systems shape who reaches the ballot and how much choice voters ultimately have. Colorado law provides major-party candidates routes to the primary ballot through assembly or petition, with specific thresholds and eligibility requirements governing each path.

Drawing on research, national comparisons, and firsthand observations and conversations across Colorado, the report identifies what Courageous Colorado calls the Colorado Democracy Paradox: the tension between broad access to voting and a candidate-selection process that can narrow the field before many voters participate. Courageous Colorado’s research found that only 22% of major-office primaries from 2014 through 2024 were contested by the time ballots reached voters.

For Courageous Colorado Action, this research provides a foundation for action. We are using its findings to bring people together across political perspectives, explore practical changes to candidate ballot access and primary elections, and advance policy solutions aimed at increasing participation, representation, and competition.