House District 57
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Welcome to the Colorado Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Federal
Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee to serve as the 47th President of the United States. The daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris' election would represent a historic achievement for women and underrepresented communities across the nation.
Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris attended the historically Black Howard University, then graduating from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Harris was elected in 2003 as District Attorney of San Francisco, working to reduce recidivism and combat injustice against vulnerable populations. In 2010, Harris was elected California's Attorney General, winning re-election in 2014 before successfully running for the U.S. Senate in 2016. In 2020, Harris was chosen by now-President Joe Biden to serve as the first woman Vice President of the United States.
During Harris' term in the U.S. Senate, she played a central role in fighting back against Donald Trump's Supreme Court Justice appointments, defending the Affordable Care Act that millions of Americans rely on, and working across the aisle on immigration and criminal justice issues. As Vice President, Harris broke a record number of tie votes to pass critical legislation. Harris has promised to sign in to law legislation restoring the abortion rights protections eliminated by the repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is one of the nation's strongest and most effective progressive chief executives. From humble beginnings as a school teacher and 24 years of enlisted military service, Walz has channeled that experience into tireless advocacy for progressive solutions to the problems faced his state and the nation. As Governor of Minnesota, Walz signed free school meals, abortion rights, and universal background checks for gun purchases into law.
Harris' opponent in the 2024 President race, former President Donald Trump, was ruled ineligible by the Colorado Supreme Court for the presidential ballot on the basis of the 14th Amendment prohibition on candidates for office who have engaged in insurrection. This ruling removing Trump from the ballot was invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the finding that Trump had engaged in insurrection was not addressed in their decision. Trump continues to assert that he won the 2020 presidential election despite no evidence to support that claim ever emerging. As President, Trump appointed three far-right Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, skewing the court's bias for a generation and directly resulting in the repeal of the historic Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing abortion rights. Massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans signed into law by Trump helped result in historic deficits under his administration and his successor. After losing the 2020 Presidential election, Trump's refusal to admit defeat resulted in the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, an event Trump hoped would disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
The 2024 Presidential election represents both the clearest and most important choice for American voters in generations. For the sake of the rule of law and American democracy, Kamala Harris is the progressive choice to be the next President of the United States.
Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee to serve as the 47th President of the United States. The daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, Harris' election would represent a historic achievement for women and underrepresented communities across the nation.
Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris attended the historically Black Howard University, then graduating from University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Harris was elected in 2003 as District Attorney of San Francisco, working to reduce recidivism and combat injustice against vulnerable populations. In 2010, Harris was elected California's Attorney General, winning re-election in 2014 before successfully running for the U.S. Senate in 2016. In 2020, Harris was chosen by now-President Joe Biden to serve as the first woman Vice President of the United States.
During Harris' term in the U.S. Senate, she played a central role in fighting back against Donald Trump's Supreme Court Justice appointments, defending the Affordable Care Act that millions of Americans rely on, and working across the aisle on immigration and criminal justice issues. As Vice President, Harris broke a record number of tie votes to pass critical legislation. Harris has promised to sign in to law legislation restoring the abortion rights protections eliminated by the repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is one of the nation's strongest and most effective progressive chief executives. From humble beginnings as a school teacher and 24 years of enlisted military service, Walz has channeled that experience into tireless advocacy for progressive solutions to the problems faced his state and the nation. As Governor of Minnesota, Walz signed free school meals, abortion rights, and universal background checks for gun purchases into law.
Harris' opponent in the 2024 President race, former President Donald Trump, was ruled ineligible by the Colorado Supreme Court for the presidential ballot on the basis of the 14th Amendment prohibition on candidates for office who have engaged in insurrection. This ruling removing Trump from the ballot was invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court, but the finding that Trump had engaged in insurrection was not addressed in their decision. Trump continues to assert that he won the 2020 presidential election despite no evidence to support that claim ever emerging. As President, Trump appointed three far-right Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, skewing the court's bias for a generation and directly resulting in the repeal of the historic Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing abortion rights. Massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans signed into law by Trump helped result in historic deficits under his administration and his successor. After losing the 2020 Presidential election, Trump's refusal to admit defeat resulted in the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, an event Trump hoped would disrupt the peaceful transfer of power.
