Colorado voters will decide on at least seven statewide ballot measures on Nov. 3—and more could still be added. Seven citizen initiatives have officially qualified for the ballot. State election officials are still vetting several high-stakes proposals — including competing income tax plans — ahead of a Sept. 2 deadline to finalize the ballot. This guide covers the seven measures that are confirmed.
Each measure below is listed by its initiative number. Those numbers change once the state finalizes the ballot—qualified statutes will become “Proposition” measures and constitutional amendments become “Amendment” measures. We’ll update them then.
Initiative 85: Fentanyl penalties
Statute; simple majority.
This measure raises felony levels and adds mandatory sentences for making, selling or possessing fentanyl, and makes possession of any amount a felony.
It is backed by Advance Colorado, a conservative nonprofit that frequently pushes right-wing policies onto the ballot and does not disclose its donors.
Supporters, including several district attorneys, call it a tool to fight against dealers. Opponents, including the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, project more overdose deaths and a larger, costlier prison population.
Initiative 95: Notify Homeland Security
Constitutional amendment; needs 55% majority.
This measure requires state and local police to notify federal immigration authorities within 72 hours after charging someone with a violent crime — or any with any crime if the person has a prior felony — if officers cannot confirm the person is in the US legally . Also backed by Advance Colorado.
Opponents, including the League of Women Voters of Colorado and immigrants-rights groups, say it turns local police into federal immigration enforcement.
Initiative 108: Life sentences for child sex trafficking
Statute, simple majority.
Makes human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude a Class 1 felony, punishable by life in prison without parole. Filed by conservative activists Erin Lee and Michele Austin. Supported by the Colorado Catholic Conference.
Initiative 109: School sports by biological sex
Statute; simple majority.
Requires K-12 and college sports teams to be separated by biological sex, with an exception for co-ed teams. Also filed by Lee and Austin, under the campaign Protect Kids Colorado. Opponents, including the advocacy group One Colorado, say it targets transgender students.
Initiative 110: Ban certain surgeries on minors
Statute; simple majority.
Bars health professionals from performing surgery on a minor to alter biological sex characteristics, and blocks Medicaid, other public funds and insurance from paying for it. It does not restrict puberty blockers or hormone therapy. Also from Lee and Austin. Supporters frame it as protecting children; LGBTQ+ advocates call it dangerous and anti-transgender.
Initiative 175: Road funding
Constitutional amendment; needs 55%.
This measure requires that existing vehicle sales taxes and fuel taxes—an estimated $700 million a year—be spent only on roads, bridges and the State Patrol. Backed by the Colorado Contractors Association, under the campaign Restore Our Roads. In response, Colorado Democrats and Gov. Jared Polis passed a law to cut gas taxes and vehicle fees if this passes, protecting the rest of the state budget. Supporters say roads have been chronically underfunded.
Initiative 177: Right to natural gas
Constitutional amendment; needs 55%.
Adds a two-sentence right to the state constitution: consumers have the right to buy natural gas to heat and cook, and utilities have the right to sell it. Backed by Advance Colorado. Supporters say it protects an energy source about 70% of Colorado households use. Environmental groups say it would lock in fossil fuels and hurt the state’s climate goals.
Still to come: State officials are still reviewing several more initiatives, including a graduated income tax and a competing income-tax cap. For the final, certified ballot, check the secretary of state’s website when ballots have been finalized for the official list.
