2024 Ballot Guide

Cathy’s 2024 Ballot Guide

Welcome to Cathy’s 2024 Ballot Guide. Below are my recommendations for state and local (Larimer County, Poudre School District, and the City of Fort Collins) issues on the ballot this November. I have done my best to include resources on both sides of every issue. If you have questions, please feel free to email me at cathy@cathykipp.com or call or text me at 970-219-5267. I’m always happy to share my thoughts. Thank you for engaging in our democratic process!

Statewide Ballot Issues

Here is the electronic link to the 2024 Blue Book in English, Spanish, and an audio version.

Constitutional Amendments Referred by the State Legislature (at least two-thirds of members in the House and the Senate)

  • Amendment G: Modify Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities – YES

This amendment would extend the homestead property tax exemption to veterans whose disability is rated as making them unemployable. For those who sacrificed so much in service to our country, a discount on their property taxes seems only fair.

Information: https://coloradosun.com/2024/09/30/colorado-amendment-g-explained-2024-election/

  • Amendment H: Judicial Discipline Procedures and Confidentiality – YES

Due to concerns about potential judicial misconduct, this measure was referred to the ballot to create an independent board made up of citizens, lawyers, and judges to conduct judicial misconduct hearings, impose disciplinary actions, and allow more information to be shared earlier with the public. Like the rest of us, judges should also be accountable.

  • Amendment I: Constitutional Bail Exception for First Degree Murder – YES

After the Colorado legislature repealed the death penalty in Colorado, the courts determined that all persons have the right to bail, even in cases of first degree murder where proof is evident or presumption is great. While mandating bail be set for all persons charged with first degree murder was not the intent of the legislature, the only way to fix this is to amend the state Constitution.

Information: https://coloradosun.com/2024/10/07/amendment-i-explained-colorado/

  • Amendment J: Repealing the Definition of Marriage in the Constitution – YES
    Colorado’s state Constitution defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. In 2015, the US Supreme Court Obergefell v Hodges decision made same-sex marriages legal throughout the country, making our state constitutional language moot. We need to remove this language from our state Constitution in case the current US Supreme Court decides to overturn the Obergefell decision. Same-sex couples should not have to worry about the validity of their marriages being called into question.

Support:

Opposition:

Information: https://coloradosun.com/2024/10/03/amendment-j-explained-colorado/

  • Amendment K:  Modify Constitutional Election Deadlines – YES

This amendment will make election deadlines more reasonable for the county clerks and the secretary of state, who must comply with them. It’s important to give this additional time to ensure ballots are correct, delivered on time, and that proper notice is given.

Information: https://coloradosun.com/2024/09/27/colorado-amendment-k-explained-2024/

Constitutional Amendments Brought Through the Citizen Initiative Process

  • Amendment 79: Constitutional Right to Abortion – YES

This amendment will enshrine the right to abortion into the Colorado Constitution. With the US Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v Wade, we need to make it clear that in Colorado, the right to abortion is protected.

Support: https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com/

Oppose: https://www.prolifeco.org/

Information: https://coloradosun.com/2024/10/01/amendment-79-explained-colorado-abortion/

  • Amendment 80: Constitutional Right to School Choice – NO

Colorado already gives wide latitude to families regarding school choice. Adding this language to the Colorado Constitution could make Colorado liable to pay for private schooling, religious schools, home schools and more. Colorado already struggles to meet our obligations for public school funding. States that have gone this route have ended up with huge cost overruns and a lack of accountability. It would be reckless for Colorado to take on the additional responsibility of attempting to fund non-public schools.


Support: https://readycolo.org/

Oppose:

Information: 

Statutory Questions Referred by the State Legislature (More than 50% of House and Senate members)

  • Proposition JJ: Retain Additional Sports Betting Tax Revenue – YES

In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD, which legalized sports betting in Colorado and authorized the state to collect up to $29 million annually in taxes on sports betting, with the money going toward the state water plan. If passed, Prop JJ would allow the state to keep any revenue above $29 million, and that money would also be spent on the state water plan. If Prop JJ does not pass, funds over $29 million will be refunded to casinos and sports betting operators.

Information: https://coloradosun.com/2024/10/02/proposition-jj-explained-colorado/

  • Proposition KK: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Measures Amending State Statutes – YES

This measure would create a new state tax of 6.5% on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. The money would create a sustainable funding stream for crime victim support services, mental health services for veterans and youth, and school safety programs.