The 2024 Presidential election represents both the clearest and most important choice for American voters in generations. For the sake of the rule of law and American democracy, Kamala Harris is the progressive choice to be the next President of the United States.
3rd Congressional District
Adam Frisch is running for Congress in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, a seat currently held by one of the most controversial members of Congress, Rep. Lauren Boebert, who announced in December of 2023 she would run in the 4th District rather than face Frisch in a rematch after barely winning the race by 546 votes in 2022. Before running for Congress, Frisch served the residents of Aspen and Pitkin County as an Aspen city councilor and the chairman of the Pitkin County financial review committee. Frisch is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in economics.
If elected, Frisch has promised to lead with the priorities of the Third District first and partisan considerations second, and has vowed to represent stakeholders on all sides of the economic and environmental issues affecting Western and Southern Colorado.
Frisch's Republican opponent Jeff Hurd is an attorney with the Ireland Stapleton firm based in Grand Junction and has no experience in elected office. Hurd has expressed support for Donald Trump's anti-immigrant and natural resource exploitation agenda. Hurd was endorsed in the GOP primary by a number of Republican elected officials over Boebert including former Gov. Bill Owens.
The Third Congressional District is drawn with a significant but not insurmountable Republican advantage. Adam Frisch is without question the better candidate to represent the Third Congressional District.
Adam Frisch is running for Congress in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, a seat currently held by one of the most controversial members of Congress, Rep. Lauren Boebert, who announced in December of 2023 she would run in the 4th District rather than face Frisch in a rematch after barely winning the race by 546 votes in 2022. Before running for Congress, Frisch served the residents of Aspen and Pitkin County as an Aspen city councilor and the chairman of the Pitkin County financial review committee. Frisch is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in economics.
If elected, Frisch has promised to lead with the priorities of the Third District first and partisan considerations second, and has vowed to represent stakeholders on all sides of the economic and environmental issues affecting Western and Southern Colorado.
Frisch's Republican opponent Jeff Hurd is an attorney with the Ireland Stapleton firm based in Grand Junction and has no experience in elected office. Hurd has expressed support for Donald Trump's anti-immigrant and natural resource exploitation agenda. Hurd was endorsed in the GOP primary by a number of Republican elected officials over Boebert including former Gov. Bill Owens.
The Third Congressional District is drawn with a significant but not insurmountable Republican advantage. Adam Frisch is without question the better candidate to represent the Third Congressional District.
Board of Education, 3rd Congressional District
Ellen Angeles is the Democratic candidate running for the Colorado State Board of Education to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District to replace the outgoing Stephen Varela. Angeles earned a graduate degree from Colorado Mesa University, and has taught K-12 education across the Western Slope.
Angeles' opponent is Republican Sherri Wright, a former member of the Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 school board. Wright has said that the Colorado legislature is "overstepping" its authority in protecting children from discrimination.
Angeles is the progressive choice to represent the 3rd Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education.
Ellen Angeles is the Democratic candidate running for the Colorado State Board of Education to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District to replace the outgoing Stephen Varela. Angeles earned a graduate degree from Colorado Mesa University, and has taught K-12 education across the Western Slope.
Angeles' opponent is Republican Sherri Wright, a former member of the Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 school board. Wright has said that the Colorado legislature is "overstepping" its authority in protecting children from discrimination.
Angeles is the progressive choice to represent the 3rd Congressional District on the Colorado State Board of Education.
University of Colorado Board of Regents
Robert Logan is the Democratic candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. A native of Durango, Logan is a graduate of Fort Lewis College and the Denver Seminary. Logan taught in public schools for a total of 27 years, including 10 years at Durango High School. Logan is running to support CU's 36,000 employees, reduce the cost of higher education on students, and encourage students to consider a career in public education.
