November 3, 2020 ballot measures in Colorado

Elections in Colorado, 2020

• Election date: Nov. 3
• Registration deadline(s): Nov. 3 (in person); Oct. 26 (online; by mail)
• Online registration: Yes
• Same-day registration: Yes
• Recount laws

• Early voting starts: Oct. 19
• Absentee/mail voting deadline(s): Nov. 3 (received)
• Processing, counting, and challenging absentee/mail-in ballots
• Voter ID: Non-photo ID
• Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Colorado voters decided 11 statewide measures. Voters in Denver and the Denver Public Schools District decided 12 local measures. Voters in Colorado Springs decided three local measures. Ballotpedia also covered the ranked choice voting measure, Measure 2E, in Boulder.

In 2020, Ballotpedia covered local measures that appeared on the ballot for voters within the top 100 largest cities in the U.S. and a selection of notable police-related and election-related measures outside of the top 100 largest cities. Ballotpedia also covered all local measures in California and all statewide ballot measures. Ballotpedia's 2020 local ballot measure coverage includes Denver and Colorado Springs. Click here to see the scope of Ballotpedia local ballot measure coverage by year.

HIGHLIGHTS

Denver voters decided two separate 0.25% sales tax measures, one for environmental and climate-related program and one for housing and homeless services.

Denver voters also decided four measures designed to grant the city council certain authority and responsibilities, including Ballot Measure 2F to require approval from the city council for mayoral appointments such as the city attorney, the chief of police, the sheriff, and various managers and directors.

Denver Ballot Measure 2J was designed to lift the city's pit bull ban and establish breed-specific permit requirements, such as a microchip, emergency contacts, and an additional fee.

Statewide ballot measures

Type	Title	Subject	Description	Result
LRCA	Amendment B	Taxes and Property	Repeals the Gallagher Amendment of 1982, which limited the residential and non-residential property tax assessment rates so that residential property taxes amounted to 45% of the total share of state property taxes and non-residential property taxes amounted to 55% of the total share of state property taxes	a
LRCA	Amendment C	Lottery	Requires charitable organizations to have existed for three years before obtaining a charitable gaming license instead of five years; allows charitable organizations to hire managers and operators of gaming activities so long as they are not paid more than the minimum wage	d
CICA	Amendment 76	Suffrage	Amends the Colorado Constitution to state that “only a citizen” of the U.S. who is 18 years old or older can vote in federal, state, and local elections, instead of the existing language that says “every citizen” who is 18 years old can vote	a
CICA/SS	Amendment 77	Gambling	Allows voters in Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek to vote to expand allowed gaming types and bet limits	a
LRSS	Proposition EE	Tobacco and Taxes	Increases taxes on tobacco, creates a new tax on nicotine products such as e-cigarettes; dedicates funds to education and health programs	a
VR	Proposition 113	Elections	Joins Colorado into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, awarding Colorado's electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote	a
CISS	Proposition 114	Forests and parks and Environment	Reintroduces gray wolves on public lands	a
CISS	Proposition 115	Abortion	Prohibits abortion after 22 weeks gestational age	d
CISS	Proposition 116	Taxes	Decreases the state income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%	a
CISS	Proposition 117	Taxes	Requires voter approval of new enterprises that are exempt from TABOR if their revenue is greater than $50 million within its first five years	a
CISS	Proposition 118	Healthcare	Establishes a program for paid medical and family leave	a

Local ballot measures, by county

Boulder

See also: Boulder County, Colorado ballot measures

• Boulder, Colorado, Measure 2E, Ranked-Choice Voting for Mayor Amendment (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to elect the mayor through ranked-choice voting, a system in which voters rank candidates and tabulation occurs in rounds that eliminate the candidate with the fewest votes until one candidate receives a majority of votes, and set term limits for mayoral candidates.

A "no" vote opposed this measure for the mayor to be elected through ranked choice voting, thereby leaving the existing system in which the mayor is selected by the city council from among city council members.

Denver City and County

See also: Denver County, Colorado ballot measures

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2A, Sales Tax to Fund Environmental and Climate-Related Programs and TABOR Spending Limit Increase (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the city and county of Denver to levy an additional 0.25% sales tax generating an estimated $40 million per year to fund climate-related programs and programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, thereby increasing the total sales tax rate in Denver from 8.31% to 8.56%.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing the city and county of Denver to levy an additional 0.25% sales tax to fund climate-related programs and programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, thereby leaving the total sales tax rate in Denver at 8.31%.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2B, Sales Tax to Fund Housing and Homeless Services and TABOR Spending Limit Increase (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the city and county of Denver to levy an additional 0.25% sales tax generating an estimated $40 million per year to fund housing and homeless services, thereby increasing the total sales tax rate in Denver from 8.31% to 8.56%.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing the city and county of Denver to levy an additional 0.25% sales tax to fund housing and homeless services, thereby leaving the total sales tax rate in Denver at 8.31%.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2C, Authority for City Council to Procure Professional Services without Executive Approval Charter Amendment (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to allow the city council to procure professional services and hire staff without approval from the mayor or the executive branch of the city government, including professional legal services other than those of the city attorney.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to authorize the city council to hire professional services or staff without approval from the mayor or the executive branch of government, thereby leaving the charter without any provisions treating this issue.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2D, Board of Transportation and Infrastructure Charter Amendment (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to create a 19-member Board of Transportation and Infrastructure with six members appointed by the mayor and nine members appointed by the city council to review the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and make recommendations concerning the department to the city manager.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to amend the city charter to create a Board of Transportation and Infrastructure to review the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and make recommendations concerning the department to the city manager.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2E, City Council Confirmation Requirement for Certain Mayoral Appointments Charter Amendment (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to require the city council to confirm through a majority vote any mayoral appointments to the following offices: the manager of transportation and infrastructure, the manager of parks and recreation, the manager of finance, the manager of safety, the sheriff, the chief of police, the chief of the fire department, the director of excise and licenses, the manager of general services, the manager of human services, the manager of aviation, the manager of the department of public health and environment, the manager of community planning and development, and the city attorney.

