Colorado Council of Churches Voter GuiDE

Colorado voters are receiving their November election ballots this week! The Colorado Council of Churches (CCC), of which the Presbytery of Denver is a member, has provided a ballot guide which can be helpful when there are so many items on which to vote (click here for the CCC recommendations). Among the 14 statewide ballot measures, several measures are particularly salient to members of our presbytery which identifies itself as a “Matthew 25” presbytery.  In this role, as individuals and as a body,  we seek to build congregational vitality and contribute to the work of dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty.  

During 2026 our presbytery assemblies have focused on the goal of eradicating systemic poverty and in this 2026 election we have two opportunities to vote our values with regard to state income tax rates. If Amendment 87 is approved, it would change state income tax rates from a single flat rate to a graduated structure.  Individuals/families with much financial wealth and thus a good deal of disposable income would pay a higher tax rate than lower income people.  This change would provide a more equitable tax code by lowering tax burden on dollars that provide necessities of life and ask for a higher contribution only from what is functionally discretionary funds.  (click here to learn more detail).  Please consider the CCC recommendation to vote “yes” on Amendment 87.

Our ballots also ask us to vote on Proposition 136 which would prevent a graduated tax.  It would cap individual and corporate income tax and retain a flat tax structure in Colorado state statute.  The CCC recommendation is to vote “No” on Proposition 136 so that Colorado’s tax code can be adjusted in line with economic justice principles. Please consider if voting “No” on Proposition 136 might be an impactful way for each of us act in accordance with our “Matthew 25” perspective.  

Jean Demmler serves as Denver Presbytery’s representative to the Colorado Council of Churches Board. Please contact Jean with any questions.