Logan's Republican opponent is former state Sen. Ray Scott, who has no experience in public education with a background in the oil and gas industry before running for political office. Scott is perhaps most famous for a lawsuit he settled after unlawfully blocking a constituent on social media. Scott was criticized after using his position as a lawmaker to threaten a business partner after making late payments for products.
Robert Logan is the clear choice to honestly represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
Robert Logan is the Democratic candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. A native of Durango, Logan is a graduate of Fort Lewis College and the Denver Seminary. Logan taught in public schools for a total of 27 years, including 10 years at Durango High School. Logan is running to support CU's 36,000 employees, reduce the cost of higher education on students, and encourage students to consider a career in public education.
Logan's Republican opponent is former state Sen. Ray Scott, who has no experience in public education with a background in the oil and gas industry before running for political office. Scott is perhaps most famous for a lawsuit he settled after unlawfully blocking a constituent on social media. Scott was criticized after using his position as a lawmaker to threaten a business partner after making late payments for products.
Robert Logan is the clear choice to honestly represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
Elliott Hood the Democratic candidate running for an at-large (statewide) seat on the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Hood is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Hood currently serves on the Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Hood is a former fifth-grade teacher who became an attorney for school districts, involved in litigation to defend COVID-19 safety measures and protections against discrimination. Hood served as vice chairman of the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Hood is running to keep the CU system affordable and fight for the rights of campus workers.
Hood's Republican opponent Eric Rinard is an engineer and graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and serves as a board member at the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School charter school in Erie.
Elliott Hood is the recommended progressive choice to serve statewide on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
Elliott Hood the Democratic candidate running for an at-large (statewide) seat on the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Hood is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Hood currently serves on the Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Hood is a former fifth-grade teacher who became an attorney for school districts, involved in litigation to defend COVID-19 safety measures and protections against discrimination. Hood served as vice chairman of the Colorado Disability Funding Committee. Hood is running to keep the CU system affordable and fight for the rights of campus workers.
Hood's Republican opponent Eric Rinard is an engineer and graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and serves as a board member at the Aspen Ridge Preparatory School charter school in Erie.
Elliott Hood is the recommended progressive choice to serve statewide on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
Senator, District 5
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
Democrat Cole Buerger is running to represent Colorado Senate District 5. As a Western Slope native, 5th generation rancher, and long-time resident of Glenwood Springs, Buerger will champion rural communities struggling with the economy, growth, and Western Slope water. Buerger is a dedicated community member, serving on the Garfield County Planning and Zoning Board, the Middle Colorado Watershed Council, and Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership.
As a business owner himself, Buerger will champion economic development to helping small businesses grow. Buerger will focus will on increasing funding for rural infrastructure and to help build natural disaster resilience from wildfires. He will to work to lower the cost of living, and fight to protect civil rights and public land.
Buerger is running against Republican Marc Catlin - the current State Representative for House District 58. Catlin has voted against environmental regulations and gun safety measures.
Cole Buerger is the progressive choice for Colorado Senate District 5.
Democrat Cole Buerger is running to represent Colorado Senate District 5. As a Western Slope native, 5th generation rancher, and long-time resident of Glenwood Springs, Buerger will champion rural communities struggling with the economy, growth, and Western Slope water. Buerger is a dedicated community member, serving on the Garfield County Planning and Zoning Board, the Middle Colorado Watershed Council, and Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership.
As a business owner himself, Buerger will champion economic development to helping small businesses grow. Buerger will focus will on increasing funding for rural infrastructure and to help build natural disaster resilience from wildfires. He will to work to lower the cost of living, and fight to protect civil rights and public land.
Buerger is running against Republican Marc Catlin - the current State Representative for House District 58. Catlin has voted against environmental regulations and gun safety measures.
Cole Buerger is the progressive choice for Colorado Senate District 5.