A "no" vote opposed amending the city charter to require the city council to confirm through a majority vote certain mayoral appointments, thereby leaving the mayor in control of appointments to administrative offices.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2F, City Council Meetings Charter Amendment (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to remove language requiring city council meetings at certain times and certain council meeting procedures, thereby allowing the city council to set through ordinance the required procedures and scheduling of meetings to conduct public business while continuing to require meetings to be held at regular times and to be open to the public.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to provide the city council with more flexibility over when and by what procedures it holds public meetings, thereby leaving language in the charter requiring meetings to be held on Mondays.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2G, City Council Authority to Propose Supplemental Budget Changes or Appropriations Charter Amendment (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to allow the city council, after consulting with the manager of finance, to initiate budget appropriations or transfer of undedicated funds that do not cause estimated expenditures to exceed revenue. Once officially proposed, proposed budget changes must be approved by a majority of the city council (or a supermajority to overturn a veto).

A "no" vote opposed amending the city charter to allow the city council to initiate certain budget appropriations or transfer of undedicated funds, thereby leaving the mayor as the only one with the authority to initiate such budget changes. Once officially proposed, proposed budget changes must be approved by a majority of the city council (or a supermajority to overturn a veto).

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2H, Authority for the City to Provide Internet, Telephone, and Television Services (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported this measure to authorize the city to provide internet, telephone, and television services by satisfying the referendum requirement in state law.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to authorize the city to provide internet, telephone, and television services, thereby continuing to ban the city from providing such services according to state statute section 29-27-201.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2I, Director of Elections and Clerk and Recorder Staff Charter Amendment (November 2020):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported amending the city charter to remove the requirement that the city clerk and recorder hire a director of elections and allow the city clerk and recorder to hire four at-will employees, instead of two, in addition to the deputy.

A "no" vote opposed amending the city charter to remove the requirement that the city clerk and recorder hire a director of elections and allow the city clerk and recorder to hire four at-will employees in addition to the deputy, thereby leaving the requirement that the city clerk and recorder hire a director of elections and the allowance for two at-will employees in addition to the deputy.

• Denver, Colorado, Ballot Measure 2J, Remove Pit Bull Ban and Establish Microchip and Other Requirements for Pit Bull Licenses (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported this measure to remove the city's ban on pit bulls and establish requirements for pit bull permits, including proof of microchip, owner information, emergency contacts, proof of vaccines, and a fee.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to allow pit bulls and establish requirements for pit bull permits, thereby leaving the city's existing pit bull ban in place.

• Denver Public Schools, Colorado, Ballot Measure 4A, Property Tax (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the district to levy an additional property tax of $150 per $100,000 in assessed value (1.5 mills) in 2021 and to increase that levy by up to $100 per $100,000 in assessed value (1 mill) every year to a maximum rate of $400 per $100,000 in assessed value (4 mills). Going into 2020, residential property was assessed at a rate of 7.15% of market value and non-residential property was assessed at 29% of market value. Under a 7.15% residential property tax assessment rate, a home with the median market value of about $470,000 would be assessed for taxes at $33,605, which means a 1 mill tax would be $33.6.

A "no" vote opposes this measure authorizing the district to levy an additional property tax of up to $400 per $100,000 in assessed value (4 mills), thereby leaving the district's total property taxes at existing rates.

• Denver Public Schools, Colorado, Ballot Measure 4B, Bond Issue (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the district to increase its debt by up to $795 million in bonds with a maximum repayment cost of $1.5 billion and to continue the district's existing property tax rate to repay the bonds.

A "no" vote opposes this measure authorizing the district to increase its debt by up to $795 million in bonds with a maximum repayment cost of $1.5 billion and to continue the district's existing property tax rate to repay the bonds.

El Paso County

See also: El Paso County, Colorado ballot measures

• Colorado Springs, Colorado, Question 2A, Spending Limit Increase TABOR Measure (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the city, as required by TABOR, to keep and spend $1.9 million in 2019 revenue above the city's spending limit, to keep and spend all revenue in 2020, and to adjust the city's spending limit in 2021 and going forward according to 2019 and 2020 revenue.

