2025 Election Results and Looking Toward the 2026 Ballot

The 2 state ballot measures in 2025 (an odd-numbered year) had to be fiscal in nature because of TABOR, but the 4 local measures were also fiscal. All the ballot measures easily passed. Boulder city and county voters generously taxed themselves for open space and mental/behavioral health (county) and for catch-all “Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety” (city).

Big Tent Boulder County has announced an effort to expand the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners from 3 to 5 members. Such ballot measures require offering at least 2 of the 4 available statutory options. One of the petition effort offerings is dividing the county into 5 districts with each district electing one commissioner. The other offering is dividing the county into 3 districts. In one even-numbered year everyone would vote on the at-large commissioner and one district would also get to elect its commissioner. Two years later, everyone would vote on the other at-large commissioner and the voters in the other two districts would get to elect their district’s commissioner. Currently, Boulder County’s three commissioners have to reside in a specific geographical district, but everyone gets to vote in all three commissioner contests.

Meanwhile, at the state level a coalition of groups is hard at work on a combination constitutional/statutory change to create a graduated income tax to replace our current flat tax. TABOR and H.R.1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) together are making funding state services very difficult. The proposed graduated income tax is expected to result in increased state funding. The coalition plans to get this measure on the November 2026 ballot.

Vote on the Ballot Measures!

Odd-numbered years have fewer state ballot measures because TABOR only allows fiscal measures on the state ballot. This year the county and city ballot measures are also fiscal measures. All the ballot measures were referred to the ballot by the state, county or city’s governing body.

In 2022, this site changed how it approached most tax measures. Rather than weigh in on whether or not you should vote for a tax or debt question, this site started putting the word “TAX” and, starting this year, “DEBT” in the Recommendation field, neither supporting nor opposing the measure but sometimes giving you some things to consider. An exception: this site has been a consistent supporter of debrucing measures, like Prop LL.

Each of the 6 ballot measures has its own post with more information and a space to make a comment on the specific ballot measure. Please limit comments on this introductory post to general comments about the process or the election.

In general, the further down the ballot you go, the more influence you have! Please research the issues and candidates and vote the entire ballot. Encourage your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and anyone else eligible to vote to do likewise. If you vote early, you can avoid some of those pesky “Get Out the Vote” (GOTV) reminders.

This is the last year that Boulder will vote on city council in odd-numbered years. Long, even-year ballots will be yet longer for Boulder voters. Odd-year ballots will contain only school board and ballot measures; voter turnout will likely decrease in odd years.

At the bottom of this post are other ballot measure websites as well as a link to the Boulder County Clerk’s website. The links are updated as more resources become available.

Ballots were mailed out starting October 10 so you should have your ballot already. Please make a plan for getting your ballot if you have moved. Remember that in Colorado you can register and vote as late as Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th. Most people vote in one of 3 ways:
1) In person at one of your county’s Voter Service and Polling Centers
2) Mail your ballot with appropriate postage and allow for adequate delivery time (Within CO, your county clerk is supposed to pay the postage if you don’t affix stamps, but you might not want to risk it.)
3) Drop off your ballot at any Colorado polling place or ballot drop box, even outside of your county


VOCABULARY

Proposition = Statutory change
Propositions need only a simple majority to pass.
Propositions can be modified later by the Colorado General Assembly.

State Referenda - denoted by letters
The General Assembly put referenda on the ballot.

Ballot Issues = Tax or debt measures
Ballot Questions = Others


2025 BALLOT MEASURES

STATE OF COLORADO

Proposition LL
Debruce from Prop FF Revenue Limits
Let CO keep and spend money above the estimate for Prop FF, Healthy School Meals
YES

Proposition MM
Increase Taxes on High-Income Households to Fully Fund Healthy School Meals
Lower the deduction limit on households earning $300,000 to fund school meals, with any excess up to $95M supporting SNAP
TAX


COUNTY OF BOULDER

County of Boulder Issue 1A
Open Space Sales Tax Extension in Perpetuity
Extend in perpetuity the 0.15% sales tax set to expire at the end of 2030
TAX

County of Boulder Issue 1B
Mental/Behavioral Health Sales Tax of 0.15% for 3 years
A “starter tax” to develop long-term mental/behavioral health solutions for future taxpayer funding and voter approval
TAX


CITY OF BOULDER

City of Boulder Issue 2A
Community, Culture, Resilience, and Safety Tax Extension in Perpetuity
Extend in perpetuity the 0.3% sales tax set to expire at the end of 2036
TAX

City of Boulder Issue 2B
Community, Culture, Resilience, and Safety Tax Debt Authorization
Allow the city council to take on debt now to be repaid by future (if approved) CCRS tax revenues
DEBT



ELECTION ADMINISTRATION SITES

Colorado Secretary of State – Go Vote Colorado page
http://govotecolorado.gov

Boulder County Clerk and Recorder
303 413 7740
https://www.bouldercounty.org/elections/
Look up your voter registration, see a sample ballot, check your ballot status, and find the county Voter Service and Polling Center locations.
https://bouldercounty.gov/elections/ballot-information/


GOVERNMENT SITES

Blue Book / Folleto Informativo (Colorado Legislative Council)
https://leg.colorado.gov/content/initiatives/initiatives-blue-book-overview/ballot-information-booklet-blue-book
The real name of the Blue Book is the 2024 State Ballot Information Booklet – available in English and Spanish.
State Ballot Analysis - https://leg.colorado.gov/BallotAnalysis

Colorado Secretary of State
[Amendments and] Propositions on the 2025 Ballot
https://www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/ballot/contacts/2025.html

Boulder County
https://bouldercounty.gov/government/county-ballot-issues/

City of Boulder
https://bouldercolorado.gov/elections


INFORMATION-ONLY SITES

League of Women Voters – also listed under Advocacy Sites
https://www.vote411.org/
See your ballot, learn about the issues and the candidates

Ballotpedia
https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_2025_ballot_measures
Entries for each ballot measure include supporters and opponents and campaign finance information


MEDIA SITES
These sites take positions on all or most of the measures.

