Colorado Voters Will Decide Amendment 86 in November

The proposed measure mandates new procedures for any congressional redistricting attempts in Colorado.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Elections

Colorado Voters Will Decide Amendment 86 in November

Live Poll

Should states be restricted from redrawing congressional district boundaries mid-decade?

Colorado voters will decide on Amendment 86 during the November 2026 election. The initiative requires a 55% majority to pass and enact changes to state redistricting procedures.

Why it matters

Amendment 86 aims to block Democratic efforts to remove constitutional limits on mid-decade redistricting. Supporters argue the measure ensures transparency and public participation in any potential off-cycle map adjustments.

The measure mandates three public meetings before map modifications can be adopted. Funding for related committees has reached $150,000 from a PAC linked to Hakeem Jeffries and $250,000 from the American Revival PAC.

The players

Hakeem Jeffries

He is a prominent national political leader whose associated PAC contributed funds to a committee involved in the redistricting debate.

Advance Colorado

This is a conservative advocacy group acting as the primary supporter of Amendment 86.

Colorado Supreme Court

This state judicial body previously affirmed the once-a-decade limit on redistricting in 2003.

The details

The amendment requires independent redistricting commission and Supreme Court approval for any mid-decade changes, while prohibiting maps that favor one party or divide communities. It serves as a response to previous attempts to alter the constitutional limit on redistricting that was affirmed by the state Supreme Court in 2003.

The Colorado Supreme Court affirmed the once-a-decade redistricting limit in 2003.
Colorado voters approved Amendments Y and Z in 2018.
A super PAC linked to Hakeem Jeffries donated $150,000 in February 2026.
The American Revival PAC provided $250,000 in August 2026.
Voters will decide on Amendment 86 in November 2026.

Political Context

Opponents argue that Amendment 86 would lock Colorado maps in place while other states pursue remapping efforts, creating a competitive disadvantage. Critics also highlight that previous attempts to address this topic were struck down by the courts for violating single-subject requirements.

If passed, Amendment 86 will change the legal requirements for how congressional districts are drawn in the state. Voters will need to consider whether they prefer the current once-a-decade limit or the proposed mid-decade adjustment process at the polls in November.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific requirements for public input and commission approval mandated by this amendment. The measure represents a significant shift in the state's approach to the constitutional rules governing electoral boundaries.