The 2015 Elections and the 2016 Petition Season

In 2015 Colorado voters allowed the state to keep “excess” marijuana tax revenue while the city of Boulder’s electorate approved a short-term rental tax and two tax extensions. Voters approved updating the city charter’s provisions on the library commission but not for increasing compensation for city council members (45% in favor vs 55% against). The two city citizen initiatives regarding land use changes and development costs were each defeated about 62% to 38%. The BVSD questions to lease excess capacity easily passed.

The margin of victory didn’t matter in the 2015 election, but if a proposed statewide citizen initiative gets enough signatures to get on the ballot and is passed by voters, then future citizen initiatives to amend the state constitution would require a 55% approval to change the constitution.

Since this is petition season for citizen initiatives, it’s a good time to remind you to “Think Before You Ink” (aka sign a petition -- no, this isn’t about tattoos). The LWV of Colorado points out that “signing petitions is not necessarily a civic duty” and encourages you to ask 4 questions:
1) Is the ballot issue complex?
2) Whose idea is it? (And is the signature gatherer identified as a paid or volunteer circulator?)
3) How will it be funded?
4) Does it belong in the constitution?
For the complete LWV of Colorado “Think Before You Ink” remarks, go to http://lwvcolorado.org/lwv/ballot-issues/