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Colorado Ballot 2010
10/1/2010
Overview:
The fall 2010 Colorado ballot promises to stir up strong emotions in the state. With a variety of complex issues coming to a vote, it is important that we understand the ballot and what is at stake. Join Active Minds for an objective review of the ballot issues and a presentation of the arguments on each side of the proposals.
Key Lecture Points:
Colorado voters go to the polls on November 2, 2010 (absentee ballots will be mailed to many Colorado voters in early October 2010). In addition to voting for Governor, Senator, Congressional Representatives and other elected offices, every Colorado voter will be asked to vote yes or no on 9 state-wide ballot initiatives and referenda.
Colorado is one of many states that allow the legislature to refer the passage of a law to a vote of the electorate (referendum). Additionally, the Colorado Constitution permits citizens to amend it or propose a change to the Colorado Constitution or statutes by way of a direct initiative.
Adopting its referendum and initiative process in 1910, Colorado is one of 24 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.
Click here for an objective, plain English description of each of the key initiatives and referenda.
Exploration Questions:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of initiatives and referenda?
In what way does the 2010 Colorado ballot demonstrate these advantages and disadvantages?
Reflective Questions:
The 2008 ballot had 18 initiatives and referenda on it. This election has far fewer. Why do you think that is?
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:
Colorado Legislative Council analysis of ballot: www.colorado.gov
A history of direct democracy in Colorado: www.iandrinstitute.org
Books For Further Reading:
Young, Bradley J. TABOR and Direct Democracy: An Essay on the End of the Republic. Fulcrum, 2006. 81 pages. In 1992, Colorado voters passed an amendment to the state constitution that was placed on the ballot by a citizen-led petition. The measure, known as the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, had many components to limit the growth of state and local government. Today, similar measures are being considered across the nation. Click here to order.
Smith, Daniel A. and Caroline Tolbert. Educated by Initiative: The Effects of Direct Democracy on Citizens and Political Organizations in the American States. University of Michigan Press. 2004. 252 pages. The authors describe how direct democracy teaches citizens about politics, voting, civic engagement and the influence of political parties and special interest groups. Click here to order.
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