Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Colorado State Ballot Information Booklet
As election season nears, it’s important to be well-versed in the issues and candidates that will appear on the ballot. One resource you may want to consider is the Colorado State Ballot Information Booklet, also known as the “Blue Book.” In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the purpose of the Blue Book, how to use it, and what you can expect to find inside.
What is the Colorado State Ballot Information Booklet?
The Blue Book is a voter information guide that is created for each election cycle in Colorado. It is a non-partisan resource that provides voters with information on statewide ballot measures and local ballot measures (when applicable), as well as information on statewide candidates and judges up for retention.
How to Use the Blue Book
The Blue Book is available online on the Secretary of State’s website and is also mailed out to households before the election. When using the Blue Book, it’s important to approach it with a critical eye.
First, read the table of contents to get an overview of the topics covered. Then, read the introduction to each section to understand the purpose of the information provided. When reading about statewide ballot measures, be sure to read the arguments for and against the measure, as well as the financial impact statement.
For candidates and judges, read their statements, but also look into their backgrounds and any endorsements they may have received.
What to Expect Inside the Blue Book
The Blue Book is organized into several sections, including statewide ballot measures, statewide candidates, judges up for retention, and local ballot measures (when applicable).
For statewide ballot measures, you can expect to find a summary of the measure, the text of the proposed law or amendment, the arguments for and against the measure, the financial impact statement and any fiscal notes.
For statewide candidates, you can expect to find their statement, party affiliation, and contact information. For judges up for retention, you can find their background information, performance evaluations, and retention recommendation.
Local ballot measures will vary depending on the jurisdiction. However, you can typically expect to find a summary of the measure, the text of the proposed law or amendment, and the arguments for and against the measure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Colorado State Ballot Information Booklet is an invaluable resource for voters looking to make informed decisions at the polls. By using the Blue Book, you can gain a deeper understanding of the issues and candidates on the ballot, and make educated decisions that align with your values and beliefs. Remember to approach the Blue Book with a critical eye, and do your own research as well to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
