In this episode of the DU 80208 Podcast, Clarion Opinion Editor Jake Gloth and Contributing Writer Chris Fazzari join host Teddy Green to talk about their Clarion article “Denver and Colorado ballot questions explained.” Gloth and Fazzari help to clarify some of the complicated language and give brief overviews of the questions. They also discussed some of the more controversial questions, like Proposition EE and Proposition 115, and how students think about them.
Proposition EE would increase taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products while adding a new tax to nicotine vapes, which are not currently taxed. The funds from this proposition would be dedicated towards education, in particular a universal preschool program. Vaping is a common habit among college students, so many students would be affected by this tax. An important part of this provision noted in this episode is that the Proposition would also require a minimum price of $7 for a pack of cigarettes.
Proposition 115 would ban abortions after 22 weeks, except in the case of an immediate threat to the woman’s life. This question has seemed to incite strong reactions in DU students. Two social media campaigns have emerged on Instagram. The Instagram page that shows support for the proposition can be found @yes115du, and the Instagram page that opposes the proposition can be found @no115unidenver.
Other questions on the Colorado ballot they discussed were Amendment 76, Amendment B, Proposition 113, Proposition 114, and Proposition 118. Gloth and Fazzari also discussed questions that will be specifically on the Denver ballot. Questions 2A, 2B, 2H, 2J, 4A, and 4B are specifically noted in this podcast. Listen to this week’s episode for more information on these possible provisions and where you can vote! Ballot questions not mentioned in this episode can be found in Gloth and Fazzari’s Clarion story “Denver and Colorado ballot questions explained” at https://duclarion.com/2020/10/the-colorado-ballot-questions-explained/.
Questions mentioned: Amendment 76, Proposition EE, Amendment B, Proposition 113, Proposition 114, Proposition 115, Proposition 118, Question 2A and 2B, Question 2H, Question 2J, Question 4A and 4B
