Colorado Will Feature 14 Ballot Measures in 2026 Election
The state's midterm election on November 3, 2026, ties a record for the number of statewide ballot measures.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Elections
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Colorado voters will decide on 14 statewide ballot measures during the upcoming midterm election on November 3, 2026. This number of initiatives ties the state record previously set in 2006, 2008, and 2024.
Why it matters
The high volume of measures offers voters a significant role in shaping state policy through direct democracy. Voters are determining the future of state initiatives, with 13 of the 14 measures placed on the ballot via citizen petition.
The 14 measures on the ballot tie the record for the highest number of statewide initiatives in state history. While citizen petitions accounted for 13 of these measures, the Colorado legislature referred the remaining item, Proposition NN.
The players
Colorado Legislature
The state legislative body responsible for referring Proposition NN to the midterm ballot.
The details
Ballots were mailed to registered voters beginning October 2, 2026, though residents may still register to vote at in-person centers until polls close at 7 p.m. on Election Day. Those who missed the October 26 mail-in deadline can still participate by visiting in-person voting centers or using designated drop boxes.
Timeline
Ballots were mailed to registered voters starting October 2, 2026.
October 26, 2026, served as the final day for mail-in ballot registration.
Election Day for the midterm elections is November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The record-tying count of 14 ballot measures mirrors the surge in direct democracy participation seen during the 2024 Colorado general election. Opponents of such high-volume ballot cycles often argue that long, complex ballots can lead to voter fatigue and complicate the public's ability to thoroughly evaluate each proposal.
Residents must ensure their registration is current to receive a ballot or plan to visit an in-person voting center before polls close at 7 p.m. on November 3. Voters should review all 14 measures carefully, as these citizen-led initiatives directly alter state statutes and policy.
The takeaway
Voters should prioritize reviewing the full list of ballot measures early due to the record-setting length of this year's ballot. Preparing a marked sample ballot before heading to a drop box or voting center can help streamline the process on Election Day.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming vote, visit the Colorado Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post Independent.
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