Daily Camera 2025 Voter Guide
https://www.dailycamera.com/2025/10/12/boulder-county-colorado-voter-guide-2025/

Boulder Reporting Lab 2025 Election Guide
https://boulderreportinglab.org/2025/10/05/boulder-2025-voter-guide-what-to-know-before-election-day-nov-4/

Yellow Scene Election Guide 2025
https://yellowscene.com/2025/10/18/2025-election-guide-boulder-county-the-north-metro/


ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION SITES
These sites provide analysis through their advocacy lens on measures.

League of Women Voters of Boulder County 2025 Ballot Measures (English and Spanish)
https://lwvbc.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=629866&module_id=744444

PLAN-Boulder County 2025 Ballot Issue Endorsements
https://www.planboulder.org/2025-ballot-issue-endorsements

New Era Colorado Action Fund Boulder Voter Guide
https://neweracoloradoaction.org/voter-guide/boulder/

Bell Policy Center 2025 Ballot Guide
https://bellpolicy.org/2025-ballot-guide/

Colorado Fiscal Institute 2025 Voter Guide
https://coloradofiscal.org/2025-voter-guide/

Common Sense Institute Colorado 2025 Ballot Guide
https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/ballot-issues/2025-colorado-ballot-guide

ACLU Guide to School Board Elections
https://www.aclu-co.org/school-board-ballot-guide-2025/


POLITICAL PARTY AND PARTY-ADJACENT SITES

Boulder County Democratic Party 2025 Voter Guide
https://www.bocodems.org/2025-voter-guide/

Boulder County Republican Party 2025 Voter Guide
https://bocogop.org/voter-information/

Boulder Progressives 2025 Voter Guide
https://www.boulderprogressives.org/voter-guide

Progress Now Colorado 2025 Voters Guide
https://progressivevotersguide.com/colorado/2025/general/county/boulder


CITIZEN SITES

Richard Valenty
https://richardvalenty.com/election-2025-dawn-of-the-new-abnormal/

Eric Budd
https://bouldercoloradovoterguide.com/2025/10/13/election-2025-boulder-colorado-voter-guide/

Proposition LL – Debruce from Prop FF Revenue Limits

In 2022 Colorado voters passed Prop FF to “support healthy meals for public school students.”

The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires Colorado to estimate the revenue that will be collected from new or increased taxes, to refund any revenue collected above the estimate, and to prevent over-collection in future years by reducing the tax. However, TABOR also allows tax-imposing jurisdictions to get permission from voters to keep and spend excess revenue – known as debrucing, after Douglas Bruce, the author of TABOR. https://bellpolicy.org/what-is-debrucing/

Prop LL asks voters to debruce Colorado from Prop FF’s revenue limits.

Recommendation: YES

This website has long been in favor of deBrucing. Requiring the state to return collected money and to ratchet down tax rates (while not allowing the state to ratchet up tax rates when needed) is unnecessarily bureaucratic and substantially limits Colorado’s fiscal flexibility. No other state has adopted a TABOR-like measure.

Website for the Yes Side
Keep Kids Fed Colorado – https://www.yesonllandmm.com/

Website for the No Side
No known dedicated website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition LL (STATUTORY)

Without raising taxes, may the state keep and spend all revenue generated by the 2022 voter-approved state tax deduction limits on individuals with incomes of $300,000 or more and maintain these deduction limits in order to continue funding the healthy school meals for all program, which pays for public schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HB25-1274 (Section 2) to refer Proposition LL to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1274

Proposition MM – Increase Taxes on High-Income Households to Fully Fund Healthy School Meals

Prop FF created the Healthy School Meals for All program which took in more revenue than estimated – see Prop LL – but has unmet expenses due to higher-than-expected inflation and student participation. Three components of the program have not yet been funded: 1) use local ingredients, 2) increase school meal workers’ wages, and 3) offer infrastructure assistance. Meanwhile, the federal law H.R. 1 passed earlier this year and increased the state costs for SNAP (previously known as food stamps).

Prop FF lowered the state income tax deduction limit on households earning $300,000 “to $12,000 for single tax filers and $16,000 for joint tax filers.” Prop MM would lower the deduction limit further “to $1,000 for single tax filers and $2,000 for joint tax filers” to take in up to $95M in additional revenue to fully fund school meals. Once the Healthy School Meals program is funded, any excess up to that $95M would support SNAP.

Recommendation: TAX

About 200,000 households in Colorado, equivalent to about 6% of Colorado households, earn $300,000 or more as filers’ adjusted gross income.

Website for the Yes Side
Keep Kids Fed Colorado – https://www.yesonllandmm.com/

Website for the No Side
No known dedicated website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition MM (STATUTORY)

SHALL STATE TAXES BE INCREASED BY $95 MILLION ANNUALLY BY A CHANGE TO THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD FOR COLORADO KIDS AND FAMILIES, INCLUDING THE HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL PROGRAM, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, INCREASING STATE TAXABLE INCOME ONLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A FEDERAL TAXABLE INCOME OF $300,000 OR MORE BY LIMITING ITEMIZED OR STANDARD STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS TO $1,000 FOR SINGLE TAX RETURN FILERS AND $2,000 FOR JOINT TAX RETURN FILERS FOR THE PURPOSES OF FULLY FUNDING THE HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL PROGRAM TO CONTINUE PAYING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO OFFER FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH TO ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS WHILE ALSO INCREASING WAGES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO PREPARE AND SERVE SCHOOL MEALS, HELPING SCHOOLS USE BASIC, NUTRITIOUS INGREDIENTS, INSTEAD OF PROCESSED PRODUCTS, AND ENSURING THAT COLORADO GROWN AND RAISED PRODUCTS ARE PART OF SCHOOL MEALS; SUPPORTING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) THAT HELPS LOW-INCOME COLORADO FAMILIES AFFORD GROCERIES; AND ALLOWING THE STATE TO RETAIN AND SPEND AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE ALL ADDITIONAL TAX REVENUE GENERATED BY THESE TAX DEDUCTION CHANGES?
Changes in Income Taxes Owed by Income Category
Income Category      Proposed Change in Average Income Tax Owed
$299,999 or less      $0
$300,000 or more    +$486

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HB25-1274 (Section 3) to refer Proposition MM to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1274

County of Boulder 1A – Open Space Sales Tax Extension in Perpetuity

This 0.15% open space sales tax first appeared on the 2010 ballot with an expiration date of the end of 2030. The county commissioners voted 2 to 1 to ask voters to extend this tax in perpetuity.

