This Ballot Guide was produced by the Leaders of Color Collaborative (LCC) to inform communities of color about 2020 statewide ballot measures. The LCC is a group of directors of color from 501(c)4 organizations that are involved in voter outreach and have a deep commitment to racial justice.

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Amendment B: PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT RATES

Repeals the Gallagher Amendment which currently fixes the state property tax ratio at 55% Commercial and 45% Residential. Gallagher in combination with TABOR has put major constraints on the State budget and high-end homes in wealthy neighborhoods pay less property tax than many small businesses. Supporters of Amendment B believe passing this measure could address some of these budgeting concerns, however repealing Gallagher could also increase Residential property taxes for everyone and have negative impacts on low-income homeowners.

Supported by: COLOR-AF, UNE-A, SEIU 105, CBWPA, Common Cause

Amendment C: CHARITABLE BINGO & RAFFLES

Reduces the time requirement for a nonprofit to qualify for a gaming license from 5 years to 3 years and allows nonprofit to pay people who work bingo-raffle operations. This would allow newer nonprofits to raise money through gaming, but paying for the operations could make them more like for-profit gambling rather than charitable fundraising.

Amendment 76: DISCRIMINATORY CITIZEN REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING

Changes the Colorado Constitution to state that “only a citizen” of the U.S. that is 18 years or older can vote in elections, instead of the existing language which says “every citizen”. US law already says that only US citizens can vote.. This change is unnecessary and a racist dog whistle that will result in minority, immigrant, & youth voter suppression.

Opposed by: WFP, CPA, SEIU 105, CLF, COLOR-AF, PJUAF, UNE-A, CIRC-AF, CO Rising, CBWPA, Common Cause

Amendment 77: EXPAND GAME TYPES & SINGLE BETS

Allows voters in gambling cities (Central City, Black Hawk & Cripple Creek) the ability to decide on additional gaming types and increasing single bet maximums. This measure will produce much needed additional funding for community colleges but could also increase the gambling problems.

Proposition EE: TAXES ON NICOTINE PRODUCTS

Sets a minimum price for cigarettes and increases taxes on tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigs, vaping devices, etc. New tax revenue would go to education and health programs. While Colorado needs greater education and health funding, this tax would be disproportionately paid by working class people who are often more targeted by tobacco companies.

Opposed by: WFP

Proposition 113: ELECT US PRESIDENT BY NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE

In 2016, Trump lost the Popular Vote by over 3,000,000 votes but won the Electoral College. Democracy is built on the concept of one person one vote. The winner of an election should be the person who gets the most votes! This measure would grant Colorado’s Electoral Votes to the Popular Vote winner. The law has passed in 15 states and will go into effect when passed by enough states to make an electoral college majority.

Supported by: COLOR-AF, UNE-A, WFP, PJUAF, SEIU 105, CBWPA, CLF, Common Cause

Proposition 114: REINTRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF GRAY WOLVES

Reintroduces Gray Wolves on public lands. Gray Wolves are native to Colorado and were killed away by hunters and ranchers. It’s already been done successfully at Yellowstone National Park, and has helped balance the ecosystem there.

Supported by: WFP

Proposition 115: BACKDOOR ABORTION BAN

Reproductive health decisions should be between individuals and their doctors without political interference. Abortion restrictions are punitive and they harass and punish people trying to get care- impacting BIPOC and those most marginalized (i.e. LGBTQ+, disabled, low-income individuals), including the Latinx community. The real goal of ths measure is to force a pregnant person to remain pregnant in every case, with no exceptions for individual circumstances, including a fetal diagnosis, pregnant person’s health, or even rape.

Opposed by: COLOR-AF, WFP, PJUAF, CO Rising, CBWPA, CLF, CIRC-AF

Proposition 116: STATE INCOME TAX RATE REDUCTION FOR THE RICH

Lowers the Colorado personal income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%. At a glance, lower taxes seem like a good idea. But, this measure is a massive tax break for the wealthy who will receive 75% of the total benefit while average folks save only $42. The result would be a $158 million state budget cut in the 1st year and increase thereafter. This would be a major reduction in funding for education, health care, public works, and other vital services.

Opposed by: WFP, COLOR-AF, UNE-A, SEIU 105, CPA, Common Cause

Proposition 117: VOTER APPROVAL OF NEW ENTERPRISES

Requires voter approval of new State-owned enterprises that collect money through fees or surcharges if their revenue is greater than $100 million within its first 5 years. This measure would tighten the strangle- hold TABOR has on the Colorado budget and limit the state’s ability to fund critical services.

Opposed by: WFP, COLOR-AF, UNE-A, SEIU 105, CPA

Proposition 118: PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM

Four out of five CO workers do not have paid leave to care for an elderly parent, recover from COVID, or after the birth of a child. This measure establishes an insurance program for paid medical and family leave. An insurance program makes it a cost-effective way to pay for this needed and overdue worker protection. Supported by: COLOR-AF, WFP, UNE-A, CPA, SEIU 105, CLF, PJUAF, CIRC-AF

Reminder: You can register to vote in Colorado at ANY TIME, including Election Day!

Mail your ballot by Monday, Oct. 26th, or put it in a drop-box by 7pm on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.