Signature-gathering could start this week

Opponents of Gov. Polis would need 631,266 valid names to make ballot

A group that wants to recall Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has been given the green light to start circulating petitions to get a special election on the ballot this fall.

The Secretary of State’s Office approved Dismiss Polis’ petition format on Monday afternoon — the six-month anniversary of the governor’s inauguration. That means the group can start printing and distributing those petitions to its supporters across the state.

Signatures gatherers have 60 days — until the end of business on Sept. 6 — to submit 631,266 valid signatures from registered Colorado voters. If they fall short, the recall won’t happen. If they succeed, it will be the first time in Colorado’s history that a sitting governor has faced a recall election.

Dismiss Polis is working with another group called Resist Polis, a political action committee, and its registered agent, Tom Good, recently told The Denver Post he believes they are going to collect the signatures with volunteers rather than using paid gatherers.

As for Polis, the governor’s spokesman said he’s “focused on governing for all of Colorado.”

“During his first six months in office, the governor has created bipartisan solutions to lower the cost of health care, ensure every kid can go to free, full- kindergarten this fall and cut taxes for small businesses,” Conor Cahill said in a statement. “The governor will continue to reach across the aisle and hopes that by tackling key issues for all Coloradans, we will continue to bring people together and focus on what unites us.”