Colorado Referendum L (2008)
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Referendum L passed the state legislature as House Concurrent Resolution 07-1002. The measure would have amended the Colorado Constition to lower the age requirement for serving in the Colorado general assembly from 25 to 21 years of age.
This measure is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment.
Election results
| Colorado Referendum L: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | Percentage | |||
| Yes | 959,071 | 46% | ||
NO 
| 1,110,134 | 54% | ||
| Total votes | 2,069,205 | 100% | ||
Results according to the Denver Post[1]
Specific Provisions
In the measure passed it would have amended section 4 of article V of Colorado's constitution, lowering the age qualification for the Colorado General Assembly (House of Representatives and State Senate) to 21 years old. The proposed change to the state constitution would not have reduced the size of the state legislature, or changed other established features of the General Assembly. The referendum would have reduced only the age requirement from 25 to 21. This change would not have affected state or local government revenue or expenditures and the referendum is assessed as having no fiscal impact.[2]
Supporters
Sponsors of the measure included:
- State Representative Michael Garcia, D-Aurora
- State Representative Mike May, R-Parker
- State Representative Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction
- State Representative Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora
- State Representative Terrance Carroll, D-Denver
- State Representative Mike Cerbo, D-Denver
- State Representative Kathleen Curry, D-Gunnison
- State Representative K. Jerry Frangas, D-Denver
- State Representative Cory Gardner, R-Yuma
- State Representative Dan Gibbs, D-Silverthorne
- State Representative John Kefalas, D-Fort Collins
- State Representative Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood
- State Representative Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs
- State Representative Claire Levy, D-Boulder
- State Representative Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud
- State Representative Alice Madden, D-Boulder
- State Representative Don Marostica, R-Loveland
- State Representative Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch
- State Representative Michael Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs
- State Representative Cherylin Peniston, D-Westminster
- State Representative Joe Rice, D-Littleton
- State Representative Amy Stephens, R-Monument
- State Representative Glenn Vaad, R-Mead
- State Representative Paul Weissmann, D-Louisville
- State Representative Rob Witwer, R-Genesee
- State Representative Edward Casso, D-Adams County
- State Representative Rafael Gallegos, D-Antonito
- State Representative Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge
- State Representative Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver
- State Representative Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling
- State Representative Debbie Stafford, D-Aurora
- State Representative Nancy Todd, D-Aurora
- State Senator Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins
- State Senator Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins
- State Senator Greg Brophy, R-Wray
- State Senator Ken Gordon, D-Denver
- State Senator Peter Groff, D-Denver
- State Senator Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora
- State Senator Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus
- State Senator Ken Kester, R-Las Animas
- State Senator Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield
- State Senator John Morse, D-Colorado Springs
- State Senator Josh Penry, R-Fruita
- State Senator Chris Romer, D-Denver
- State Senator Stephanie Takis, D-Aurora
- State Senator Ron Tupa, D-Boulder
- State Senator Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver
Supporters argued that people are legally considered adults at 21, and the age restriction is unnecessary. If voters don't want a 21-year-old serving in the legislature, they will not vote them into office. Some supporters also argued that the measure would encourage the next generation to participate in the political process.[3]
Opponents
Opponents argued that a 21-year-old lacks the maturity and does not have enough life or work experience to lead effectively. The current age requirement also aligns with other state and federal requirements.[3]
Status
This measure was placed on the November 2008 ballot by the Colorado legislature.
See also
- Procedures for qualifying an initiative in Colorado
- Laws governing the initiative process in Colorado
- Campaign finance requirements for Colorado ballot measures
- Colorado 2008 ballot measures
External links
- Full text of the initiative
- 2008 State Ballot Information Booklet, English version (Blue Book)
- 2008 State Ballot Information Booklet, Spanish version (Blue Book)
References
- ↑ The Denver Post: "Election '08"
- ↑ Rocky Mountain News: "Referendum L: Age Qualification for Serving in General Assembly," 2008
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 DailyCamera.com: "Ballot Issues: Referendum L"
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