It’s interesting that the county is asking now to extend in perpetuity the 0.15% open space tax that expires at the end of 2030 and makes no mention in Resolution 2025-036 of the 0.10% open space tax that expires a year earlier. A 0.05% Emergency Services sales tax is also set to expire at the end of 2027, but another 0.05% Emergency Services sales tax is in perpetuity.

Forty percent of the county sales tax goes to acquire and maintain open space. Open space is considered a “fundamental shared value of the citizens of Boulder County.” Below is the breakdown of the county’s 1.185% sales and use tax.

0.05% Emergency Services
   expires 12/31/2027
   on ballot 2022
0.05% Human Services
   expires 12/31/2033
   on ballot 2000, 2003, 2008, 2017
0.125% Sustainability
   expires 12/31/2034
   on ballot 2016
0.185% Attainable Housing
   expires 12/31/2039
   on ballot 2023
   on ballot 2018 as Alternative Sentencing
0.10% Open Space
   expires 12/31/2029
   on ballot 2000, 2007
0.15% Open Space
   expires 12/31/2030
   on ballot 2010, 2025
0.125% Open Space
   expires 12/31/2034
   on ballot 1993 and 1999 (both 0.25%), 2016
0.05% Open Space
   expires 12/31/2039
   on ballot 2004, 2023
0.05% Open Space (2004 ballot)
    perpetuity for maintenance
0.05% Jail (2014, 2018 ballots)
    perpetuity
0.10% Transportation (2001, 2007, 2022 ballots)
    perpetuity
0.10% Wildfire Mitigation (2022 ballot)
    perpetuity
0.05% Emergency Services (2022 ballot)
    perpetuity

Recommendation: TAX

Why is the county asking to make a tax that expires in 5 years permanent but not first talking about an earlier expiring open space tax? Here are the county sales tax rates through 2031 if no more county sales tax measures are placed on the ballot before November 2031.
2026 and 2027 = 1.185% (+ 0.15% if 1B passes = 1.335%)
2028 = 1.135% (+ 0.15% if 1B passes = 1.285%)
2029 = 1.135%
2030 = 1.035%
2031 = 0.885% (+0.15% if 1A passes = 1.035%)

Here are some sales tax considerations as you ponder whether or not to support this tax into perpetuity: Sales taxes are regressive. Most of the county’s revenue comes from property taxes, federal and state sources (e.g., pass-through monies, state lottery), and fees (e.g., motor vehicle, recording, filing fees). About 18% of the budgeted 2025 county revenue comes from sales taxes.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a supporters’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A

OPEN SPACE SALES AND USE TAX EXTENSION AND REVENUE CHANGE

WITH NO INCREASE IN ANY COUNTY TAX, SHALL THE COUNTY'S EXISTING 0.15% OPEN SPACE SALES AND USE TAX BE EXTENDED IN PERPETUITY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ACQUIRING, IMPROVING, MANAGING, AND MAINTAINING OPEN SPACE LANDS AND OTHER OPEN SPACE PROPERTY INTERESTS, INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL OPEN SPACE; AND SHALL THE REVENUES AND THE EARNINGS ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE; ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' RESOLUTION NO. 2025-036?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Resolution 2025-037 to refer 1A to the voters
https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Open_Space_Extension_Ballot_Question_Resolution.pdf
Resolution 2025-036 describing 1A in detail
https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Open_Space_Extension_Tax_Proposal_Resolution.pdf

County of Boulder 1B – Mental/Behavioral Health Sales Tax of 0.15% for 3 years

1B’s proposed new tax is the result of work on the Boulder County Behavioral Health Roadmap. https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-services/strategic-initiatives/behavioral-health-roadmap/

The ballot language went through a couple of iterations before settling on the final language. In particular, the tax was reduced from 15 years to only 3 years when state Senator Judy Amabile, among others, argued that “transformational change” is needed. By presenting a 3-year tax, critical programs can be funded now, and the county has time to carefully evaluate needs and results and “reformulate allocations before asking voters to extend.”

A 2019 paper found that a majority of bankruptcies are due to high medical costs. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6366487/ Now, imminent skyrocketing health insurance premiums are a sticking point in ending the federal government shutdown. Millions of Americans are worried that they won’t have access to needed health care. Health care includes mental and behavioral health.

Recommendation: TAX

The 1A write-up included the county sales tax rates through 2031 if no more county sales tax measures are placed on the ballot before November 2031, but supporters of this tax definitely want to come back in a couple of years to ask for an extension. Below are the county sales tax rates through 2030 assuming that both 1B and a future extension pass. Note that while the sales tax gets as high as 1.335% for two years, in 2030 the rate would go back down to the current sales tax of 1.185%.
2025 = 1.185%
2026, 2027 = 1.185% + 0.15% = 1.335%
2028, 2029 = 1.135% + 0.15% = 1.285%
2030 = 1.035% + 0.15% = 1.185%

Website for the Yes Side
Yes on Mental Health 1B – https://www.healthymindsstrongercommunity.org/

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Boulder County Ballot Issue 1B

MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SALES AND USE TAX AND REVENUE CHANGE

SHALL BOULDER COUNTY TAXES BE INCREASED $15 MILLION ANNUALLY (FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE IN 2026) BY IMPOSING AN ADDITIONAL SALES AND USE TAX FOR THREE YEARS OF 0.15% FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDRESSING UNMET NEEDS OF YOUTH, ADULTS, FAMILIES, UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS, AND OLDER ADULTS IN BOULDER COUNTY WITH OR AT RISK OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS BY PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES; SUICIDE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION; MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY; TREATMENT SERVICES FOR UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS; AND ASSISTANCE FINDING APPROPRIATE SERVICES THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES, AND OTHER OPTIONS; AND SHALL THE REVENUES AND THE EARNINGS ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX, REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT, CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE; ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' RESOLUTION NO. 2025-038?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Resolution 2025-039 to refer 1B to the voters
https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Mental_and_Behavioral_Health_Tax_Ballot_Question_Resolution.pdf
Resolution 2025-038 describing 1B in detail
https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Mental_and_Behavioral_Health_Tax_Proposal_Resolution.pdf

City of Boulder 2A – Community, Culture, Resilience, and Safety Tax Extension in Perpetuity

In 2014 Boulder voters approved a new Community, Culture, and Safety sales tax of 0.30% for three years (2015-2017). In 2017 voters approved a tax extension through 2021. In 2021 the city modified the name to Community, Culture, Resilience, and Safety Tax; voters approved a tax extension through 2036. This year – eleven years before the tax is due to expire – the city is asking to extend in perpetuity the 0.3% sales tax.