Representative, District 57
Elizabeth Velasco is running for reelection to Colorado House District 57. A small business owner and the daughter of immigrants, Rep. Velasco has lived in Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties for over 20 years. An experienced community leader and advocate, Velasco served as a Public Information Officer for Wildland Fire. She has worked in the service, healthcare, nonprofit, and local government industries. Rep. Velasco has championed solutions to climate change, lowered costs for working families, increased access to health care, supported immigrant rights, and funded small business development. As a State Representative, she has sponsored bills regarding public knowledge of hazardous chemicals released through oil and gas operations, rights for mobile home owners, and the secure storage of firearms in motor vehicles.
Opposing Velasco is Republican Caleb Waller. Waller seeks an anti-public education "Parental Bill of Rights" that would allow individual parents the ability to control the statewide public education curriculum. He also supports TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) expansion and opposes regulation and accountability for oil and gas corporations.
Rep. Velasco is the progressive choice for House District 57.
Elizabeth Velasco is running for reelection to Colorado House District 57. A small business owner and the daughter of immigrants, Rep. Velasco has lived in Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield counties for over 20 years. An experienced community leader and advocate, Velasco served as a Public Information Officer for Wildland Fire. She has worked in the service, healthcare, nonprofit, and local government industries. Rep. Velasco has championed solutions to climate change, lowered costs for working families, increased access to health care, supported immigrant rights, and funded small business development. As a State Representative, she has sponsored bills regarding public knowledge of hazardous chemicals released through oil and gas operations, rights for mobile home owners, and the secure storage of firearms in motor vehicles.
Opposing Velasco is Republican Caleb Waller. Waller seeks an anti-public education "Parental Bill of Rights" that would allow individual parents the ability to control the statewide public education curriculum. He also supports TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) expansion and opposes regulation and accountability for oil and gas corporations.
Rep. Velasco is the progressive choice for House District 57.
Eagle County Commission
Matt Scherr is running for reelection to represent District 1 on the Eagle County Commission. Scherr is a progressive Democrat from Minturn who is committed to investing in the Eagle County community.
From working to protect land, water, and wildlife, to growing an economy that includes affordable housing and childcare in Eagle County, Scherr has demonstrated his dedication through community service with local organizations such as the Education Foundation of Eagle County, The Literacy Project, and the Eagle River Coalition.
Gregg Cooper is the extremist Republican challenger seeking to unseat Scherr in District 1. Cooper advocates for unpaid commissioner positions and believes all commissioners should serve without compensation. His platform includes building tiny homes to address the housing crisis and "canceling Denver" in Eagle County.
Matt Scherr is the progressive choice for Eagle County Commissioner District 1. Eagle County commissioner candidates are elected at-large.
Matt Scherr is running for reelection to represent District 1 on the Eagle County Commission. Scherr is a progressive Democrat from Minturn who is committed to investing in the Eagle County community.
From working to protect land, water, and wildlife, to growing an economy that includes affordable housing and childcare in Eagle County, Scherr has demonstrated his dedication through community service with local organizations such as the Education Foundation of Eagle County, The Literacy Project, and the Eagle River Coalition.
Gregg Cooper is the extremist Republican challenger seeking to unseat Scherr in District 1. Cooper advocates for unpaid commissioner positions and believes all commissioners should serve without compensation. His platform includes building tiny homes to address the housing crisis and "canceling Denver" in Eagle County.
Matt Scherr is the progressive choice for Eagle County Commissioner District 1. Eagle County commissioner candidates are elected at-large.
Tom Boyd is a progressive Democrat, running unopposed for the Eagle County Commission in District 1. A Democrat, Boyd is the public relations director for the Vail Valley Foundation, a former reporter and sportsman. Boyd is running to focus on affordable housing, land and water conservation, transportation and youth.
Tom Boyd is a progressive Democrat, running unopposed for the Eagle County Commission in District 1. A Democrat, Boyd is the public relations director for the Vail Valley Foundation, a former reporter and sportsman. Boyd is running to focus on affordable housing, land and water conservation, transportation and youth.
District Attorney, 5th Judicial District
Heidi McCollum is running for reelection to Colorado's 5th Judicial District. After 15 years of law practice, and a term as the district attorney for District 5, her focus is on providing justice for victims, and has worked on cases involving sexual assault, armed robbery, organized crime, and more.
