CostsFiscal estimate
What do counties pay, and how much is reimbursed?
The Blue Book estimates the measure would increase county spending by up to $2.5 million in the 2026–27 budget year and up to $1.2 million in future years. About 45 percent of those county costs would be reimbursed by the state government.
Our explanation · Sources checked October 6, 2026
| Budget year | County cost | State reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| 2026–27 | Up to $2.5m | About 45% reimbursed |
| Future years | Up to $1.2m | About 45% reimbursed |
Fiscal estimate, not a guarantee. The reimbursement is the state’s estimated share of the added county cost.
Check the original, page 26The evidence
2 excerpts“increase county spending by up to $2.5 million in the 2026-27 budget year and up to $1.2 million in future years. About 45 percent of these county costs will be reimbursed by the state government.”
Page 26, county spending and reimbursement
Colorado Legislative Council Staff
2026 Blue Book: Amendment 84“election judges must review identification numbers provided by voters, which will increase staffing hours and overtime during elections.”
Page 26, election-judge review workload
Colorado Legislative Council Staff
2026 Blue Book: Amendment 84How to read this
Counties, which run the clerk and recorder offices that verify ballots, would bear most of the added verification work, including the election-judge review of identification numbers. The state would reimburse an estimated 45 percent of the added county cost.
What to keep in mind
County spending and the reimbursement are estimates in the Blue Book’s fiscal analysis. The reimbursement share is an estimate of the state’s portion of the added county cost, not a fixed contractual amount.