AP Election Update | Anticipations for Colorado’s Referendum

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In the forthcoming ballot measure election on Tuesday, electorates in Colorado will make decisions on two statewide initiatives that could have implications for their finances and the state’s budget.

Proposition HH is a proposal that seeks voter approval for the state to retain a certain amount of excess tax revenue, which, under the current state constitution, is mandated to be refunded to taxpayers. This proposition, in turn, offers a reduction in property tax rates for a decade. The state’s retained funds would be allocated towards educational and rent support initiatives. This measure has been put forward by the Democratic Governor Jared Polis alongside Democratic legislators.

Proposition II, on the other hand, proposes that the state continue to use $23.7 million in already collected tax proceeds from the sale of tobacco and nicotine products. This measure aims to preserve existing taxation levels on these items, channeling the funds into early childhood education programs.

Both measures are in response to the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a constitutional amendment from 1992, which sets a requirement for surplus tax revenues to be refunded to the electorate based on a formula considering inflation and population growth and mandates that any tax hikes receive voter endorsement.

What to Expect:

ELECTION DAY TIMINGS

The voting polls will be closed by 7 p.m. MST, corresponding to 9 p.m. EST.

BALLOT CONTENTS

Coverage of both statewide ballot measures, Proposition HH concerning property tax reductions and Proposition II related to the nicotine tax revenue, will be provided by The Big Big News.

VOTER ELIGIBILITY

Any registered Colorado voter is entitled to participate in this election. Voter registration is permitted up to and including on Election Day in person. Mail-in ballots are available to those who registered by the deadline of October 30.

DECISION CRITERIA

The AP abstains from forecasting outcomes and will only announce a victor when the possibility of the opponent bridging the gap becomes non-existent. Should a result not be finalized, the AP will report significant occurrences, ensuring transparency that it has not concluded the results and providing justification.

In cases where a race’s margin is within 0.5% or less for the top two contenders, Colorado initiates an automatic recount. Even in recount-eligible instances, the AP may call the race if it ascertains that the leading margin is insurmountable by any recount or legal proceeding.

VOTER PARTICIPATION AND EARLY VOTING STATISTICS

Colorado’s voter registration stands at 4.4 million as of last Wednesday, with Democrats at 26%, Republicans at 23%, and independents at 49%.

In the 2021 ballot measure, the turnout was roughly 1.6 million votes—32% from Democrats, 31% from Republicans, and 36% from independents.

Turnout tends to escalate during major election years in comparison to off-year elections. For instance, in 2020, the turnout was 75% for two ballot measures, a stark contrast to the 44% turnout in 2019.

Colorado conducts elections primarily by mail, with the option of in-person voting, which is less common. During the 2021 ballot measure vote, 99% voted by mail, with in-person votes constituting only 1%.

Before this Election Day, nearly 577,000 ballots had been cast, with Democrats accounting for 29%, Republicans 32%, and unaffiliated voters 38%.

DURATION OF VOTE COUNTING

During the 2022 general election for the governor’s seat, the AP commenced reporting at 9:07 p.m. EST, just minutes after the closure of polls, and concluded tabulation around 4:34 a.m. EST, having tallied approximately 75% of the total votes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Colorado ballot measures

More about Colorado ballot measures

• Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights
• Understanding Proposition HH
• Details on Proposition II
• Colorado Voter Registration Information
• AP’s Approach to Election Coverage
• Recent Voter Turnout Statistics in Colorado
• Colorado Election Night Reporting Procedures