Colorado Mails 2026 Blue Book to Voters
The state's voter guide explains statewide ballot measures and their potential financial impacts ahead of the November election.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Government
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Colorado Legislative Council Staff produced and distributed its 2026 Blue Book, a voter information guide explaining statewide ballot measures. The state printed approximately 2.245 million copies, with about 2.1 million mailed to voters.
Why it matters
The Blue Book gives Colorado voters independent explanations of ballot measures and their potential financial effects before they cast ballots. Its distribution is required by a 1994 constitutional amendment approved by voters.
The state spent just over $4 million on the 2026 edition, the largest Colorado has produced. The bilingual English-Spanish version runs 256 pages, while the English-only version runs 128 pages.
The players
Colorado Legislative Council Staff
The nonpartisan research arm of the Colorado General Assembly that produces the Blue Book and other legislative analysis for lawmakers and the public.
The details
Legislative Council Staff begins research in May, interviewing supporters and opponents of each measure, and publishes the final guide in September. The Blue Book is mailed once per household rather than to each registered voter, and costs include printing, postage, translation, and newspaper publication.
Timeline
1954: Colorado begins producing ballot information pamphlets.
1994: Voters approve amendment requiring the state to mail voter publications.
May: Annual Blue Book research process begins.
September: Final Blue Book guide is published.
November 2026: Election for which the guide was produced.
Political Context
The mailing requirement stems from a 1994 constitutional amendment that voters approved, which directed the state to send these guides to registered voters. The 2026 edition, at roughly 2.1 million mailed copies, is the largest the state has produced since the practice began in 1954.
Colorado voters who receive the Blue Book can use its explanations of each measure's financial impact before marking their ballots. The guide is mailed once per household, so voters sharing an address may need to review a single copy together.
The takeaway
Reading the Blue Book before the election helps voters understand the financial consequences of each statewide measure. The guide is available in both English and Spanish editions.
Further reading
For more on how state agencies handle ballot information, explore Government coverage.
More information
Read the full 2026 Colorado Blue Book online on the Colorado Legislative Council website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAA.
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