The proposal to require citizens to show identification in order to vote by mail is trailing in Colorado, as the early results rolled in on Tuesday night.
Amendment 84 asked voters to approve new identification requirements for mail ballots in the Colorado constitution. If approved by voters, the amendment requires voters who return a ballot by mail to provide identifying information, including the last four digits of their Social Security number, a driver’s license or their REAL ID number.
Amendment 84 is trailing with 21% of the vote, compared with 79% opposed, according to the early, unofficial results.
The initiative comes amid a national debate over election security and voter verification.
Under current Colorado law, voters who cast ballots by mail verify their identity by matching signatures. Election officials compare signatures on ballot envelopes with signatures already on file in state records. Colorado also requires identification for in-person voting, while first-time mail voters must provide a copy of an approved identification document.
Supporters argue that requiring additional identifying information would strengthen election security and help prevent fraudulent ba...