Ballot initiatives in Colorado empower voters to directly shape policies, offering a unique opportunity to participate in democracy beyond electing politicians. As Coloradans prepare for upcoming elections, it’s crucial to understand the significant ballot measures that will impact the state’s future. This guide, inspired by insights from organizations like the ACLU of Colorado, aims to provide clarity on these measures, ensuring voters are well-informed to defend civil rights and make Colorado a beacon for progressive values. While this isn’t specifically a Colorado Judges Voting Guide, understanding these ballot measures is a vital part of civic engagement for all Colorado voters.
Key Ballot Measures to Oppose: Protecting Colorado from Extremist Agendas
Several ballot measures are linked to extremist networks aiming to undermine civil rights under the guise of public safety or parental rights. It’s essential to recognize these deceptive measures and vote against them to safeguard Colorado’s progress.
Proposition 128: The False Promise of “Tough on Crime” Policies
Proposition 128 is deceptively framed as a measure to enhance public safety by increasing incarceration time for certain violent offenses before parole eligibility. However, this proposition will not effectively reduce crime. Instead, it will lead to increased state spending on prisons, create more dangerous environments for correctional officers, and dismantle incentives for rehabilitation.
This proposition is designed to keep individuals who are statistically less likely to re-offend incarcerated for longer periods. This approach will unnecessarily inflate the prison population and drive up costs in Colorado. The proponents of Proposition 128 are using fear tactics rather than proposing meaningful solutions that address the underlying causes of criminal behavior or genuine threats to public safety.
Furthermore, by delaying earned time credit, Proposition 128 will make prisons less safe. Earned time credit currently incentivizes incarcerated individuals to participate in educational programs, mental health services, and other rehabilitation initiatives. Removing this incentive undermines efforts to improve behavior and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.
Proposition 130: Misleading Claims of Funding First Responders
Proposition 130 falsely advertises itself as a measure to fund first responders. However, it deliberately restricts funding to local law enforcement agencies, excluding firefighters, EMTs, and mental health professionals. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that Colorado already allocates more funding to law enforcement per capita than 75% of other states in the nation.
Despite this existing high level of funding, Proposition 130 seeks to divert even more resources to local law enforcement. This reallocation comes at the expense of other crucial public services that are proven to be more effective in enhancing public safety. These essential services include education resources, mental health services, co-responder programs that pair law enforcement with mental health professionals, and community development initiatives.
The funding structure proposed by Proposition 130 lacks any meaningful oversight and explicitly prohibits the use of these funds for alternative response programs or diversion initiatives. This narrow focus on law enforcement at the expense of comprehensive public safety strategies is detrimental to Colorado communities.
Amendment 80: The Trojan Horse of “School Choice”
While “school choice” is already legally protected in Colorado since 1994, with parents having the right to choose public, charter, private, or home schooling, Amendment 80 is a deceptive measure disguised as protecting this choice. In reality, Amendment 80 is a Trojan horse designed to establish a foundation for a statewide voucher program.
Voucher programs utilize public taxpayer funds to finance private schools. This diversion of resources takes critical funding away from already underfunded public schools and channels it towards private institutions. Private schools often discriminate against students and families and are not required to adhere to state education standards or serve all students. Public schools, which educate 95% of Colorado’s children, must not be jeopardized to benefit a small, affluent minority already attending private schools.
Beyond the financial implications, Amendment 80 poses a significant threat to public education in Colorado. If passed, proponents will exploit the newly created constitutional “right of a parent to direct their child’s education” to justify actions such as book banning, removing curriculum related to race, ethnicity, or sex education, and suing schools for complying with state non-discrimination laws. It could also lead to unwarranted interference in various school activities.
It is crucial to keep public funds dedicated to public schools and prevent extremists who advocate for censorship from gaining influence in Colorado classrooms. Voting NO on Amendment 80 is essential to protect the integrity and accessibility of public education for all Colorado children.
Key Ballot Measures to Support: Codifying Privacy and Autonomy
To safeguard Coloradans’ fundamental freedoms against potential future federal rollbacks, two statewide ballot measures deserve strong support. Passing these measures will enshrine privacy and autonomy into Colorado law, fortifying civil rights and liberties.
Amendment J: Protecting Marriage Equality in Colorado
The Colorado Constitution currently contains an outdated amendment that bans same-sex marriage. Amendment J aims to rectify this by officially and permanently repealing this discriminatory ban. Affirming Colorado’s support for same-sex marriage in the state constitution is crucial to ensure the protection of marriage rights against any future adverse decisions at the federal level. Voting YES on Amendment J is a vote to protect the freedom to marry for all couples in Colorado.
Amendment 79: Enshrining Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Access
Everyone deserves the autonomy to make personal decisions about pregnancy and abortion without political interference. Amendment 79 is designed to codify access to abortion, IVF, and birth control into the Colorado Constitution. Voting YES on Amendment 79 will enshrine the right of every individual within Colorado’s borders, regardless of their insurance provider, to access essential reproductive healthcare privately and without fear of prosecution. This measure is vital to ensuring that Colorado remains a sanctuary for reproductive freedom and healthcare access.
By understanding these critical ballot measures, Colorado voters can make informed decisions to protect civil rights, promote public safety through effective strategies, and ensure that Colorado remains a state that values freedom, equality, and justice for all.
