THE EXPLAINER: Colorado Ballots Have Dropped

Welcome to Election Day 2023, Colorado! The highly anticipated ballots for the statewide election are finally starting to be mailed out to voters today. But before filling out your ballot and mailing it in, there are some important things to know about the two statewide measures on the ballot, as well as the local ballot initiatives and races.

First up, let's look at Proposition II and Proposition HH.

Proposition II would allow the state to keep nearly $23.7 million in excess revenue from tobacco and nicotine taxes and use it to support Colorado's new universal preschool program. This measure would also give the state the ability to retain and spend future excess revenue.

However, if voters reject Proposition II, the excess revenue will be returned to nicotine and tobacco wholesalers and distributors, and the tax rates will be cut to prevent future excess revenue.

Want to learn more?  Read more here.

Next up is Proposition HH, a complex 10-year property tax relief plan that would also increase the state budget, limit local government spending, and change how taxpayer refunds are distributed.

Under Proposition HH, property taxes will still go up by a staggering 30%. This tax hike, disguised as a "relief", will only adjust the assessment rate from 6.76% to 6.7%, which is a minuscule decrease in the worst increase in state history. Coloradans will be forced to pay at least double of what Proposition HH claims to give back. This is not a tax cut; it is a blatant attempt by the government to take more money from hardworking citizens. Read more here.

If Proposition HH passes, it will also permanently take away the taxpayer refunds under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). That $750 "Colorado Cash Back" check you received last year? It's money the government owes you, but with this measure, the government can keep an extra compounding 1% every year, resulting in a staggering $10 billion handed over to politicians over the next 10 years.

What's even more concerning is that there is no guarantee where this $10 billion will go. The legislature can rewrite and allocate it as they please, making it a blank check for politicians. It's time to hold our elected officials accountable and say no to Proposition HH.

As always, there are important local races and ballot initiatives to consider.

For example, Aurora and Boulder will be holding mayoral elections, while Denver has several school board seats up for grabs.

You can register to vote online at govotecolorado.com or check your voter registration status. The great thing about Colorado is that it's a same-day voter registration state, meaning you can register and cast a ballot up until 7 p.m. on Election Day.

However, the last day to register and still receive a ballot by mail is October 30th. Speaking of mail-in ballots, if you choose to send yours back through the mail, make sure to do so by October 30th to ensure its counted. After that, it's best to use a drop box or vote in person.

READ MORE:

• Initiative To Cap Colorado Property Tax Increases At 4% Approved For 2024 Ballot

• Capitol Democrats Attempt to Reverse Property Tax Relief In Douglas County

• PROPOSITION II: Ask Voters to Let Government Keep Overtaxing

• HILLMAN: How Proposition HH Picks Colorado Taxpayers’ Pockets

For those who prefer to vote in person, in-person voting begins on October 30th and runs until Election Day on November 7th. But be aware, you must be in line by 7 p.m. to cast your ballot. If you're unsure of where to vote in person, visit this website to find a nearby polling location.

County clerks begin posting results shortly after 7 p.m. on Election Day.