Food Labels, Gambling Among State Ballot Measures
DENVER (AP) - Colorado ballots frequently are stacked with ballot measures that can change government as dramatically as any elected official. This midterm election is no exception.
PERSONHOOD
Colorado has twice rejected ballot measures to extend rights to unborn children, known as "personhood" proposals. This year, Amendment 67 asks whether "unborn human beings" should be added to Colorado criminal code. Supporters say the measure doesn't outlaw abortion, just adds protections for pregnant women hurt in a crime. But because the measure does not define "unborn human beings," opponents worry it could be construed to chip away at abortion rights.
GMO LABELS
Voters will decide whether to require labels on many foods that have been genetically modified, known as GMOs. Proposition 105 would require that modified foods sold in grocery stores carry labels that say "Produced With Genetic Engineering." The measure has seen heavy opposition spending, mostly from food corporations and biotech companies.
GAMBLING
Voters are being asked whether to allow casino gambling at a horse racetrack in suburban Denver. Millions of dollars were spent on Amendment 68, which carries the promise that taxes raised will funnel $114 million a year to public schools. For now, the expansion applies only to Arapahoe Park in Aurora. It could also apply to future tracks in Pueblo and Mesa counties.
TEACHER UNIONS
Proposition 104 would require that school board negotiations with unions be open to the public. The measure requires school boards to allow the public to view negotiations on collective bargaining agreements, or union contracts. It would not apply to other governmental entities that negotiate with unions.
LOCAL MEASURES
Sixty Colorado municipalities have local ballot questions. Marijuana sales are on ballots in 17 cities, and pot taxes are on ballots in 18 cities. Eleven cities are considering higher sales taxes, and six cities are being asked about term limits. Aurora is considering whether to repeal its pit bull ban.
- By Kristen Wyatt, AP Writer
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