This 2A sales tax is the largest sales tax on the ballot this year. With uncertain economic times due to impacts from H.R. 1, the federal government shutdown and Trump’s threats to impose tariffs and fire members of the Federal Reserve, is this a good time to ask voters to continue forever a tax that expires more than a decade from now?

This in-perpetuity tax is paired with 2B, a debt authorization measure.

Recommendation: TAX

PLAN-Boulder County has concerns about the city extending taxes in order to meet revenue shortfalls. PLAN-Boulder County recommends an extensive, public evaluation of city programs and services. Boulder could convene a Blue Ribbon Commission (as it did in 2008 and 2010) to make recommendations regarding city finances.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a supporters’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2A

COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND SAFETY (CCRS) TAX EXTENSION (TABOR)

WITHOUT RAISING ADDITIONAL TAXES, SHALL THE EXISTING COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND SAFETY SALES AND USE TAX OF 0.3 PERCENT, INITIALLY SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2036, BE EXTENDED IN PERPETUITY, AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE, WITH THE REVENUE FROM SUCH TAX EXTENSION AND ALL EARNINGS THEREON, STARTING JANUARY 1, 2026, TO BE USED TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: ROADS, PATHS, BIKE LANES, TRAILS, AND SIDEWALK ENHANCEMENTS; RECREATION CENTER RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; SNOW AND ICE RESPONSE; PARKS AND PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENTS; FIRE AND POLICE STATION RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; CRITICAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS; AND OPEN SPACE TRAIL AND TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS; AND USE UP TO 10 PERCENT OF SUCH TAX REVENUE TO FUND A GRANT POOL FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROJECTS THAT SERVE THE PEOPLE OF BOULDER AND RELATED COSTS INCLUDING GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION COSTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND TIMING ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, SHALL THE TAX REVENUES AND ANY EARNINGS FROM THE REVENUES CONSTITUTE A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Ordinance 8710 to refer 2A to the voters
https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=194185&dbid=0&repo=LF8PROD2&_ga=2.31742526.141484268.1761719773-1093956677.1752467140&cr=1

City of Boulder 2B – Community, Culture, Resilience, and Safety Tax Debt Authorization

Issue 2B is paired with Issue 2A. Any money borrowed under 2B would be repaid “solely from the extension of the Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety sales and use tax of 0.3 cents, if separately approved.” If 2A does not pass, then there will be no funds for 2B.

Recommendation: DEBT

These uncertain economic times, as noted in the 2A write-up, may call for restraint on borrowing.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a supporters’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2B

COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND SAFETY (CCRS) TAX DEBT AUTHORIZATION (TABOR)

SHALL CITY OF BOULDER DEBT BE INCREASED UP TO $262,000,000 (PRINCIPAL AMOUNT) WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST OF UP TO $350,000,000 (SUCH AMOUNT BEING THE TOTAL PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST THAT COULD BE PAYABLE OVER THE MAXIMUM LIFE OF THE DEBT) TO BE PAYABLE SOLELY FROM THE EXTENSION OF THE COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE AND SAFETY SALES AND USE TAX OF 0.3 CENTS, IF SEPARATELY APPROVED; WITH SUCH DEBT TO BE SOLD AT SUCH TIME AND IN SUCH MANNER AND TO CONTAIN SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE CITY COUNCIL MAY DETERMINE, AND THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT AND EARNINGS THEREON BEING USED TO FUND CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND NON-PROFIT PROJECTS THAT SERVE THE CITIZENS OF BOULDER PAYABLE FROM SUCH SALES AND USE TAX EXTENSION INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS: ROADS, PATHS, BIKE LANES, TRAILS, AND SIDEWALK ENHANCEMENTS; RECREATION CENTER RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; SNOW AND ICE RESPONSE; PARKS AND PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENTS; FIRE AND POLICE STATION RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; CRITICAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS; AND OPEN SPACE TRAIL AND TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS; AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, SHALL ANY EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBTS CONSTITUTE A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Ordinance 8711 to refer 2B to the voters
https://documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=194184&dbid=0&repo=LF8PROD2&_ga=2.162545212.141484268.1761719773-1093956677.1752467140

2024 Election Results

Colorado voters approved all but 4 of the 14 state ballot measures: Amendments K (constitutional deadlines) and 80 (school choice) and Propositions 127 (big cats) and 131 (top-4 all-candidate primary and ranked voting in the general).

Boulder voters approved a pay raise for council members and allowed executive sessions but narrowly rejected changes to the boards and commissions. RTD voters approved removing RTD’s revenue cap – often called deBrucing in Colorado.

On July 18 the first case under Amendment H’s new judicial disciplinary process resulted in public censure of former District Court Judge Justin Haenlein.

The state legislature struggled to balance the budget this year. Passage of Prop 130 to spend $350M on law enforcement made the budget squeeze even tighter. President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” could be renamed the “Budget-Busting Bill” in Colorado because it will require Colorado to cut $1B from the current state budget. Gov Polis is expected to call a special session in the next few weeks to respond to the budget shortfall.

Vote on the Ballot Measures!

As is typical in even years, Boulder voters will see many ballot measures this year: 14 state measures, 3 city measures, and 1 RTD measure. Half the state measures are amendments to the constitution and half are statutory changes. Seven of the state measures are citizen initiatives, which had to collect signatures from registered voters to get on the ballot.

While one set of national running mates is talking about “childless cat ladies” and “they’re eating the dogs,” the state ballot measures are talking about big cats in the wild and pets, such as dogs, under veterinary care. Other national issues appearing on Colorado ballots are reproductive rights, the definition of marriage, and Final-4 Voting. And because we live in Colorado, we’ve got some debrucing measures for good measure. [See what I did there?]

