By Carolyn Martin (CHEC Director of Government Relations)
On your November ballot this year, you will see 14 statewide ballot measures. Half of them were brought to you by the legislature; the other half by special interest groups. Half of them will make changes to the Colorado Constitution (the Amendments); the other half are statutory changes (the Propositions). Remember, the legislature is the lawmaking body of our government and can make changes to any law, even those approved by the voters.
Below is a brief explanation of the measures and some resources for you to explore on your journey to becoming an informed voter. General questions you should ask yourself are: 1) Is this the role of government? 2) Does it violate our US Constitution? and 3) Does it preserve the God-ordained jurisdictions of family and church?
Note: The question on the ballot for each measure will not include the fullness of the changes being made. Neither will the Blue Book give you the full wording. Follow the links below to read the full text of each measure. Now is the time to start!
Please, prayerfully consider voting against the following measures:
Amendment J: Repealing the Constitutional Definition of Marriage
This measure removes from the Colorado Constitution the following wording, which was enshrined in our Constitution by the Colorado voters in 2006: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), in 2015, declared that same-sex couples have a right to marry. Since then, this language has been unenforceable. But there is reason to believe SCOTUS will change their position and this provision will once again become enforceable.
Amendment 79: Right to Abortion
In 2022, the Colorado legislature passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA), creating a fundamental right to abortion. Statutory language can be changed by the next legislature, while Constitutional changes require a vote of the people. This measure is a Constitutional change which says “the government shall not deny, impede, or discriminate against the exercise of that right (to an abortion),” which strengthens the right established in RHEA. In addition to creating a new right to abortion, it repeals a Constitutional provision that prohibits public funding for abortions (put in the Constitution by the people in 1984), will eventually lead to the removal of parental notification of minors receiving abortions (placed in law by the people in 1998), and will stop the legislature from placing any kind of regulation on the abortion industry.
Amendment 80: School Choice in K-12 Education
CHEC is standing opposed to this ballot measure. Not because we do not support school choice but because it gives children the right to a “quality education” and to “school choice.” This Constitutional amendment has the potential to give authority to the state to determine what a “quality education” is and to arbitrate between parent and child. Go here to read more about our position and download resources to help us get the word out!
Amendment G: Modify Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with a Disability
Expands the eligibility of property tax exemptions to include disabled veterans who are unemployable. Currently, the exemption applies to senior adults and veterans who became fully disabled during their service. The concurrent resolution passed both the Senate and House unanimously.
Amendment H: Judicial Discipline Procedures & Confidentiality
Establishes an independent judicial discipline process in the Constitution. The concurrent resolution passed the Senate unanimously and received only one no vote (Rep. Bockenfeld) in the House.
Amendment I: Constitutional Bail Exemption for First Degree Murder
Allows judges to deny bail for certain first-degree murder cases. The concurrent resolution passed the Senate unanimously and received five no votes (Reps Bockenfeld, Epps, Garcia, Hernandez, and Mabrey) in the House.
Amendment K: Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines
Changes several dates concerning the initiative and referendum process and the election of judges. Puts more of a burden on the people by shortening deadlines. The concurrent resolution passed the Senate unanimously and received one no vote (Rep. Weinberg) in the House (with 3 excused).
Proposition JJ: Retain Additional Sports Betting Tax Revenue
Overrides the cap placed on tax revenue from sports betting in 2019 and places that money in the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. See the fiscal note for more information. The bill passed the Senate with two no votes (Senators Priola and Sullivan) and with one no vote (Rep. Weinberg).
Proposition KK: Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax
Creates a new excise tax on firearms and ammunition with the revenue being spent on mental health and gun violence prevention programs. Second Amendment proponents point out this additional tax will mean firearms and ammo are taxed at well over 25%. The bill passed the Senate with all Republicans voting against it and three Democrats (Senators Hinrichsen, Priola, and Roberts) joining them. In the House one Democrat (Rep. Marshall) joined all the Republicans in voting no.
Proposition 127: Prohibit Trophy Hunting
Prohibits the intentional killing or entrapping of these apex predators: mountain lions, lynx, and bobcats. See this website for information on the negative impacts of this measure.
Proposition 128: Concerning Eligibility for Parole
Increases the amount of time a violent criminal must serve before being eligible for parole and makes third-time offenders ineligible for parole. See this article for some more information. And this article on the broader issue.
Proposition 129: Establish Qualifications & Registration for Veterinary Professional Associate
Creates a new state-regulated profession: Veterinary Professional Associate. It would require a master’s degree and some supervision from a veterinarian. See this website supporting this measure, and this one opposing the measure.
Proposition 130: Funding for Law Enforcement
Directs the state to spend $350 million to help train, retain, and recruit local law enforcement, as well as provide additional funding for benefits to families of fallen law officers. The measure is being called “Back the Blue.” Check out this article for more information.
Proposition 131: Concerning the Conduct of Elections
Fundamentally changes how we vote in Colorado. This measure will institute what is called the “jungle primary” and “rank choice voting.” Check out this article and this website for more of an explanation. Both major parties and some minor parties have come out opposing this measure. This article explains how the bill passed this legislative session will delay the implementation of the measure until 2028 should this measure pass. Unaffiliated multimillionaire Kent Thiry is behind this measure. He also brought us Proposition 107 & 108 in 2016, which changed our primary election system. This latest push is to get rid of the party system.
Also, check out these voter guides as they come out in the next few weeks:
KimMonson.com
IVoterGuide.com
TransformColorado.org/voter-guides
ChurchVoterGuides.com
Trusting in the mighty power and grace of Jesus,
Carolyn Martin
CHEC Director of Government Relations
Carolyn@CHEC.org
720.842.4852
Email
Mailing Address:
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