My Mother always said to vote “NO” on ballot initiatives.  This was in Kentucky, where they were rare.  But the advice, while not perfect, is pretty good.  I would say instead, “If the initiative isn’t a clear win for liberty, vote NO.”

This fall will be my first time voting in Colorado, and I received my book describing the ballot initiatives last week in the mail.  There are 3 proposed amendments to the constitution and 8 proposals to amend state statutes.  I am going to discuss them all, let you know how and why I am planning to vote, and see if you all think I am wrong about any.

 

First up is Amendment D (I am not responsible for naming convention):  New 23rd Judicial District Judges.

This would have the Governor appoint judges for the new district from the current 18th district.  A no vote leads to uncertainty and possible disruption of court functions.  Seems like a clear-cut case of NO to me.

Amendment E:  Extend Homestead Extension to Gold Star Spouses.

Without evening reading it, the title alone makes a NO vote clear.  It provides a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of armed forces members who died from service related injuries.  Someone, I am sure, will tell me why I should vote YES, but I doubt I will.

Amendment F:  Changes to Charitable Gaming Operations.

Currently nonprofits must exist for 5 years before applying for a Bingo license, plus all workers must be volunteers.  Both would change, the former would be reduced to 3 years and they could pay their workers.  Once again, I am following my Mom’s advice and voting NO.  It is probably a marginal move to more liberty but not enough to push me off my default.

FF:  Health School Meals for All.

Hard NO.

GG:  Add Tax Information Table to Petitions and Ballots.

If a ballot measure raises or lowers state income tax rates, it must include a table showing how it affects filers in different income categories.  Useful, but nah, still voting NO.

121 (yeah, don’t ask me, I don’t understand the letter/number system either):  State Income Tax Rate Reduction.

Lowers state income tax from 4.55% to 4.40%.  YES.

122:  Access to Natural Psychedelic Substances.

Seems like an easy YES, but it isn’t.  It is complex.  The text changes for #121 is less than one page.  For this, it is 11 pages.  That earns it a NO.

123:  Dedicate Revenue for Affordable Housing Programs.

Fuck you, cut spending.  NO.

124:  Increase Allowable Liquor Store Locations.

Currently a person can have an interest in up to 3 liquor store locations, this would boost the limit over time, being unlimited after 2037.  I liked Liquor Barn in KY.  YES.

125:  Allow Grocery and Convenience Stores to Sell Wine.

Hell YES.

126: Third-Party Delivery of Alcohol Beverages.

It is what you would think it is.  About 2.5 pages.  Can’t see a reason not to vote YES.

 

Feel free to tell me where I am wrong.

If you made it this far, you get a music link.