Interestingly, none of the city measures are about content, such as taxes, election changes or prohibited items on city property; instead, they are all about city council processes and powers.

In 2022, this site changed how it approached most tax measures. Dedicated taxes are often designed for maximum appeal – Let’s support “rainbows and puppies.” Meanwhile the rest of the government functions are funded with non-dedicated taxes. Rather than weigh in on whether or not you should vote for a tax or debt question, this site started putting the word "Tax" in the Recommendation field, neither supporting nor opposing the measure but sometimes giving you some things to consider. An exception: this site has been a consistent supporter of debrucing measures, like Prop JJ and RTD 7A.

This year “politics” has been added as a recommendation, meaning the question is so tied up in politics that it comes down to a political call.

Each of the 18 ballot measures has its own post with more information and a space to make a comment on the specific ballot measure. Please limit comments on this introductory post to general comments about the process or the election.

In general, the further down the ballot you go, the more influence you have! Please research the issues and candidates and vote the entire ballot. Encourage your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and anyone else eligible to vote to do likewise. If you vote early, you can avoid some of those pesky “Get Out the Vote” (GOTV) reminders.

At the bottom of this post are other ballot measure websites as well as a link to the Boulder County Clerk’s website. The links are updated as more resources become available.

Ballots were mailed out starting October 11 so you should have your ballot already. Please make a plan for getting your ballot if you have moved. Remember that in Colorado you can register and vote as late as Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th. Most people vote in one of 3 ways:
1) In person at one of your county’s Voter Service and Polling Centers
2) Mail your ballot with appropriate postage and allow for adequate delivery time (Within CO, your county clerk is supposed to pay the postage if you don’t affix stamps, but you might not want to risk it.)
3) Drop off your ballot at any Colorado polling place or ballot drop box, even outside of your county


VOCABULARY

Amendment = Constitutional change
All of this year’s amendments, except for J, require 55% approval for passage.

Proposition = Statutory change
Propositions can be modified later by the Colorado General Assembly.


State Referenda - denoted by letters
The General Assembly put these on the ballot.

State Initiatives - denoted by numbers
Electors signed petitions to put these on the ballot.


Ballot Issues = Tax or debt measures
Ballot Questions = Others


2024 BALLOT MEASURES

STATE OF COLORADO

Amendment G
Expand Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities
Expand current exemption to Total Disability Individual Unemployability veterans
Tax

Amendment H
Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality
Create an adjudicative board, expand tribunal membership and release info about disciplinary charges earlier
politics

Amendment I
Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder
Prohibit the granting of bail to a person indicted for first degree murder when proof is evident or presumption is great
No

Amendment J
Repeal “Valid Marriage” Definition in Constitution
Remove the unconstitutional ban on same-sex marriage
YES

Amendment K
Move Constitutional Election Deadlines Earlier
Require earlier dates for publishing ballot measures, filing ballot measures and for a judge’s deadline to declare intent to run for retention
Yes

Amendment 79
Constitutional Right to Abortion
Enshrine right to abortion in the constitution and repeal the ban on state and local funding for abortion services
YES

Amendment 80
Constitutional Right to School Choice
Enshrine right to school choice in the constitution and expand choice to include private schools
No

Proposition JJ
Debruce CO from Sports Betting Limits and Keep Funding the Water Plan
Let CO keep money above the previously self-imposed limit
Yes

Proposition KK
Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax for Crime Victim Services
Impose a 6.5% excise tax on most firearms, firearm parts and ammunition sold in CO with most of the revenue going to crime victim services
Yes

Proposition 127
Prohibit Bobcat, Lynx, and Mountain Lion Hunting
Add bobcats and mountain lions to the prohibition on sport hunting already existing for lynx, and no longer reimburse owners for damage by mountain lions
No

Proposition 128
Reduce Parole Eligibility for Crimes of Violence
Increase time required behind bars for certain convicted persons from 75% of their sentence minus earned time to 85% of their sentence
No

Proposition 129
Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates
Create a new group of veterinary professionals who would have to get a master’s degree and possible additional training TBD by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine
No

Proposition 130
Funding for Law Enforcement Including Additional Death Benefits
Without finding new revenue, spend $350M on local law enforcement officers and provide a $1M death benefit to officers killed in the line of duty
No

Proposition 131
All-Candidate Top-4 Primary and Instant-Runoff (Ranked) Voting General Election
Replace partisan primaries for most state and federal offices with a Top-4 “jungle” primary and allow voters to rank candidates in the general election
Yes


CITY OF BOULDER

City of Boulder 2C
Base Council Pay on Area Median Income
More than triple council member pay and quadruple the mayor’s pay with no change in their duties
Against

City of Boulder 2D
Executive Sessions
Allow city council to conduct executive sessions for reasons outlined in statutory guidelines
leaning for

City of Boulder 2E
Boards and Commissions Changes
Replace most of the charter language on advisory commissions with a statement granting council power to establish commissions and rules by ordinance
Against


REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT

RTD 7A
Debruce RTD Permanently
Remove RTD’s revenue cap so RTD may keep all the money it collects
YES



ELECTION ADMINISTRATION SITES

Colorado Secretary of State – Go Vote Colorado page
http://govotecolorado.gov

Boulder County Clerk and Recorder
303 413 7740
https://www.bouldercounty.org/elections/
Look up your voter registration, see a sample ballot, check your ballot status, and find the county Voter Service and Polling Center locations.
https://bouldercounty.gov/elections/ballot-information/
See who is running as write-in candidates.


