November 10, 2026
Colorado voters showed up in 2026 to make decisions that will shape our communities for years to come. Over 2.7 million ballots had been counted statewide as of Nov. 9, nearly double the 2022 midterm turnout and 27% higher than the 2024 general election.
Rose Community Foundation engages in policy and advocacy work as a lever for systemic change – and given how many important issues Colorado voters were asked to decide – we believe civic engagement is essential, both to the health of our state and democracy itself.
That’s why we take positions on – and invest in – ballot measure campaigns connected to our priority impact areas and aligned with our values, drawing on the insights of community partners and advocates across our region.
We were heartened that voters supported greater investment in public education through Proposition NN and approved a mill levy override for Littleton Public Schools while expanding child care resources in Boulder County.
We were pleased that voters rejected Proposition 136, a measure that would have challenged Colorado’s long-term fiscal flexibility and declined problematic constitutional amendments that would have compromised public safety with expanded local immigration enforcement requirements (Amendment 81), imposed new voter-suppressing identification requirements (Amendment 84) and reduced the information on ballots that voters have to inform their decisions (Amendment 85).
Unfortunately, not every outcome aligned with our recommendations. We are disappointed that voters appear to have not fully understood the implications of Propositions 134 and 135 on children and families in Colorado, and we stand with all who are hurting and scared right now. It remains to be seen if the legislature or the courts will have an opportunity to reduce harm in how these measures are implemented. We know our longstanding nonprofit partners in this space will continue to advocate for inclusion, access and safety to protect transgender kids in our state.
Elections may be the end of one leg of a journey, but they are really the start of new work just beginning. Rose Community Foundation will continue working alongside communities, nonprofits, civic leaders and donors to advance policies that create opportunities for all Coloradans to thrive.