In her last term in office, McCollum worked to increase community safety, protect vulnerable groups, and provide pathways for alternative justice. She's a candidate that progressive voters can feel excited about.
Heidi McCollum is running for reelection to Colorado's 5th Judicial District. After 15 years of law practice, and a term as the district attorney for District 5, her focus is on providing justice for victims, and has worked on cases involving sexual assault, armed robbery, organized crime, and more.
In her last term in office, McCollum worked to increase community safety, protect vulnerable groups, and provide pathways for alternative justice. She's a candidate that progressive voters can feel excited about.
Statewide Judicial Races
The following Judicial Retention selections are taken directly from the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, the independent state-funded body that evaluates judges. Statewide and judicial districted commissions spend hours evaluating the overall performance of judges in each of the following criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public. The commissions then vote on if a judge either meets performance standards or does not meet performance standards.
If you would like to access a more detailed judicial evaluation, click on the "Website" near a judge's name.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Maria E. Berkenkotter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Brian D. Boatright MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 8–0 with three recusals.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Justice Brian D. Boatright MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 8–0 with three recusals.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Stephanie Dunn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Stephanie Dunn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge W. Eric Kuhn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge W. Eric Kuhn MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10–0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Judge Gilbert M. Román MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Chief Judge Gilbert M. Román MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Timothy J. Schutz MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
The State Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Timothy J. Schutz MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 10-0 with one recusal.
5th Judicial District
The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Rachel J. Olguin-Fresquez in a 9-0 vote and one recusal, MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, based on standardized judicial performance criteria.
The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Rachel J. Olguin-Fresquez in a 9-0 vote and one recusal, MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, based on standardized judicial performance criteria.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Colorado SHOULD extend its Homestead exemption to veterans, injured in the line of duty, who have been federally qualified as TDIU (or classified as having a service-related disability that has rendered them unemployable).
A constitutional measure referred to the ballot by the state legislature, Amendment G would add this exemption to Colorado veterans, who cannot hold steady employment as a result of their service.
Currently in Colorado, seniors (65+), Gold Star spouses, and veterans with a 100% service-related disability, can exempt 50% of the first $200,000 of their home’s value from taxation.
An estimated 3,700 veterans in Colorado who are not otherwise able to claim the homestead exemption would be eligible for the exemption under this amendment in property tax year 2025.
The state reimburses the local governments for all revenue lost as a result of the exemption.
The measure requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment G.
Colorado SHOULD extend its Homestead exemption to veterans, injured in the line of duty, who have been federally qualified as TDIU (or classified as having a service-related disability that has rendered them unemployable).
A constitutional measure referred to the ballot by the state legislature, Amendment G would add this exemption to Colorado veterans, who cannot hold steady employment as a result of their service.
Currently in Colorado, seniors (65+), Gold Star spouses, and veterans with a 100% service-related disability, can exempt 50% of the first $200,000 of their home’s value from taxation.
An estimated 3,700 veterans in Colorado who are not otherwise able to claim the homestead exemption would be eligible for the exemption under this amendment in property tax year 2025.
The state reimburses the local governments for all revenue lost as a result of the exemption.
The measure requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment G.
Referred by the state legislature, Amendment H creates an Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board, separate from the Colorado Supreme Court. This independent commission would preside over judicial discipline hearings and impose sanctions. The amendment would make judicial discipline public once formal proceedings begin.
The constitutional measure requires a 55% ‘yes’ vote to pass.
Referred by the state legislature, Amendment H creates an Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board, separate from the Colorado Supreme Court. This independent commission would preside over judicial discipline hearings and impose sanctions. The amendment would make judicial discipline public once formal proceedings begin.
The constitutional measure requires a 55% ‘yes’ vote to pass.
Amendment I was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% yes vote to pass.
Amendment I would make first degree murder an “unbailable” offense if the proof “is evident or the presumption is great.”
In short, Amendment I adds first degree murder to the list of offenses for which a person can be held without bail in Colorado.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment I.
Amendment I was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% yes vote to pass.
