Women’s Foundation of Colorado Releases Ballot Guide
The nonpartisan organization evaluates state ballot measures through a gender-equity lens for the 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Women’s Issues
Live Poll
Should advocacy organizations provide formal voting recommendations on state ballot measures?
The Women's Foundation of Colorado has released its Womanifesto ballot guide to provide voters with recommendations on 10 of the state's 14 ballot measures. The guide assesses these proposals using survey data from Colorado women to address barriers like caregiving responsibilities and the cost of living.
Why it matters
The guide aims to highlight how state legislative decisions impact the economic stability of Colorado women. By analyzing measures through a gender lens, the organization seeks to address systemic career hurdles, including the fact that 69% of women report that unpaid caregiving hinders their professional growth.
The foundation took positions on 10 out of the 14 total state ballot measures. Its recommendations include support for Amendment 87 and Proposition NN, while opposing Propositions 132, 134, and 135.
The players
The Women's Foundation of Colorado
This is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing economic security and gender equity for women and girls throughout Colorado.
The details
The foundation advises a 'yes' vote on Amendment 87 to support graduated income tax and Proposition NN to redirect TABOR refunds to education. Conversely, the guide suggests 'no' votes on Proposition 132 regarding fentanyl penalties, as well as Propositions 134 and 135, which concern the separation of school sports by sex and restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: The foundation released the Womanifesto ballot guide.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the state ballot measures.
Culture Shift
This guide highlights the increasing trend of advocacy groups utilizing voter education to influence the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) application in state fiscal policy. It signals a move toward addressing systemic economic issues through targeted legislative analysis rather than generic candidate endorsements.
Readers can use the guide to inform their decisions on how to vote regarding education funding, tax structures, and social policies. The recommendations provide a specific framework for residents to consider the economic and personal implications of the ballot measures on their daily routines.
The takeaway
Understanding the gender-specific impacts of state legislation can help voters align their ballots with their personal economic and social priorities. Residents are encouraged to review the full text of all measures to understand how they may alter K-12 funding and public healthcare services.
What happens next
Voters will cast their ballots on all 14 state measures on Election Day, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local legislative landscape in the Women’s Issues section.
More information
View the full womanifesto guide on the foundation website to review detailed measure analysis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aspen Public Radio.
Live Poll
Should advocacy organizations provide formal voting recommendations on state ballot measures?