A "no" vote opposed this measure authorizing the city to keep and spend $1.9 million in 2019 revenue above the city's spending limit, to keep and spend all revenue in 2020, and to adjust the city's spending limit in 2021 and going forward according to 2019 and 2020 revenue.

• Colorado Springs, Colorado, Question 2B, Voter Approval Requirement for Parkland Transfers (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported this charter amendment to require voter approval of the transfer of parkland interest to any individual or entity not controlled by the city with exceptions for court orders, eminent domain, title disputes or regulations, temporary permits, easements, and de minimis transfers. Another competing charter amendment, Question 2C, designed to require supermajority city council approval but not voter approval was also put on the ballot.

A "no" vote opposed this charter amendment to require voter approval of the transfer of parkland interest to any individual or entity not controlled by the city.

• Colorado Springs, Colorado, Question 2C, City Council Supermajority Requirement for Parkland Transfers (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported requiring a supermajority vote of seven out of nine city council members, but not voter approval, to authorize the transfer of parkland interest to any individual or entity not controlled by the city with exceptions for court orders, eminent domain, title disputes or regulations, temporary permits, easements, de minimis transfers, and any transfers approved by voters. Another competing charter amendment—Question 2B—designed to require voter approval for parkland transfers was also put on the ballot.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to require a supermajority vote of seven out of nine city council members, but not voter approval, to authorize the transfer of parkland interest to any individual or entity not controlled by the city.

• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, Issue 4A, Allow District 11 to Retain Revenue Above TABOR Limit (November 2020):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing School District 11 to keep and spend all revenue above the TABOR limit beginning in fiscal year 2019-2020.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing School District 11 to keep and spend all revenue above the TABOR limit beginning in fiscal year 2019-2020.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Colorado

Click "Show" to learn more about voter registration, identification requirements, and poll times in Colorado.

How to cast a vote in Colorado

The information below covers regular voting policies in the state. Information may have not applied to the election on November 3, 2020, because of temporary changes in response to coronavirus. Click here to read about changes made for the 2020 elections. Poll times In Colorado, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time for those who choose to vote in person rather than by mail. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote. Registration requirements Check your voter registration status here. In Colorado, an individual can pre-register to vote if they are at least 15 years old. Voters must be at least 18 years old to vote in any election. A voter must be a citizen of the United States and have established residence in Colorado to vote. Colorado voters can register to vote through Election Day. However, in order to automatically receive a absentee/mail-in ballot, a voter must register online, through the mail, at a voter registration agency, or driver's license examination facility at least eight days prior to Election Day. A voter that registers through a voter registration drive must submit their application no later than 22 days before the election to automatically receive an absentee/mail-in ballot. A voter can register online or submit a form in person or by fax, email, or mail. Automatic registration Colorado automatically registers eligible individuals to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles and certain other state agencies. Online registration See also: Online voter registration Colorado has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website. Same-day registration Colorado allows same-day voter registration for individuals who vote in person. Residency requirements Colorado law requires 22 days of residency in the state before a person may vote. Verification of citizenship See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States Colorado does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury. All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. As of January 2025, six states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, and New Hampshire — had passed laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration. However, only two of those states' laws were in effect, in Arizona and New Hampshire. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allowed noncitizens to vote in some local elections as of November 2024. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters. Verifying your registration The site Go Vote Colorado, run by the Colorado Secretary of State office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online. Voter ID requirements Colorado requires voters to present non-photo identification when voting in person. If voting by mail for the first, a voter may also need to return a photocopy of his or her identification with his or her mail-in ballot. Click here for more information. The following list of accepted forms of identification was current as of July 2024. Click here for the most current information, sourced directly from the Office of the Colorado Secretary of State. “ The following documents are acceptable forms of identification: A valid Colorado driver’s license or valid identification card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue. (Note: documents issued to not lawfully present and temporarily lawfully present individuals under Part 5 of Article 2 of Title 42, C.R.S. are not acceptable forms of identification.) A valid U.S. passport. A valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. government or of Colorado, or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of Colorado. A valid pilot’s license issued by the federal aviation administration or other authorized agency of the U.S. A valid U.S. military identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector. A copy of a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the elector. A Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood. A valid Medicare or Medicaid card issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate for the elector. Certified documentation of naturalization. A valid student identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by an institute of higher education in *Colorado, as defined in section 23-3.1-102(5), C.R.S.. A valid veteran identification card issued by the U.S. department of veterans affairs veterans health administration with a photograph of the eligible elector. A valid identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government certifying tribal membership. Any form of identification listed above that shows your address must show a Colorado address to qualify as an acceptable form of identification. The following documents are also considered acceptable forms of identification for voting: Verification that a voter is a resident of a group residential facility, as defined in section 1-1-104(18.5), C.R.S. Verification that a voter is a person committed to the department of human services and confined and eligible to register and vote shall be considered sufficient identification of such person for the purposes of section 1-2-210.5, C.R.S. Written correspondence from the county sheriff or his or her designee to the county clerk indicating that a voter is confined in a county jail or detention facility. ”

See also

• Local ballot measure elections in 2020
• Local property tax on the ballot
• City tax on the ballot
• City governance on the ballot
• Local charter amendments on the ballot