Colorado Statutes § 1-11-203 Contests arising out of primary electionsVersion dated Oct. 30, 2024

(1) All election contests arising out of a primary election, except contests for national or state offices, shall be summarily adjudicated by the district court sitting for the political subdivision within which a contest arises. The court which first acquires jurisdiction of any contest shall have original jurisdiction, subject to appellate review as provided by law and the Colorado appellate rules. In all cases involving contests for state offices, the supreme court shall take original jurisdiction for the purpose of summarily adjudicating any contest.

(2) Every contest shall be instituted by verified petition to the proper court, setting forth the grounds for the contest. The petition shall be filed and a copy served on the contestee within five days after the occurrence of the grounds of the contest. The contestee shall answer under oath within five days after service. If the petition cannot be personally served within the state on the contestee, service may be made by leaving a copy of the petition with the clerk of the court having original jurisdiction of the controversy or contest who shall search for the contestee so that an answer may be filed. Upon the expiration of the time for the answer, the court having jurisdiction of the contest shall forthwith set the matter for trial on the merits and shall summarily adjudicate it.