Colorado § 1-13-109 - False or reckless statements relating to candidates or questions submitted to electors - penalties - definitions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-13-109 — False or reckless statements relating to candidates or questions submitted to electors - penalties - definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1-13-109. False or reckless statements relating to candidates or questions submitted to electors - penalties - definitions.
(1) (a) No person shall knowingly make, publish, broadcast, or circulate or cause to be made, published, broadcasted, or circulated in any letter, circular, advertisement, or poster or in any other communication any false statement designed to affect the vote on any issue submitted to the electors at any election or relating to any candidate for election to public office.
(b) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (1)(a) of this section upon conviction shall be punished as provided in section 1-13-111.
(2) (a) No person shall recklessly make, publish, broadcast, or circulate or cause to be made, published, broadcasted, or circulated in any letter, circular, advertisement, or poster or in any other communication any false statement designed to affect the vote on any issue submitted to the electors at any election or relating to any candidate for election to public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of this subsection (2), a person acts "recklessly" when he or she acts in conscious disregard of the truth or falsity of the statement made, published, broadcasted, or circulated.
(b) Any person who violates any provision of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) commits a class 2 misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501, C.R.S.
(3) For purposes of this section, "person" means any natural person, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization, political party, or other organization or group of persons, including a group organized under section 527 of the internal revenue code.
Source: L. 80: Entire article R&RE, p. 430, § 1, effective January 1, 1981. L. 2002: (2) amended, p. 1464, § 8, effective October 1. L. 2005: Entire section amended, p. 1366, § 1, effective September 1. L. 2021: (1)(b) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3123, § 4, effective March 1, 2022.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 1-30-133 as it existed prior to 1980.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 2002 act amending subsection (2), see section 1 of chapter 318, Session Laws of Colorado 2002.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 1-13-109
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-13-109 cover?
Section 1-13-109 ("False or reckless statements relating to candidates or questions submitted to electors - penalties - definitions.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 1-13-109?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 1-13-109" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 1-13-109 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.