Support: 

Oppose:

Information:

Statutory Questions Brought Through the Citizen Initiative Process

  • Proposition 127 Prohibit Bobcat, Lynx, and Mountain Lion Hunting – Neutral/Vote how you like

I understand that commercial trophy hunting using unethical hunting practices is unacceptable. I am also reluctant to tie the hands of our Colorado Department of Wildlife in their work to appropriately manage animal populations of wildlife. In this case, I do believe the evidence is compelling that shows this to be a reasonable policy.

Support:

Oppose: 

Information:

  • Proposition 128 Parole Eligibility for Crimes of Violence – NO

Currently, persons convicted of certain crimes must serve at least 75% of their prison sentences; this proposition would increase that to 85%. In addition to increasing prison costs by adding more prison time for more people, removing discretion from parole boards may lead to prisoners who are less incentivized to be rehabilitated while incarcerated.

Support: https://dcsheriff.net/sheriff-weekly-announces-support-for-truth-in-sentencing-and-back-the-blue-initiatives/

Oppose:

Information:

  • Proposition 129 Establishing Veterinary Professional Associates – NO

It is true that we need more veterinary professionals in Colorado. This new Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) position has been compared to that of a Physician’s Assistant (PAs) in human medicine. However, PAs are not allowed to perform surgery as VPAs would be allowed to do. This is the kind of policy that is best created legislatively with all parties coming to the table to discuss appropriate levels of education and training for an appropriate scope of practice.

Support: https://www.vetcarecoalition.com/

Oppose:

Information: 

  • Proposition 130 Funding for Law Enforcement – NO

Colorado already devotes funding to law enforcement and this measure would spend an additional $350 million of state money on local law enforcement. The state of Colorado is already looking to cut $1 billion from our state budget in 2026, so it is unclear where this funding would come from. 

Support: https://dcsheriff.net/sheriff-weekly-announces-support-for-truth-in-sentencing-and-back-the-blue-initiatives/

Oppose:

Information:

  • Proposition 131 Establishing All-Candidate Primary and Ranked Choice Voting General Elections – NO

While I support Ranked Choice Voting as a system to further representation and strengthen our democracy, this proposal includes less desirable parts. The jungle primary system included in this measure pits all candidates in certain races against one another in the primary election, with the top four contenders going to the general election. This weakens the party system that many voters rely on to make informed choices and lends more power to politically camouflaged candidates with wealthy backers to influence voters.

Also, this measure only applies to some races, making it more confusing for voters. Some jurisdictions (such as Fort Collins) will be trying out ranked choice voting in upcoming elections. I stand with county clerks throughout Colorado who would like to ensure we have all the bugs worked out of the system before applying it more broadly.

Support:

Opposed:

Information: 

Larimer County, Fort Collins, and Poudre School District

  • Larimer County Ballot Issue 1A – Sales Tax to pay for Transportation Infrastructure – YES

This measure would increase sales taxes in Larimer County by 15 cents on every $100 for the next 15 years. The money will be dedicated to improving the county-wide transportation network, including roads, bridges, pedestrian, cycling, and transit infrastructure. Some of this money will help the county take advantage of state and Federal grant opportunities.

Information: https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/2024ge-larimer-county-ballot-issue-notice.pdf pages 4-5

  • Fort Collins – Ballot Issue 2A – City-Initiated Ballot Issue No. 1 YES

This measure will continue an existing sales tax of 0.25% (25 cents on $100) for the purpose of maintaining our city streets and related infrastructure.

Information: https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/2024ge-larimer-county-ballot-issue-notice.pdf pages 6-7

  • Fort Collins – Ballot Question 2B – City-Initiated Proposed Charter Amendment No. 1 – YES

This measure would make updates and clarifications to the city election processes.

  • Fort Collins – Ballot Question 2C – City-Initiated Proposed Charter Amendment No. 2 – YES

This measure would make technical updates and clarifications to the city recall processes.

  • Fort Collins – Ballot Question 2D – City-Initiated Proposed Charter Amendment No. 3 – YES

This measure would make technical updates and clarifications to the city initiative and referendum processes.

  • Poudre School District – Ballot Issue 4A – YES

This measure will provide additional funding to the Poudre School District (PSD) to make our teacher and staff pay competitive with our nearby school districts and ensure we keep our neighborhood schools open. PSD students deserve to have quality educational opportunities in our community. This measure was referred to the voters by the Poudre School District Board of Education.

Support: https://www.investinpsd.com/

Information:

    More ballot guides to check out from organizations I trust: