November 5, 2021 | NEWS | By April Kwan
This year’s 2021 elections saw low voter turnout among Coloradans, with only , 173,083 of those being from El Paso County. That’s under a third of registered voters in Colorado.
Nonetheless, the voters have spoken: All three of the propositions and amendments have been denied, along with three of the four local ballot issues.
Colorado Amendment 78: Legislative Authority for Spending State Money
56% voted no to oppose this amendment
44% voted yes to support this amendment
As a result, there will be no change so state agencies can carry on spending custodial money and other money without allocation by the state legislature.
Colorado Proposition 119: Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress Program
54% voted no to oppose this amendment
46% voted yes to support this amendment
A majority “no” vote will prevent the creation and funding of the Colorado Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress Program (LEAP). It also means that marijuana taxes will not be increased.
Colorado Proposition 120: Property Tax Assessment Rate Reduction
57% voted no to oppose this amendment
43% voted yes to support this amendment
As a result of people voting “no,” the current assessment rates for lodging and multifamily housing will be maintained.
El Paso County Issue 1A:
55% Voted no to oppose this issue
45% voted yes to support this issue
As a result of opposing this issue, El Paso will not be allowed to retain and spend above the TABOR limit.
City of Colorado Springs Issue 2C:
54% voted no to oppose this issue
46% voted yes to support this issue
The voting result “no” will not increase tax on trails, parks, and open spaces. This will maintain the current status of tax rates.
City of Colorado Springs Issue 2D:
58% voted yes to support this issue
42% voted no to oppose this issue
The voting result of “yes” supports the creation of a $20 million wildfire mitigation and prevention program managed by the Colorado Springs Fire Department. This will create a new department and looks to increase public safety.
Colorado Springs School District 11 Ballot Issue 4B:
50.87% voted no to oppose this issue
49.13% voted yes to support this issue
The voting conclusion of “no” opposes School District 11 authorizing $350 million in bonds for school facilities and improvements. This prevents the money from being used on school improvements through building renovations and buying supplies.
This concludes the issues proposed in this year’s Colorado election. A higher voter turnout is important for future elections because election results have impacts on national, Colorado, and local El Paso County governance.
For a further breakdown of election results or for more up to date information, visit the links below: