Voter Transparency in Ballot Measures

Colorado voters get clearer ballot disclosures

The law requires clearer information about ballot measures that change Colorado taxes or state spending. Tax-cut ballot titles must begin with the tax being reduced and the percentage reduction in the first full fiscal year. They must estimate lost revenue and warn about likely funding cuts, naming the three largest program spending areas. For spending-increase initiatives without enough new revenue or specified cuts, titles must describe likely cuts in those three areas. They must estimate those cuts for the first full fiscal year of reduction. This rule excludes very small spending increases and administrative costs. Titles must name any services or programs the measure identifies for cuts. If those cuts do not cover the full amount, titles must also name the three largest program spending areas. These estimates do not restrict future budgets. Required disclosure language does not count when deciding whether a ballot title is brief. The Legislative Council's research director must prepare a fiscal impact statement for every initiated or referred measure. It must be similar to legislative fiscal notes, with a complete copy available from the Council. The ballot booklet's short summary must say whether the measure has a fiscal impact. For tax-law changes, a table must show filer counts, total tax changes, and average changes per filer by income group. It must include a group with federal adjusted gross income of at least $1 million. The booklet must also explain likely effects on the three largest program spending areas for tax changes and qualifying spending increases. The law applies to initiative drafts submitted for title setting on or after its effective date. It takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day after the 90th day following final adjournment. That date is August 12, 2026, if adjournment is May 13, 2026. If a referendum petition is filed, voter approval at the November 2026 general election is required. In that case, the effective date is the governor's official declaration of the vote.