GOVERNMENT SITES

Blue Book / Folleto Informativo (Colorado Legislative Council)
https://leg.colorado.gov/content/initiatives/initiatives-blue-book-overview/ballot-information-booklet-blue-book
The real name of the Blue Book is the 2024 State Ballot Information Booklet – available in English and Spanish.
State Ballot Analysis - https://leg.colorado.gov/BallotAnalysis

Colorado Secretary of State
Amendments and Propositions on the 2024 Ballot
https://www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/ballot/contacts/2024.html

City of Boulder
https://bouldercolorado.gov/elections


INFORMATION-ONLY SITES

League of Women Voters – also listed under Advocacy Sites
https://www.vote411.org/
See your ballot, learn about the issues and the candidates

Ballotpedia
https://ballotpedia.org/Colorado_2024_ballot_measures
Entries for each ballot measure include supporters and opponents and campaign finance information


MEDIA SITES

Boulder Weekly Vote Guide
https://boulderweekly.com/content-archives/voters-guide/election-2024-a-quick-and-dirty-vote-guide/

Daily Camera 2024 Voters Guide
https://www.dailycamera.com/tag/2024-voters-guide/

Yellow Scene Election Guide 2024
https://yellowscene.com/2024/10/21/yellow-scene-election-guide-2024/

Colorado Politics Elections Page
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/elections/

Colorado Sun Voter Guide
https://coloradosun.com/colorado-voter-guide-2024-election/

Colorado Public Radio Voter’s Guide
https://www.cpr.org/2024/10/14/vg-2024-colorado-voter-guide-to-the-2024-election/

Colorado Inside Out (PBS) Election 2024
https://www.pbs12.org/watch/2024-election/


ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION SITES
These sites take positions on all or most of the measures.

League of Women Voters of Boulder County 2024 Ballot Measures (English and Spanish)
https://lwvbc.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=629866&module_id=690234

League of Women Voters of CO Where the League Stands
https://lwvcolorado.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=314195&module_id=614131

Bell Policy Center 2024 Ballot Guide
https://www.bellpolicy.org/2024/08/27/2024-colorado-ballot-guide/

Boulder Progressives
https://www.boulderprogressives.org/voter-guide


POLITICAL PARTY SITES

Boulder County Democratic Party
https://www.bocodems.org/2024-voter-guide/

Independence Institute – Libertarian Think Tank
https://i2i.org/election2024/


CITIZEN SITES

Richard Valenty
https://richardvalenty.com/election-2024-survival-and-other-things/

Amendment G – Expand Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

Veterans with a 100% permanent disability from a service-related injury or illness qualify for Colorado’s homestead exemption which reduces property taxes on a homeowner’s primary residence by exempting the first $100,000 of a home’s value for homes valued at $200,000 or more. For homes of lower values, the exemption is 50% of the home’s value. The state reimburses local governments for all revenue lost as a result of the exemption.

Amendment G would expand this property tax exemption to an estimated 3,700 veterans who qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) because they are unable to work a steady paid job due to a less-than-100% service-connected disability.

Recommendation: Tax

A veteran with a TDIU rating receives the same federal disability benefits as a veteran with 100% disability so Amendment G would similarly apply Colorado’s homestead exemption to both groups.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a proponents’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opponents’ website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment G (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the expansion of eligibility for the property tax exemption for veterans with a disability to include a veteran who does not have a service-connected disability rated as a one hundred percent permanent disability but does have individual unemployability status?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HCR23-1002 to refer Amendment G to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hcr23-1002

Amendment H – Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality

The judicial branch – particularly, the Colorado Supreme Court – has been rocked by scandals recently. For example, in 2023 the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline (CCJD) censured former Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats following an investigation.

Amendment H would create an independent adjudicative board composed of 4 citizens, 4 lawyers and 4 district court judges, all appointed by the CO Supreme Court and the governor, to handle disciplinary hearings and make the final ruling. This board would replace the current 3-step process where CO Supreme Court-appointed judges make recommendations to the CCJD who then makes disciplinary recommendations to the CO Supreme Court who makes the final disciplinary ruling.

Amendment H also calls for a tribunal of randomly selected District and Appeal Court judges representing different districts to hear cases involving a Supreme Court Justice, their staff or family. The current process limits the tribunal to only Appeal Court judges.

Under Amendment H, proceedings would become public as soon as formal charges are filed, rather than waiting until a formal recommendation for sanctions is filed.

Recommendation: politics

Except for the one argument against Amendment H in the Blue Book, nobody seems to be arguing that the current system works. No doubt there are more improvements that could be made and perhaps should have been made in this ballot measure – given that the concurrent resolution to refer Amendment H to voters passed unanimously (not counting 2 abstentions in the House).

Those opposed to Amendment H say that it does little to nothing to make the judicial process work better. They also argue that if Amendment H passes, “it will be almost impossible to obtain necessary reforms because legislators will allege they did the job with Amendment H.” Most referenda pass, but if Amendment H fails, the legislators may not pursue another change. Make a political choice and vote accordingly.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a proponents’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side (Judicial Integrity Project)
https://judicialintegrity.org/amendment-h-vote-no.html


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment H (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning judicial discipline, and in connection therewith, establishing an independent judicial discipline adjudicative board, setting standards for judicial review of a discipline case, and clarifying when discipline proceedings become public?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HCR23-1001 to refer Amendment H to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hcr23-1001

Amendment I – Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder

CO Constitution’s Article II, Section 19, (1) lists the cases in which a person charged with an offense shall be denied bail. They include (in abridged form):
a) For capital offenses when proof is evident or presumption is great (PEPG); or
b) After a timely hearing usually within 96 hours, the court finds that PEPG of the alleged crime, and finds that the public would be in significant peril if the accused were released on bail, and that the person accused of a crime of violence alleged to be committed was on probation, parole, bail or had a specific felony conviction as described in the constitution.

A capital offense is one which may result in a death sentence. First degree murder was a capital offense until Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020. Therefore, section a) above is no longer applicable.

Amendment I adds section d) to include first degree murder when PEPG.

CO Constitution’s Article II, Section 19, (2) states that if a person is denied bail, then the accused’s trial must begin within 90 days after bail is denied, EXCEPT in the case of a capital offense. Amendment I adds first degree murder to the exception clause so a person accused of first degree murder may languish in jail indefinitely.

Bail is defined as the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial. Sometimes bail requires posting a financial security, e.g., money or real estate. Sometimes bail occurs on the defendant’s own recognizance, i.e., a promise to show up for the trial.

