In the state of Colorado, there are two ways to get something on the ballot for voters. First, the State Legislature can refer a measure to the ballot with a vote by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Second, the citizens of Colorado can work to place a citizens initiative on the ballot by collecting signatures on a petition that is submitted to the Secretary of State.

A group of citizens has filed multiple versions of a ballot initiative (proposals 116, 117, and 118) that would allow the investment of current tax dollars in Colorado priorities including education, transportation, mental health services, and senior services. When state revenue grows faster than inflation (like now), Colorado’s legislature is not allowed to keep and invest all the revenues it collects. But the voters can change this.

Over then next few weeks, the ballot initiatives will be moving through the titling process. The difference between the three versions is how many years the state can keep and invest the revenues and how the revenue can be spent. By the end of April we should know which version will be on the ballot and then we will update you on the petitioning process.