By Rachel Vigil

Those of us with ballots this year may be a bit confused about what and who you can or will vote for. Here’s a brief summary of the issues on the ballot for Colorado and Wheat Ridge this year.

Amendment 67

Under this amendment, the phrase “unborn human being” would be added to the definitions of “person” and “child” in the Colorado Criminal Code and the Colorado Wrongful Death Statutes.

Amendment 68

If this amendment is passed, an education fund will be formed using taxes from the expansion of limited gaming horse tracks in Pueblo and Arapahoe county.

Proposition 104

All School Board meetings that involve collective bargaining negotiations or employment contract negotiations must be open to the public under this proposition.

Proposition 105

This proposition would require foods with Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) to be clearly labeled on the package if it is passed.

 Other Races

The senate and house elections are also on the ballot this year. In the senate, Mark Udall is running for re-election as a Democrat. His largest opponent is the Republican candidate Cory Gardner. The U.S. House of Representatives District 2 (Wheat Ridge’s district) is on the ballot as well. The race is primarily between Democratic candidate Jared Polis and Republican candidate George Leing.

Last, but not least, the governor’s race is also coming up. Our current governor, John Hickenlooper, is running for re-election this year. If  he wins, he will begin his second and final term as governor. The Republican candidate, Bob Beauprez, is his primary opponent.

This year is full of important elections so please vote even though it is an off year. Your ballot should have come in the mail with a blue guide to all the issues on the ballot. If you want more information on the races and amendments, this handbook is a great place to look.