Recommendation: No

If Amendment I gave the judge discretion to deny bail or required a first degree murder trial to begin within 90 days, then this would be a better constitutional amendment. By requiring the judge to deny bail and not requiring a speedy trial, this constitutional amendment deserves a No vote.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a proponents’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opposition website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment I (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning creating an exception to the right to bail for cases of murder in the first degree when proof is evident or presumption is great?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HCR24-1002 to refer Amendment I to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hcr24-1002

Amendment J – Repeal “Valid Marriage” Definition in Constitution

Amendment J would repeal Article II, Section 31 of the CO Constitution, which reads: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” Voters approved this language in 2006.

Amendment J requires only a simple majority of votes to pass because it is not adding any language to the constitution; rather, Amendment J is repealing language that only required a simple majority back in 2006 to pass. All the other amendments on your ballot require 55% of the vote to pass.

Colorado’s ban on same-sex marriage has been ruled unconstitutional by the courts, so removing this constitutional definition of marriage would align with current federal and state rulings.

Recommendation: YES

If the language remains in the constitution and the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) were to overturn its ruling and decide that bans on same-sex marriage are legal, then this “valid marriage” definition would be in force again. To SCOTUS-proof its constitution, Colorado should repeal this language.

Website for the Yes Side (Freedom to Marry Colorado)
https://www.freedomtomarryco.com/

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opposition website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment J (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution removing the ban on same-sex marriage?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

SCR24-003 to refer Amendment J to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/scr24-003

Amendment K – Move Constitutional Election Deadlines Earlier

The CO Constitution currently states that all ballot measures must be published “in at least one legal publication of general circulation in each county of the state and shall be made at least fifteen days prior to the final date of voter registration for the election.” What is that final date? Today Colorado allows eligible people to register to vote on Election Day.

Ballots are mailed to military and overseas voters known as UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voters 45 days before the election and to other voters 22 days before the election. Amendment K would require publication of the ballot measures 45 days before the election, instead of 15 days.

Currently, any citizen initiatives along with the required citizen signatures must be “filed with the secretary of state at least three months before the general election at which they are to be voted upon.” Amendment K would move this deadline one week earlier.

The current deadline for referenda is “not more than ninety days after the final adjournment of the session of the general assembly that passed the bill on which the referendum is demanded.” Amendment K would change the 90 days to 83 days.

Judges up for retention have a 3-month period in which to declare their intent to run for another term. Amendment K proposes changing the starting and ending point of this 3-month period earlier by one week.

Recommendation: Yes

Moving the publication deadline earlier for ballot measures makes sense since the ballot text must be ready for UOCAVA voters anyway. With a long ballot, regular (i.e., non-UOCAVA) voters should be able to see the ballot text before they get their ballot so they have time to do research.

One week earlier for initiatives, referenda and judges’ reelection declaration is also reasonable. The only noticeable impact might be a citizen referendum, such as 2020’s Prop 113 to overturn the legislature’s signing onto the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC). If the legislature had passed SB19-042 at the end of the 2020 session instead of in 2019, opponents of NPVIC would have been squeezed for time to collect signatures.

Should these election deadlines be in the CO Constitution? Perhaps not, but Amendment K is not giving us the option of removing the constitutional deadlines.

Website for the Yes Side
No known website – Info on a proponents’ website appreciated.

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opposition website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment K (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the modification of certain deadlines in connection with specified elections?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

SCR24-002 to refer Amendment K to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/scr24-002

Amendment 79 – Constitutional Right to Abortion

In 1973 the US Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade decision recognized a right to abortion, but the court’s 2022 Dobbs decision returned regulatory authority to the states. Some states (not CO) have criminalized abortions, making doctors very hesitant to perform an abortion even if a woman’s life is in danger.

Amendment 79 would make abortion a constitutional right in CO and repeal the ban on state and local government funding for abortion services. Amendment 79 might be considered unnecessary, but it’s also seen as insurance in case Colorado’s legislative partisan makeup drastically changes.

Opponents argue that a constitutional right to abortion could lead to abortion-on-demand for any reason, e.g., the baby is the “wrong” biological sex. Opponents also want to preclude any state and local government money from being used to pay for abortions through Medicaid or state and local government employee health insurance plans.

Recommendation: YES

Since the Dobbs decision, we have all learned that abortions are an important part of health care. Too many women’s lives have been put at risk, some with fatal consequences. The CO Constitution is an appropriate place to enshrine rights, including the right to needed health care.

Website for the Yes Side (Coloradans for Reproductive Freedom)
https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com/

Website for the No Side (Vote No on 79)
https://voteno79.com/


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment 79 (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be a change to the Colorado constitution recognizing the right to abortion, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the state and local governments from denying, impeding, or discriminating against the exercise of that right, allowing abortion to be a covered service under health insurance plans for Colorado state and local government employees and for enrollees in state and local governmental insurance programs?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Amendment 79 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2023-2024/89Final.pdf

Amendment 80 – Constitutional Right to School Choice

Currently, CO students in grades K-12 are entitled to a free public education. Students are allowed to attend any public school, even if the child lives outside of the official attendance boundaries. Each school district has its own way to regulate “open enrollment.” Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) asks parents to order their school preferences and holds a lottery. Some students have priority over others. Students outside of BVSD have the lowest priority in BVSD, unless they fall in another category, such as child of a BVSD employee.

Parents also have the option of sending their children to private schools or of homeschooling their children, but Colorado does not pay for those children’s educational expenses.

Amendment 80 would add the following language to the CO Constitution: “The people of the state of Colorado hereby find and declare that all children have the right to equal opportunity to access a quality education; that parents have the right to direct the education of their children; and that school choice includes neighborhood, charter, private, and home schools, open enrollment options, and future innovations in education.”

Would a constitutional right to a private education require CO to pay for that private education if the parents cannot afford it (or even if the parents can)? Amendment 80 does not lay out any changes to state law, but does set up the possibility for many legal challenges.

Recommendation: No

Colorado allows choice for public schools. When a community has multiple schools for each grade level, the competition for students and their accompanying dollars drives the schools to continuously improve. For example, most students from wealthy families in Boulder attend public schools because public schools are seen as meeting the families’ needs and desires.

The fiscal impact of Amendment 80 on the state and school districts is entirely speculative. It “may increase their spending on legal expenses and planning costs.”

