Colorado Ballot 2024

Overview

Join Active Minds for an objective review of the current issues on the ballot this fall. We will review each proposal, presenting the arguments on both sides. We will also review the referendum and initiatives in Colorado, including the history, pros and cons, and significant legislation that has resulted from this process in the past.

Key Lecture Points

  • Colorado voters go to the polls Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (ballots will be mailed in October). In addition to voting for candidates for office (including, of course the Presidency), Coloradans will be asked to consider 14 separate statewide ballot measures touching upon issues including ranked choice voting, same-sex marriage and abortion.
  • Colorado is one of many states that allow citizens (via petition) or the legislature itself to refer the passage of a law to a vote of the electorate via a referendum. Additionally, the Colorado Constitution permits citizens to amend the constitution or propose a change to the Colorado statutes by way of a direct initiative.
  • Adopting its referendum and initiative process in 1910, Colorado is one of 26 states that allow some form of “direct democracy,” wherein the electorate is able to vote directly on legislation. Proponents of direct democracy argue that it holds the legislature accountable to the electorate and provides for swift adoption of laws that reflect the desires of the people. Critics argue that direct democracy creates ballots that are overly confusing and subject to abuse. Additionally, they argue that legislators are held accountable in a representative democracy by way of elections.

Discussion Questions

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of initiatives and referenda?
  • In what way does the 2022 Colorado ballot demonstrate these advantages and disadvantages?

Reflective Questions

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of initiatives and referenda?
  • In what way does the 2024 Colorado ballot demonstrate these advantages and disadvantages?
  • Do you think the initiative process fosters the democratic process? Why or why not?
  • Do you feel more a part of the process when there are a large number of initiatives and referenda or just overwhelmed?

More to Explore

Books For Further Reading

  • Cicero, Quintus Tullius, Philip Freeman.  How to Win An Election.  Princeton University Press, 2012. 99 pages. Cicero’s observations of Ancient Rome’s politics remain pertinent for today’s reader.
  • Cronin, Thomas E., Robert D. Loevy.  Colorado Politics and Policy: Governing a Purple State.  University of Nebraska Press, 2012. 440 pages.  This book gives a concise history of Colorado’s constitution and central political institutions as well as an analysis of the state’s political cultures.
  • Matt Qvortrup, Direct Democracy: A Comparative Study of the Theory and Practice of Government by the People, Manchester University Press, 2018 (2nd edition), 168 pages.  This book provides an overview of the theory and practice of direct democracy around the world.  It addresses both the uses and abuses of referendum and initiative.