Amendment I would make first degree murder an “unbailable” offense if the proof “is evident or the presumption is great.”
In short, Amendment I adds first degree murder to the list of offenses for which a person can be held without bail in Colorado.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment I.
As progressives, we proudly continue to stand with and support marriage equality for all.
Marriage is a basic right, and Colorado’s Constitution SHOULD reflect this right for all state residents. Amendment J repeals the ban on same-sex marriage in Colorado by striking language in Colorado’s Constitution stating that only the union of one man and one woman is a valid or recognized marriage in Colorado.
Repealing the ban is necessary, as the U.S. Supreme Court has hinted at overturning marriage equality in a prior opinion, and the legality of same-sex marriage would then revert to each state.
Amendment J was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We must protect the legality of same-sex marriage in Colorado. We strongly recommend a YES vote on Amendment J.
As progressives, we proudly continue to stand with and support marriage equality for all.
Marriage is a basic right, and Colorado’s Constitution SHOULD reflect this right for all state residents. Amendment J repeals the ban on same-sex marriage in Colorado by striking language in Colorado’s Constitution stating that only the union of one man and one woman is a valid or recognized marriage in Colorado.
Repealing the ban is necessary, as the U.S. Supreme Court has hinted at overturning marriage equality in a prior opinion, and the legality of same-sex marriage would then revert to each state.
Amendment J was referred to the ballot by the Colorado State Legislature and requires a 55% YES vote to pass.
We must protect the legality of same-sex marriage in Colorado. We strongly recommend a YES vote on Amendment J.
Amendment K would require citizen initiatives to file their signatures one week earlier. Additionally, judges and justices seeking retention would be required to also file their “Declaration of Intent” one week earlier. Lastly, official text and ballot measure titles would have to be published one month sooner.
Should the measure pass, the Colorado Secretary of State and county clerks would have more time to finalize ballots ahead of printing.
Referred by the legislature, Amendment K requires 55% to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment K.
Amendment K would require citizen initiatives to file their signatures one week earlier. Additionally, judges and justices seeking retention would be required to also file their “Declaration of Intent” one week earlier. Lastly, official text and ballot measure titles would have to be published one month sooner.
Should the measure pass, the Colorado Secretary of State and county clerks would have more time to finalize ballots ahead of printing.
Referred by the legislature, Amendment K requires 55% to pass.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment K.
Abortion is health care, and Amendment 79 protects the right to abortion care in Colorado’s constitution.
Amendment 79 ensures that state and local governments cannot block or limit access to abortion care. It removes existing insurance discrimination policies that prevent public employees and Coloradans enrolled in state and local government insurance programs, from having abortion care covered by their health insurance.
Currently, our state’s constitution does not keep the government out of personal, private health decisions, meaning the government can take away our right to abortion with the stroke of a pen.
A YES vote would change the Colorado constitution, recognizing the right to abortion and protecting it from future government interference of this right.
Regardless of the source of one's health insurance, the right to abortion should be protected for all Coloradans. Coloradans should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether to have an abortion, and that right shouldn’t depend on the source of their health insurance or who is in office.
We must end attempts by anti-abortion extremists to ban abortion in the state and even charge women who’ve had abortions with homicide. We can’t let that happen.
Vote YES on Amendment 79 to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible for future generations in Colorado.
Abortion is health care, and Amendment 79 protects the right to abortion care in Colorado’s constitution.
Amendment 79 ensures that state and local governments cannot block or limit access to abortion care. It removes existing insurance discrimination policies that prevent public employees and Coloradans enrolled in state and local government insurance programs, from having abortion care covered by their health insurance.
Currently, our state’s constitution does not keep the government out of personal, private health decisions, meaning the government can take away our right to abortion with the stroke of a pen.
A YES vote would change the Colorado constitution, recognizing the right to abortion and protecting it from future government interference of this right.
Regardless of the source of one's health insurance, the right to abortion should be protected for all Coloradans. Coloradans should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether to have an abortion, and that right shouldn’t depend on the source of their health insurance or who is in office.
