In Colorado and many other U.S. states, there is a fight to maintain the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, our right to bear arms, and our agricultural needs. This election season, many radical measures were defeated while a slim few passed the cut. Below, you’ll find a summary via the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.
In addition, I’ll add that Proposition KK, which imposes a new tax on firearm sales, passed 54.1% to 45.9%.
Colorado Voters Stand with Agriculture: Rejecting Radical Initiatives
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) wants to sincerely thank the voters of Denver and across Colorado for standing with our animal agriculture and livestock community and supporting science-based wildlife management practices.
STATE BALLOT MEASURES
Prop JJ: Tax Revenue from Sports Betting – PASSED (CCA Supported) 75.9% to 24.1%
Coloradans overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposition JJ, reaffirming their commitment to conserving and protecting Colorado’s water resources. This victory ensures that more sports betting tax revenue will be invested in critical water conservation projects, supporting the health of our communities, environment, and economy. The broad coalition that came together to support Proposition JJ, including farmers, ranchers, environmental advocates, and business leaders, exemplifies the shared recognition of water’s essential role in our lives. Thanks to the passage of Prop JJ, projects across Colorado—ranging from agricultural irrigation improvements to river restoration initiatives—will continue to benefit from this critical funding.
Prop 127: Prohibit Hunting of Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx- FAILED (CCA Opposed) 55.5% to 44.5%
Voters have rejected Proposition 127, a measure aimed at restricting wildlife management practices related to mountain lions, and bobcats. Colorado voters recognized the ballot is not the correct vehicle for wildlife management. The rejection of Proposition 127 allows CPW to continue managing Colorado’s predator populations based on decades of research, balancing the needs of these species with the safety and interests of Colorado’s residents. The “No on 127” campaign expressed gratitude to the voters, volunteers, and partner organizations who worked tirelessly to protect the integrity of Colorado’s wildlife management practices.
Prop 129: Establishing a Veterinary Professional Associate (CCA No Position)
As of 9:00 A.M. MST, Proposition 129 has passed with 52.4% yes to 47.6% no, narrowly passing with 72% of votes reported statewide.
The ballot measure that would create a new, state-regulated veterinary position in Colorado aimed at addressing the shortage of veterinary care, especially in rural areas, was too close to call. Proposition 129 would establish the position of veterinary professional associate, or VPA, and define its educational requirements. It needs a simple majority to pass. The count remained too close to call as of right now.
Prop 131: Ranked Choice Voting (CCA No Position) – Failed 55.2% to 44.8%
Colorado votes rejected Prop 131, which would have implemented open primaries and ranked-choice voting.
CITY OF DENVER BALLOT MEASURES
Denver voters gave a strong thumbs-down Tuesday night to ballot measures that would ban businesses from making or selling fur-based products and outlaw slaughterhouses within city limits.
Ordinance 308: Fur Ban (CCA Opposed)- Failed 58% to 42%
Ordinance 309: Slaughterhouse Ban (CCA Opposed)- Overwhelmingly Failed 64.6% to 35.4%
CCA is grateful to all our members and supporters who took the time to vote and encourage others to do the same. With your backing, we will continue to advance our mission, advocating for policies that protect the well-being of Colorado’s agriculture industry and ensure a balanced, science-based approach to wildlife management. We have achieved a significant victory for Colorado’s rural communities and our agricultural heritage. Thank you for standing with us and making your voices heard.
