Vote UP in 2024!
This year, Colorado voters will see 14 statewide measures on the ballot, along with a few local ones. Many of us know how we are going to vote for the candidates, but do you know how you are going to vote on all the rest? With one of our longest ballots yet, it’s vital that we “vote up,” because it’s our local and state measures that will leave a lasting impact on our communities.
Below is our quick take on each measure, broken down into clear and concise language, to help you feel confident in voting your entire ballot!
Click here to download Western Colorado Alliance’s 2024 Ballot Guide for Mesa County.
Click here to download Western Colorado Alliance’s 2024 Ballot Guide for Montrose County.
Click here to download Western Colorado Alliance’s 2024 Ballot Guide for Garfield County.
2024 Ballot Measure Briefs
Amendment 80: School Choice In K-12 Education
Summary: This measure would establish the right to school choice in Colorado in the State Constitution, covering neighborhood, charter, private schools, home schooling, open enrollment, and future educational innovations.
Constitutional Measure: Would require 55% of the vote to win.
School choice already exists in Colorado and does not belong in the State Constitution. This initiative could pave the way for a statewide voucher program that could direct public dollars away from public schools and instead be used to send children to private schools, including those with a religious affiliation.
Additional Resources: Colorado Fiscal Institute
Proposition 131: Concerning The Conduct Of Elections
Summary: This measure proposes a new election process for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the Colorado legislature, and certain state offices, with an all-candidate primary (jungle primary) and ranked-choice voting in the general election.
Studies show this two part system confuses voters and could lead to reduced turnout and a 10x increase in spoiled and incurable ballots, especially among young and marginalized voters. This system will likely disproportionately benefit wealthy and self funded candidates. Click here to download our one-pager.
Additional Resources: Voter Rights Colorado
Our Allies who Oppose It: Voter Rights Colorado, Colorado AFL-CIO, Colorado Working Families Party, Colorado Common Cause, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Interfaith Alliance, Soul 2 Soul Sisters, New Era Colorado, COLOR, One Colorado, and more
Amendment 79: Right To Abortion
Summary: Would add the right to abortion to the Colorado constitution, prohibiting state and local governments from restricting access and ensuring abortion coverage under state health insurance plans.
Constitutional Measure: Would require 55% of the vote to win.
This measure is essential to protect abortion access in Colorado, especially with national threats to reproductive rights. We support this measure as it aligns with our belief in healthcare access, especially in a region where abortion access is limited.
Additional Resources: Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom
Amendment J: Protecting The Freedom To Marry
Summary: This measure would remove the ban on same-sex marriages from the Colorado constitution.
Western Colorado Alliance supports all individuals in their right to marry who they love. The Colorado Constitution does not reflect this and should be updated to eliminate out-of-date and emotionally harmful language.
Additional Resources: Freedom to Marry
Proposition JJ: Sports Betting Tax Revenue Voter Approval
Summary: Would allow the state to retain and spend sports betting tax revenue above current limits, using the excess funds for water conservation and protection projects.
Since sports betting is already legal in Colorado, this measure simply asks for the state to retain additional revenue. Water conservation is critical in Colorado, and this measure provides essential funding without raising taxes.
Additional Resources: Vote Yes on JJ
Amendment K: Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines
Summary: Would extend the timeframe for counties to prepare ballots by seven days, providing more time to ensure accuracy.
Currently, Clerk and Recorders around the state have a total of four days to prepare their ballots between when all election filing deadlines are due, and when ballots must be complete. This limited amount of time makes guaranteed accuracy difficult, and in a time when election accuracy is so important, this measure would give counties seven more days to prepare their ballots for voters.
Proposition 127: Prohibit Trophy Hunting
Summary: Would prohibit hunting mountain lions, lynx, and bobcats, with exceptions for human safety and property protection. Violations would be a class 1 misdemeanor with increased fines and restricted wildlife licenses.
Supporters Say: This will stop inhumane hunting of wild cats for sport and fur, while still allowing protections for humans, pets, and livestock.
Opponents Say: Wildlife should be managed by experts, not through ballot initiatives. This undermines wildlife professionals’ ability to do their job.
Proposition 128: Concerning Eligibility For Parole
Summary: Requires those convicted of certain violent crimes to serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole, and those with prior violent crime convictions to serve their full sentence.
Supporters Say: Violent criminals are getting out too early. This ensures they serve more of their sentence, protecting the public.
Opponents Say: This will overcrowd prisons without improving safety and waste taxpayer money by locking up people who could be safely released.
Proposition 129: Establish Qualifications And Registration For Veterinary Professional Associate
Summary: Would create a new licensed veterinary role, the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), requiring a master’s degree and supervision by a licensed veterinarian.
Supporters Say: This will address the shortage of veterinarians and improve access to affordable care for pets.
Opponents Say: VPAs won’t have enough training, putting animals at risk, especially if they perform surgeries.
Proposition 130: Funding For Law Enforcement
Summary: Directs $350 million for law enforcement training, bonuses, and hiring, as well as benefits for officers killed in the line of duty.
Supporters Say: This funding is critical to address crime surges and keep communities safe by better supporting law enforcement.
Opponents Say: This measure increases incarceration and costs taxpayers millions without solving crime issues.
Proposition KK: Firearms Ammunition And Excise Tax
Summary: Imposes a tax on firearm and ammunition sales, with revenue funding mental health services, school safety, and gun violence prevention.
Supporters Say: This is a fair way to fund vital mental health and victim support services while addressing gun violence.
Opponents Say: It’s an unfair tax targeting gun owners and is an attack on Second Amendment rights.
Amendment G: Modification To Property Tax Exemption For Veterans With A Disability
Summary: Expands property tax exemptions for veterans with certain disabilities, including those who are unemployable due to service-related issues.
Supporters Say: We owe it to our veterans to offer this support.
Opponents Say: This could have long-term impacts on Colorado’s property tax revenue.
Amendment H: Judicial Discipline Procedures & Confidentiality
Summary: Creates a board for independent judicial discipline and clarifies when discipline cases become public.
Supporters Say: This will make the judicial discipline process more transparent and fair, while maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.
Opponents Say: These changes are too minimal and won’t fix deeper problems in the judicial discipline system.
Amendment I: Constitutional Bail Exception For First Degree Murder
Summary: Adds first-degree murder to the list of offenses where bail can be denied, under certain conditions.
Supporters Say: This fixes a loophole and helps keep communities safe by denying bail to those charged with the most serious crimes.
Opponents Say: It risks undermining the principle of innocence until proven guilty by making early judgments about a person’s guilt.
Letters Vs. Numbers
Summary: Why do some amendments and propositions have letters, and some have numbers? Find out why in this video!
Amendments Vs. Propositions
Summary: What’s the difference between an amendment and a proposition? Find out in this video!
Why Is My Ballot Yelling At Me?
Summary: Have you wondered why some ballot measures are in all caps? There’s a reason! Learn what it is in this video!
Additional Resources for all measures:
Ballotpedia
Colorado Secretary of State