Guide to the Guide

The ballot measures in this section are on all Colorado ballots and would be implemented statewide, if passed.

Amendment J: Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment

Background: The Colorado Constitution currently defines marriage as only legal if it is between one man and one woman (Amendment 43). The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage at the federal level; however, if Obergefell were overturned by the Supreme Court, Colorado law would revert back to this ban on marriage for same-sex couples. 

What it would do: This amendment would protect the right to same-sex marriage by removing the definition of marriage as the union between “one man and one woman” from the Colorado state constitution. 

We say vote YES because… Black LGBTQ+ couples should have the right to marry who they choose. This measure would protect the civil rights of Black queer and gender-expansive people and their access to the benefits that come with marriage (e.g., tax breaks, healthcare decisions, end-of-life decisions, home ownership, etc.) in the event that the Supreme Court strikes down Obergefell v. Hodges.

Who else says vote YES
One Colorado
New Era Colorado
ACLU of Colorado

Amendment #79: Right to Abortion

Background: Colorado has no protections for abortion in the state constitution, and there is currently a ban on public health insurance coverage of a full range of reproductive care, including abortion. This makes it difficult or impossible for thousands of Coloradans to access needed health care.

What it would do: This measure would protect the right to abortion in the Colorado state constitution and would repeal the restriction on state health insurance coverage for abortion care, so state and local employees (such as librarians, first responders, and teachers) and Medicaid enrollees could have health insurance coverage for abortions.

We say vote YES because…Black communities have the right to access a full range of reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, regardless of their insurance. This measure would protect this right, and make it more challenging to pass future abortion restrictions in Colorado. It would also remove barriers to accessing abortion care for those with public health insurance, who are disproportionately low-income people and people of color.

Who else says vote YES
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Cobalt
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
ACLU of Colorado

Amendment 80: School Choice in K-12 Education

What it would do: This ballot measure would add language to the Colorado State Constitution establishing the right for families to choose where their children attend school, including private schools.

We say vote NO because….The right to school choice is already protected by law in Colorado. By including the right to choose private schools in the state constitution, state funding and resources will be siphoned away from public schools and towards private schools, which have the right to be discriminatory in their admissions, such as refusing students based on race, class, and/or ability. We should focus our funding on improving public schools, which are open to all students, regardless of identity or income, not selective private schools.

Who else says vote NO
Colorado Education Association
Colorado Fiscal Institute  
New Era Colorado 
ACLU of Colorado

Proposition 128: Concerning Eligibility for Parole

What it would do: This measure would significantly delay discretionary parole eligibility for people convicted of certain felonies, requiring them to serve at least 85% of their sentence, up from the current 75%, before becoming eligible for release or earned time.

A “Yes” vote would: Require that people convicted of certain felonies serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for release or earned time.

A “No” vote would: Maintain the current minimum for parole eligibility, which is 75% of their sentence.

We say vote NO because….Racial discrimination in the criminal justice system leads to disproportionately higher rates of incarceration and stricter sentences for Black people convicted of a crime. This measure would override the parole board’s decisions of who they consider safe for release and expand the incarceration of Black people, especially Black elders. If passed, this measure would also increase negative economic, behavioral, and educational outcomes for the children and families of incarcerated people, while also increasing the financial burden on our state.

Who else says vote NO
Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition
ACLU of Colorado 
Colorado Freedom Fund

Proposition 130: Funding for Law Enforcement

What it would do: This initiative would divert $350 million from the state general fund to exclusively fund law enforcement recruitment and training.

We say vote NO because…Colorado already allocates more funding to law enforcement per capita than 75% of states in the U.S., and this measure would divert more funding at the expense of other public services such as education, mental health support, and community development, all of which Black families in Colorado benefit from. This money is restricted to police funding alone, and cannot be allocated to other first responders who are critical to the safety of our communities, such as paramedics and firefighters. Additionally, more training for police officers is not shown to be a meaningful intervention to decrease police brutality against Black communities. 

Who else says vote NO
Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition
ACLU Colorado
Colorado Freedom Fund

Proposition #131: Concerning the Conduct of Elections

What it would do: This ballot measure would amend the Colorado constitution to create an all-candidate primary election for certain state and federal offices, where the four candidates with the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation. It would also allow voters to rank those candidates in the general election based on their preference, with votes tallied over multiple rounds of elimination to determine who wins the election. U.S. President, district attorneys, county offices, special districts and municipal candidates are exempt and would run under current election rules. 

A “Yes” vote would: support creating an all-candidate primary for certain state and federal offices and allow voters to rank those candidates in the general election.

A “No” vote would: oppose creating an all-candidate primary for certain state and federal offices and not allow voters to rank those candidates in the general election.

We say vote NO because… Black people and other marginalized communities face systemic barriers when it comes to voting. If this measure were to pass, ballots would become significantly more complex, and studies indicate that this would be an additional barrier that would lead to decreased voter participation or disqualified votes. Additionally, this system would invite more money into politics by increasing campaign costs in both primary and general elections, which puts wealthy candidates and special interests at a greater advantage. 

