Election 2020: Here’s what you can expect to see on the statewide ballot this year
By Kelly Ragan
November is still several months away, but we want you to be ready. We’ll do more in-depth reporting on these issues as we get closer to the election. But for now, here’s a high-level overview of what statewide ballot issues you can expect to see (thanks to Ballotpedia for the breakdown):
22-Week Abortion Ban Initiative: It would ban abortion after 22 weeks
Citizen Requirement for Voting Initiative: It would change some language in the Colorado Constitution to say “only a citizen” of the U.S. can vote, rather than what is says now, which is “every citizen” of the U.S. can vote.
Gray Wolf Reintroduction Initiative: It would reintroduce gray wolves on public lands.
National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Referendum: It would make it so Colorado’s electoral votes would go to the winner of the national popular vote.
Decrease Income Tax Rate from 4.63% to 4.55% Initiative: The name really says it all. It would lower the state income tax rate across the board.
Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR Initiative: It would require voters to approve TABOR-exempt enterprises if they make more than $50 million in the first five years.
Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative: It would establish a program for paid medical and family leave.
Charitable Bingo and Raffles Amendment: It would require charities to be around for three years before they can get a gaming license, as opposed to five years as the law requires now. It would also allow charities to hire managers and operators of gaming activities paid no more than minimum wage.
Gallagher Amendment Repeal and Property Tax Assessment Rates Measure: This would repeal the Gallagher Amendment, which was established in 1982. Gallagher made it so that residential property taxes made up 45% of the total state property taxes and non-residential property taxes made up 55% of the total share. That 45-55 proportion is fixed. A vote to repeal could change that.
Colorado Tobacco and E-Cigarette Tax Increase for Health Education and Programs Measure: It would raise taxes on tobacco and make a new tax on other things, like e-cigarettes, to fund education and health programs.
As we get closer to the election this November, we at the NoCo Optimist want to here from YOU! What questions do you have about the 2020 ballot? We’d love to help answer them. Send us an email at TheNoCoOptimist@gmail.com.