VOTE 2026: A brief guide to pro and con for the bevy of statewide ballot questions

Colorado has 14 statewide ballot questions in 2026, and one of the biggest asks would significantly increase penalties tied to fentanyl. Proposition 132 would make it a felony to possess any amount of fentanyl, and give people convicted with intent to distribute a level 1 drug felony carrying a mandatory 8-to-32-year prison sentence. Possessing 1 gram or less would become a level 4 felony, with a possible conviction vacatur after completing a treatment program. The measure would also remove a legal pathway that can downgrade charges when a defendant shows they didn’t know the substance contained fentanyl. Legislative estimates cite about $9 million in implementation costs and roughly $68 million in total spending increases.