Colorado voters have a significant opportunity in the upcoming 2024 election to directly shape policies through ballot initiatives. This year’s ballot contains measures that could either strengthen or undermine civil rights in the state, making it crucial for every Coloradan to be informed and participate. This guide, drawing on insights from civil rights advocates, breaks down the key ballot measures you need to know before casting your vote in the Colorado 2024 election.
Understanding the Measures to Oppose in the 2024 Colorado Election
Several ballot measures in Colorado are raising concerns among civil rights defenders due to their potential negative impacts. These measures, linked to extremist agendas, require careful consideration from voters.
Proposition 128: Misguided Tough-on-Crime Approach
Proposition 128 is presented as a measure to get tough on crime by increasing sentences for certain violent offenses, specifically before parole eligibility. However, this proposition is unlikely to reduce crime rates and may have several adverse consequences. Instead of enhancing public safety, Proposition 128 is projected to escalate state spending on prisons, potentially worsen safety for correctional officers, and dismantle incentives for good behavior among incarcerated individuals.
This proposition risks keeping individuals who are unlikely to re-offend in prison for extended periods, thereby inflating the prison population and associated costs in Colorado. The driving force behind Proposition 128 appears to be fear-mongering rather than a genuine effort to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior or enhance public safety effectively. A critical downside is the potential decrease in safety within prisons, as delaying earned time credit disincentivizes participation in rehabilitation programs like education and mental health services.
Proposition 130: Defunding Community Services Under the Guise of First Responders
Proposition 130 deceptively claims to bolster funding for first responders, but it specifically restricts this funding to local law enforcement, excluding firefighters, EMTs, and mental health professionals. It’s important to note that Colorado already allocates a significant portion of its budget to law enforcement, exceeding 75% of other states in per capita spending, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Despite existing substantial funding, Proposition 130 aims to divert even more resources to local law enforcement. This redirection comes at the expense of other crucial public services that are proven to be effective in enhancing public safety, such as educational resources, mental health services, co-responder programs, and community development initiatives. Furthermore, the funding structure proposed by Proposition 130 lacks oversight and cannot be allocated to alternative response strategies or diversion programs, limiting its effectiveness and scope.
Amendment 80: The False Promise of School Choice
Colorado already upholds school choice, a legally protected right since 1994, allowing parents to choose from public, charter, private, or home schooling options. Amendment 80, while masquerading as a protector of “school choice,” is actually a deceptive measure with ulterior motives.
Amendment 80 is designed to create a foundation for a statewide voucher program. Voucher programs utilize public funds, taxpayer dollars, to subsidize private schools. This would drain essential resources from already underfunded public schools, diverting them to private institutions that often have discriminatory admissions policies and are not held to the same state education standards or requirements to serve all students. Public schools are the cornerstone of education for 95% of Colorado’s children and families. Amendment 80 threatens to undermine the education of the vast majority to benefit a small, often wealthier, segment already attending private schools.
Beyond the financial implications, Amendment 80 could enable proponents to challenge curriculum decisions under the guise of parental rights. This could lead to increased attempts to ban books, remove crucial education on race, ethnicity, or sex, and interfere with school activities, hindering inclusive and comprehensive education in Colorado. Voting NO on Amendment 80 is crucial to keep public funds in public schools and prevent extremist ideologies from infiltrating Colorado classrooms.
Supporting Measures that Uphold Privacy and Autonomy in Colorado
In contrast to the concerning measures, two statewide ballot initiatives deserve support as they aim to solidify privacy and autonomy rights within Colorado law. These measures are vital for safeguarding Coloradans’ freedoms against potential future federal rollbacks on civil rights and liberties.
Amendment J: Codifying Marriage Equality in Colorado
The Colorado Constitution currently contains a dormant amendment that bans same-sex marriage. Amendment J seeks to rectify this by officially and permanently repealing this outdated ban. Passing Amendment J would unequivocally affirm Colorado’s support for same-sex marriage, ensuring the protection of marriage rights in the state against any future threats. A YES vote on Amendment J is a vote to protect the freedom to marry for all couples in Colorado.
Amendment 79: Protecting Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Access
Amendment 79 is a crucial step towards enshrining fundamental reproductive rights in the Colorado Constitution. It codifies access to abortion, IVF, and birth control as protected rights. A YES vote on Amendment 79 ensures that every individual within Colorado’s borders, regardless of their insurance provider, has the right to access essential reproductive healthcare privately and without fear of prosecution or political interference. This amendment is vital for protecting individual autonomy and healthcare freedom in Colorado.
Conclusion: Your Vote Matters in the 2024 Colorado Election
The 2024 Colorado ballot initiatives present a clear choice for voters. By voting informed, Coloradans can reject measures that threaten civil rights and embrace those that strengthen fundamental freedoms. Make your voice heard in the Colorado 2024 election to ensure Colorado remains a state that champions civil rights and liberties for all.