Except for the “private” school language of Amendment 80, CO already tries to achieve the intent of Amendment 80. If you believe that tax dollars for K-12 education should be spent to boost public education, then vote No on Amendment 80. Let’s not open a can of legal worms.

Website for the Yes Side (School Choice for Every Child)
https://www.voteyeson80.com/

Website for the No Side (Public School Strong)
https://www.protectpublicschools.co/


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment 80 (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution establishing the right to school choice for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and, in connection therewith, declaring that school choice includes neighborhood, charter, and private schools; home schooling; open enrollment options; and future innovations in education?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Amendment 80 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2023-2024/138OriginalFinal.pdf

Proposition JJ – Debruce CO from Sports Betting Limits and Keep Funding the Water Plan

In 2019 voters passed Prop DD to legalize sports betting and to authorize the first $29M in tax revenue toward the underfunded and somewhat controversial Water Plan. Under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), anything above the $29M goes back to the casinos and organizations that pay the sports betting tax. Prop JJ would debruce the state from its self-imposed $29M limit and continue directing the sports betting tax revenue to the Colorado Water Plan implementation cash fund.

From the Bell Policy Center website https://www.bellpolicy.org/2019/07/12/what-is-debrucing/: “Debrucing” is the act of eliminating the government spending limit and allowing that government to retain and spend all of the revenue it collects under existing tax rates.

Recommendation: Yes

The opponents make their standard argument that TABOR limits should be respected and refunds provided when tax revenues exceed the limits. Not being a fan of TABOR’s limits makes the Yes recommendation an easy call. Since the refunds would go to sports betting organizations, instead of individual taxpayers, the Yes recommendation is an even easier call.

In 2019 this site worried about establishing sports betting and about the Colorado Water Plan’s priorities, but neither of those topics is the main focus of this ballot measure.

Website for the Yes Side (Conserve and Protect Our Water)
https://yesonjj.com/

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opposition website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition JJ (STATUTORY)

Without raising taxes, may the state keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue above voter-approved limits to fund water conservation and protection projects instead of refunding revenue to casinos?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HB24-1436 to refer Prop JJ to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1436

Proposition KK – Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax for Crime Victim Services

Most of the referred measures had bipartisan sponsors, but not Prop KK. Prop KK imposes a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, firearm parts and ammunition sold by firearm dealers and manufacturers and ammunition sellers. The tax revenue would be exempt (debruced) from TABOR limits and would fund primarily crime victim services ($30M), but also mental health services for veterans ($5M) and youth ($3M) and school security grants ($1M).

The federal government has levied an excise tax on retail sales of firearms and ammunition since 1919 with the proceeds funding wildlife conservation and hunting programs. Retail sales of firearms, firearm parts and ammunition are also subject to local and state sales tax.

Sellers with annual sales of less than $20,000 are exempt from this proposed 6.5% tax. Retail sales to law enforcement officers, their agencies, and active-duty military members are also exempt.

Recommendation: Yes

Opponents argue that adults have a constitutional right to own firearms, and this measure infringes on that right. However, the government doesn’t have an obligation to provide firearms tax-free. Plus, the government is often left bearing the cost of gun-related violence. This measure is attempting to recoup some of those costs by imposing a new excise tax, and if fewer guns are out in society, we could have less gun-related violence.

If firearms sales are banned – for instance, sales of certain firearms are banned in Washington, DC – or the retail sales price is exorbitant, people who want to buy firearms will go to other states or seek unregulated ghost guns. Prop KK won’t solve the problem of gun violence in our society, but it will shine a spotlight on it and attempts a small step toward reducing gun violence.

Website for the Yes Side (Colorado Supports Crime Victim Services)
https://yesonpropkk.com/

Website for the No Side (Rocky Mountain Gun Owners)
https://rmgo.org/prop-kk/


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition KK (STATUTORY)

SHALL STATE TAXES BE INCREASED BY $39,000,000 ANNUALLY TO FUND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND AT-RISK YOUTH, SCHOOL SAFETY AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION, AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES BY AUTHORIZING A TAX ON GUN DEALERS, GUN MANUFACTURERS, AND AMMUNITION VENDORS AT THE RATE OF 6.5% OF THE NET TAXABLE SALES FROM THE RETAIL SALE OF ANY GUN, GUN PRECURSOR PART, OR AMMUNITION, WITH THE STATE KEEPING AND SPENDING ALL OF THE NEW TAX REVENUE AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

HB24-349 to refer Prop KK to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1349

Proposition 127 – Prohibit Bobcat, Lynx, and Mountain Lion Hunting

We’ve seen wildlife management by citizen initiative before. In 2020 voters narrowly approved Prop 114 to reintroduce gray wolves in Colorado. Since December 2021, gray wolves have killed more than three dozen livestock.

This time around we have a ballot measure to prohibit hunting of bobcats and mountain lions. (Lynx hunting is already prohibited under state and federal law.) Prop 127 would continue to allow the killing of bobcats and mountain lions in certain non-sport situations, including in defense of a human life, livestock, personal property, or a motor vehicle.

Currently, Colorado may provide reimbursement to owners for damage by “big game” to personal property, agricultural land and livestock. Prop 127 would remove mountain lions from the “big game” category, rendering owners ineligible for future reimbursements.

Recommendation: No

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Agency is responsible for wildlife management and administering hunting and trapping regulations of “big cats.” State law requires wildlife to be protected and managed for the people of Colorado. Bobcats and mountain lions are not classified as threatened. Let the CO Parks and Wildlife Commission continue to manage these big cats and keep their populations stable.

Website for the Yes Side (Cats Aren’t Trophies)
https://catsarenttrophies.org/

Website for the No Side (Colorado’s Wildlife Deserve Better)
https://wildlifedeservebetter.com/


Approved Ballot Language
Proposition 127 (STATUTORY)

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning a prohibition on the hunting of mountain lions, lynx, and bobcats, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the intentional killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging or releasing of a deadly weapon at a mountain lion, lynx, or bobcat; creating eight exceptions to this prohibition including for the protection of human life, property, and livestock; establishing a violation of this prohibition as a class 1 misdemeanor; and increasing fines and limiting wildlife license privileges for persons convicted of this crime?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

Prop 127 initiative language filed with the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2023-2024/91Final.pdf