Statewide ballot measure
Amendment 85 (Initiative 234): Requiring ballot questions to be written in plain language
On the November 3, 2026 ballot
- Ballot number
- Amendment 85
- Filed as
- Initiative 234
- Type of measure (Legislative Council)
- Constitutional
The ballot question
Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning ballot question language, and, in connection therewith, requiring all state and local ballot questions to be written in plain language and at no more than an 8th grade reading level and prohibiting a state statute from requiring language that conflicts with these requirements in ballot questions for citizen-initiated measures?
What a vote does
- A yes vote means
- State and local ballot questions must be written in plain language at no more than an eighth-grade reading level, and no statute may interfere with that requirement by mandating language before, after or in an initiative's ballot title. The rule is added to the constitution, so approval requires 55 percent.
- A no vote means
- Current constitutional and statutory rules for writing ballot questions and titles would remain in effect.
Figures from the fiscal estimate
- Takes effect: Governor’s proclamation
- After voter approval, within 30 days after the official canvass.
- Estimated state cost: $0 in the table
- Fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27. The note anticipates a small increase in Title Board work.
- Votes needed to pass: 55%
- Of votes cast on the amendment.
Legislative Council ballot analysis
Official documents
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Key dates
- October 2 to October 9: county clerks mail ballots to active voters.
- October 12: drop boxes open.
- October 26: last suggested day to return a ballot by mail.
- From October 27: return your ballot to a drop box or vote center instead of mailing it.
- November 3, 2026, Election Day: ballots are due by 7:00 p.m.
Page updated September 29, 2026