We must end attempts by anti-abortion extremists to ban abortion in the state and even charge women who’ve had abortions with homicide. We can’t let that happen.
Vote YES on Amendment 79 to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible for future generations in Colorado.
Amendment 80 is a misleading constitutional measure that would require 55% of the vote to pass. Designed to weaken and divert funds from public education, this amendment seeks to pave the way for taxpayer funded, private school voucher programs.
Programs such as this seek to divert critical resources from already underfunded public schools and funnel them to private schools that discriminate against students and families and do not have to meet state education standards or serve all students.
While pretending to be about school choice, which already exists in Colorado (since 1994), Amendment 80's private education proponents seek to justify book banning and abandon curriculums that include sex education, race, and ethnicity. This amendment also would allow parents to sue schools for following non-discrimination laws and interfere with school activities.
Amendment 80 is dangerous - opening the door for extremists to try to dictate school curriculum for 95% of Colorado’s kids.
We recommend that you vote NO on Amendment 80 and protect Colorado's public schools.
Amendment 80 is a misleading constitutional measure that would require 55% of the vote to pass. Designed to weaken and divert funds from public education, this amendment seeks to pave the way for taxpayer funded, private school voucher programs.
Programs such as this seek to divert critical resources from already underfunded public schools and funnel them to private schools that discriminate against students and families and do not have to meet state education standards or serve all students.
While pretending to be about school choice, which already exists in Colorado (since 1994), Amendment 80's private education proponents seek to justify book banning and abandon curriculums that include sex education, race, and ethnicity. This amendment also would allow parents to sue schools for following non-discrimination laws and interfere with school activities.
Amendment 80 is dangerous - opening the door for extremists to try to dictate school curriculum for 95% of Colorado’s kids.
We recommend that you vote NO on Amendment 80 and protect Colorado's public schools.
In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD, which legalized sports betting in Colorado and authorized the state to collect up to $29 million per year in tax revenue from sports betting. Proposition JJ proposes allowing the state to keep any sports betting tax revenue above $29 million per year. This already collected revenue would go towards the Colorado Water Plan instead of being refunded to casinos and sportsbook operators.
As a statutory measure, Proposition JJ just needs above 50% of the vote to pass.
In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD, which legalized sports betting in Colorado and authorized the state to collect up to $29 million per year in tax revenue from sports betting. Proposition JJ proposes allowing the state to keep any sports betting tax revenue above $29 million per year. This already collected revenue would go towards the Colorado Water Plan instead of being refunded to casinos and sportsbook operators.
As a statutory measure, Proposition JJ just needs above 50% of the vote to pass.
Voting YES on Proposition KK supports our most at-risk Coloradans — veterans, youth, and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. Proposition KK creates a new state tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. This revenue would provide around $39 million each year to fund mental health support for survivors of trauma as well as youth and school safety programs.
These programs would provide critical resources to build resilience for survivors of trauma, support the prevention of crime and gun violence, and help end the cycle of violence.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment KK.
Voting YES on Proposition KK supports our most at-risk Coloradans — veterans, youth, and victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. Proposition KK creates a new state tax on the sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. This revenue would provide around $39 million each year to fund mental health support for survivors of trauma as well as youth and school safety programs.
These programs would provide critical resources to build resilience for survivors of trauma, support the prevention of crime and gun violence, and help end the cycle of violence.
We recommend a YES vote on Amendment KK.
Proposition 127 would prohibit killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging a deadly weapon at bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions in Colorado. This measure bans all hunting, pursuing, or entrapping of bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions.
Proposition 127 would prohibit killing, wounding, pursuing, entrapping, or discharging a deadly weapon at bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions in Colorado. This measure bans all hunting, pursuing, or entrapping of bobcats, lynx, and mountain lions.
Proposition 128 is a “scare tactic” initiative aimed to increase state spending on prisons, jeopardize prison safety, and disincentivize educational and mental health programs for inmates.