Who else says vote NO
Colorado Common Cause
New Era Colorado 
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights

Amendment G: Modify Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities

Background: In Colorado, there is a property tax exemption called the Senior Homestead Exemption, which provides property tax relief to Coloradans who are 65+ and have lived in their house for at least 10 years, spouses of veterans who died in service, and veterans with a 100% rated disability (permanent and total, as defined by the Veterans Association)

What it would do: This measure would expand the Senior Homestead Exemption to veterans who qualify for the Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. To qualify, a veteran must be unable to work a steady job that supports them financially. This is defined as a disability rating of 60% or more, or two or more disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more. This would expand eligibility to an estimated 3,700 more veterans in Colorado

A “Yes” vote would: Expand eligibility for the Senior Homestead Exemption to veterans who qualify for the TDIU rating

A “No” vote would: Keep eligibility the same, where the Senior Homestead Exemption only applies to veterans with a 100% rated disability, Coloradans who are 65+ and have lived in their house for at least 10 years, and spouses of veterans who died in service

Amendment H: Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality

Background: Currently in Colorado law, when Colorado judges violate their code of conduct an independent judicial agency called the Commission on Judicial Discipline investigates the allegations of misconduct. Members of this commission are appointed by the Colorado Supreme Court and the Governor. These cases are made public when, and if, the commission files a recommendation for public discipline 

What it would do: This measure would create a new, independent Judicial Discipline Board to preside over ethical misconduct hearings involving judges. The board would be made up of 4 district court judges, 4 attorneys, and 4 citizens. This new board will allow for increased public access to information about judicial discipline hearings 

A “Yes” vote would: Create a new, independent Judicial Discipline Board to publicly investigate judicial misconduct, made up of district court judges, attorneys and citizens

A “No” vote would: Maintain the current judicial discipline process, where a commission of judges privately conducts investigations of judicial misconduct

Amendment I: Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder

Background: A person accused of a crime has the right to bail out of jail while awaiting trial, with some exceptions, such as crimes where the death penalty might be sought. When Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020, it also removed this exception. 

What it would do: This measure would amend our constitution to restore the ability of judges to deny bail to people charged with first-degree murder when the judge determines that the proof is evident or presumption is great that the person committed the crime 

A “Yes” vote would: Amend the Colorado Constitution to allow judges to deny bail to people charged with first degree murder

A “No” vote would: Maintain the current process, where a judge is required to set bail for all persons charged with first degree murder

Amendment K: Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines

Background: Currently, the deadline to submit signatures for citizen initiatives, and for judges to file their intent to seek another term is three months before the election. Nonpartisan staff of the state legislature must publish the title and text of all statewide ballot measures in newspapers around the state at least 15 days before the election 

What it would do: This measure would make deadlines one week earlier for citizens to submit petition signatures for initiatives, and judges to file their intent to seek another term. It would also require nonpartisan staff of the legislature to publish ballot measure titles and text for statewide ballot measures in newspapers 30 days earlier.

A “Yes” vote would: Change the deadlines for citizens to submit petition signatures, for judges to file intent to seek another term, and for staff of the state legislature to publish titles and text for ballot measures 

A “No” vote would: Maintain the current deadlines for citizens to submit petition signatures, judges to file intent to seek another term, and titles and texts of ballot measures to be published in newspapers 

Proposition JJ: Retain Additional Sports Betting Tax Revenue

Background: In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD, which created a 10% tax on sports betting revenue and authorized the state to keep and retain up to $29M. Due to Colorado tax law, any excess revenue over $29M must be returned to casinos and betting operators

What it would do: This measure asks voters if the excess revenue raised from Proposition DD can be retained by the state and put toward water projects outlined in Colorado’s Water Plan Implementation, rather than be returned to casinos and betting operators.

A “Yes” vote would: allow the state to keep the excess revenue raised through the new tax under Proposition DD to use toward water projects

A “No” vote would: require the state to return excess revenue raised under Proposition DD back to casinos and betting operators.

Proposition KK: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax

Background: An excise tax is a tax placed on certain goods and services. This tax is typically paid by the manufacturer or retailer of the product, not the consumer. However, retailers may include the cost of the excise tax in the purchase price of goods and services so that the cost is still on the consumer. There are a few other states that have imposed taxes on those who sell, purchase, or possess firearms and other weapons. 

What this would do: This measure would create a new state tax on firearms sellers equal to 6.5% of their sales of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. The revenue raised from this new sales tax, an estimated $39 million, would be used for mental health services aimed at addressing gun violence.

A “Yes” vote would: create a new excise tax of 6.5% on firearms and ammunition sales to fund mental health services

A “No” vote would: maintain the current sales tax rate of firearms and ammunition

Proposition 127: Prohibit Hunting of Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx

Background: Under current Colorado law, there is a ban against hunting lynx due to their endangered species status. Hunting mountain lions and bobcats is legal with some restrictions, as mountain lions and bobcats do not have an endangered species designation. Coloradans are allowed to seek reimbursement for livestock, crop, or property damage caused by mountain lions. 

What it would do: This measure would ban trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx. It would also define trophy hunting as killing, harming or trapping an animal, unless in defense of life, property or livestock. Anyone who violates this policy would be subject to a class 1 misdemeanor, up to 364 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a ban from obtaining a wildlife license for five years.

A “Yes” vote would: make it illegal to hunt mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx in Colorado

A “No” vote would: continue to allow hunting of bobcats and mountain lions under current Colorado regulations. Hunting lynx would remain illegal under state law

Proposition 129: Veterinary Professional Associate

Background: Currently in Colorado, there are three types of veterinary professions: Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist, and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Vet Techs and Vet Tech Specialists provide support to licensed veterinarians, and licensed vets must have an advanced doctorate degree and clinical experience.

What it would do: This measure would create a new profession, called a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). VPAs would be a mid-level career pathway and would be required to have a Master’s in veterinary medicine. VPAs would be supervised by veterinarians and would not be authorized to carry out all veterinary care, but could diagnose and prescribe under certain conditions, and perform routine surgeries. 

A “Yes” vote would: Create a new veterinary profession, called a Veterinary Professional Associate, to provide veterinary care in Colorado

A “No” vote would: Keep the existing three pathways and only allow veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, and veterinarian technician specialists to provide veterinary services in Colorado