2023 Election – Voter resources for ballot measures

2023 Election – Voter resources for ballot measures

Voting stickers

Be heard – VOTE!

While the Basalt Chamber does not take a stance on a particular political candidate, we do advocate on business issues. Part of this advocacy includes ensuring that community members have access to unbiased information so that individuals can be informed voters. Below is a collection of resources for this upcoming election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 

Quick links
Local elections
Statewide ballot measures
Local ballot measures (Basalt area)

General November 2023 election resources

VOTE411 – Launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) in October of 2006, VOTE411.org is a “one-stop-shop” for election related information. It provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information on different aspects of the election process. Enter you address for specific voting information.

Build a Better Colorado – A diverse, nonpartisan coalition of Coloradans with the shared belief that Colorado can do better than the divisive arguments that have come to dominate our political discourse. BBCO is the best resource for learning more about how state and local governments are funded, as well as the fiscal policies that drive this in Colorado. Topics include: State Budget 101, understanding TABOR, and understanding property tax.

State of Colorado – Secretary of State

Sample Ballots

Local Elections

This year there are several education-related elections.

Roaring Fork School District RE-1 | Board of Directors

Resources

District B

District C

District D

Colorado Mountain College | Board of Trustees

District 2 (Roaring Fork School District boundaries)

  • Marianne Virgilli (incumbent)
  • David Use

District 4 (Summit School District RE-1 boundaries)

  • Kerry Buhler

District 5 (Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 boundaries)

  • Bob Juusnen

District 6 (Lake County School District RE-1 boundaries)

  • Gloria Perez

Statewide Ballot Measures

Proposition HH | Property Tax Changes and Revenue Change Measure

Of the two statewide ballot measures, Proposition HH is, by far, the most complicated. While the actual ballot language is simple, the measure has many complex layers and changes, resulting in a wide range of potential impacts to individuals and businesses depending on their specific circumstances. We highly encourage all voters to do their research to learn more.

Via Ballotopedia

A “yes” vote supports making various changes to state property taxes and revenue limits, including:

    • reducing property tax rates;
    • allowing the state to retain and spend revenues that it would otherwise be required to refund to residents under the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR);
    • creating a new, increased cap on state revenue, allowing the state to retain and spend additional revenue each year up to the Proposition HH Cap;
    • allocating revenue to local governments to make up for decreased property tax revenues; and
    • creating a limit on local government property tax revenue.

A “no” vote opposes making the above changes to property taxes and state revenue limits.

Proposition II | Tobacco and Nicotine Product Tax Revenue Measure

Please see the 2023 ballot guide links noted at the top of the page for more information on Proposition II.

Via Ballotopedia

A “yes” vote supports this ballot measure to:

  • allow the state to keep revenue that exceeds official projections from increased taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products, which voters approved as Proposition EE in 2020; and
  • require the state to spend this revenue on preschool programs.

A “no” vote opposes allowing the state to keep revenue that exceeds official projections from increased taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products (approved by voters as Proposition EE in 2020), thereby requiring the state to refund $23.65 million to tobacco and nicotine product wholesalers and distributors and reducing the tobacco tax rate by 11.53%.

Local Ballot Measures (Basalt area)

Eagle County Ballot Issue 1A: Retain Excess 2023 Lodging Tax Revenue to Support Local Workforce

In November 2022, Eagle County voters approved a 2% lodging tax that applies to lodging in all areas of unincorporated Eagle County and the Town of Gypsum. Of the funds collected, 90% is to support the local workforce, through childcare and affordable housing initiatives, with the remaining 10% for advertising and marketing tourism, per state statute. The ballot measure projected collecting $3M, however the actual revenue is above that amount. Per TABOR, the county must go to the voters for approval to retain the excess tax revenue. 

Basalt And Rural Fire Protection District Ballot Issue No. 7A

The Basalt and Rural Fire Protection District is seeking a property tax increase in order to secure a bond to fund capital improvements to the district, including:

  • the expansion, renovation and modernization of Station 42 (El Jebel/JW Drive), including adding crew quarters to allow additional 24 hour staffing and response capabilities, and
  • adding training and maintenance facilities and employee housing

Resources