This measure would require an individual convicted of certain crimes to serve 85% of their sentence before the possibility of parole, up from 75% of their sentence. While the measure claims to be “tough on crime,” it does nothing to actually decrease crime. Rather, Proposition 128, is designed to increase prison populations in Colorado, increase spending, and increase the likelihood of repeat offenses by removing incentives for inmates to participate in education, mental health, and other rehabilitation resources.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 128.
Proposition 128 is a “scare tactic” initiative aimed to increase state spending on prisons, jeopardize prison safety, and disincentivize educational and mental health programs for inmates.
This measure would require an individual convicted of certain crimes to serve 85% of their sentence before the possibility of parole, up from 75% of their sentence. While the measure claims to be “tough on crime,” it does nothing to actually decrease crime. Rather, Proposition 128, is designed to increase prison populations in Colorado, increase spending, and increase the likelihood of repeat offenses by removing incentives for inmates to participate in education, mental health, and other rehabilitation resources.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 128.
Proposition 129 would create a mid-level position called a Veterinary Professional Associate, or VPA. This position, which would require a masters degree, would be allowed to diagnose animals, perform surgeries, and order and perform tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
A state would create a credentialing board that would require passage of a national exam and may adopt additional credential and testing requirements.
Proposition 129 would create a mid-level position called a Veterinary Professional Associate, or VPA. This position, which would require a masters degree, would be allowed to diagnose animals, perform surgeries, and order and perform tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
A state would create a credentialing board that would require passage of a national exam and may adopt additional credential and testing requirements.
Proposition 130 would reallocate $350 million of state funds to expand policing in Colorado. Currently, most local police are funded through local and municipal budgets, not from state coffers. The initiative falsely claims to fund first responders, but restricts the funds to local law enforcement only – fire fighters, EMTs, or mental health professionals would not receive a dime.
This measure diverts even more funding to local law enforcement at the expense of other essential services that are proven to increase and support public safety, such as education resources, mental health services, co-responder programs, and community development. The proposed government funding mandated by this measure does not include any oversight and cannot be used for diversion programs.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 130.
Proposition 130 would reallocate $350 million of state funds to expand policing in Colorado. Currently, most local police are funded through local and municipal budgets, not from state coffers. The initiative falsely claims to fund first responders, but restricts the funds to local law enforcement only – fire fighters, EMTs, or mental health professionals would not receive a dime.
This measure diverts even more funding to local law enforcement at the expense of other essential services that are proven to increase and support public safety, such as education resources, mental health services, co-responder programs, and community development. The proposed government funding mandated by this measure does not include any oversight and cannot be used for diversion programs.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 130.
The supporters of Proposition 131 (former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry and other multi-millionaires) want to make it easier for wealthy candidates like themselves to win in Colorado.
Proposition 131 proposes an “all-candidate” primary for U.S. Senate and House, statewide positions like governor, and the state legislature. It would ask primary voters to choose from all candidates for each of these races, regardless of political affiliation. The top four vote recipients would advance to the general election.
The new voting model would make elections in Colorado more expensive to administer, do away with Colorado’s post-election audit, and is designed to confuse voters and decrease participation.
Proposition 131 would not apply to the Presidential primary.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 131.
The supporters of Proposition 131 (former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry and other multi-millionaires) want to make it easier for wealthy candidates like themselves to win in Colorado.
Proposition 131 proposes an “all-candidate” primary for U.S. Senate and House, statewide positions like governor, and the state legislature. It would ask primary voters to choose from all candidates for each of these races, regardless of political affiliation. The top four vote recipients would advance to the general election.
The new voting model would make elections in Colorado more expensive to administer, do away with Colorado’s post-election audit, and is designed to confuse voters and decrease participation.
Proposition 131 would not apply to the Presidential primary.
We recommend a NO vote on Proposition 131.
The following Judicial Retention selections are taken directly from the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, the independent state-funded body that evaluates judges. Statewide and judicial districted commissions spend hours evaluating the overall performance of judges in each of the following criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public. The commissions then vote on if a judge either meets performance standards or does not meet performance standards.
If you would like to access a more detailed judicial evaluation, click on the "Website" near a judge's name.