Yes on Amendment 85 because voters should understand what they’re voting on (Opinion), tell me about this news today

This opinion piece addresses Colorado’s Amendment 85, a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot aimed at simplifying ballot language.

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What Amendment 85 Proposes

• Eighth-Grade Reading Level: It would amend the Colorado Constitution to require that all state and local ballot titles (the summary questions voters see on their ballots) be written in plain language at no higher than an eighth-grade reading level.

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• Restricting Legislative Mandates: It prohibits state statutes from requiring specific phrases or wording in citizen-initiated ballot measures if those mandates conflict with or exceed the plain-language standard.

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The Core Arguments in the News & Commentary

• The Argument for “Yes” (The Opinion’s Stance):

  • Clarity for the Average Voter: Proponents argue that ballot titles are frequently cluttered with dense legal jargon, double negatives, and confusing phrasing that makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to know whether a “yes” or “no” vote reflects their intent.

  • Preventing Legislative Manipulation: Supporters contend that state lawmakers sometimes mandate biased or overly complex “warning” languageespecially regarding tax and fiscal impactsto discourage voters from passing citizen initiatives. Writing a plain-language standard directly into the constitution would prevent the legislature from complicating ballot text.

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• The Counter-Argument (“No”):

  • Loss of Critical Details: Opponents argue that lawsespecially those dealing with municipal finance, public bond obligations, or tax shiftsare inherently nuanced. Forcing an eighth-grade ceiling could strip away necessary context, such as how a measure affects funding for specific state programs or public services.

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  • Legal Ambiguity and Lawsuits: Critics also note that existing Colorado statutes already encourage accessible wording, and adding an enforceable constitutional standard without clear grading criteria could spark costly legal challenges and delays at the state Title Board.