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Initiative #85: Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes

November 3, 2026 · Colorado · Statewide

Vote impact: High
How do we calculate vote impact?

Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).

Representation: Average · 45 out of 100

This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 5,862,189 people live here.

score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(39,287,377 ÷ 5,862,189) ÷ ln(39,287,377 ÷ 582,397) = 45.17, comparing all statewide districts nationwide (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)

Ballot measure: +1 step

Your vote sets the policy directly, so the rating gets a one-step boost.

Average representation + a ballot-measure boost → High vote impact.

Ballot Measure

Public Safety and Crime Control (for)

Creates stricter Colorado criminal penalties for fentanyl and certain synthetic-opioid offenses, including higher felony classifications for distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession; mandated treatment for some possession offenses; and narrower sentencing exceptions for fentanyl-related offenses involving death.

A YES vote means

A yes vote adopts the measure, increasing penalties and treatment requirements for specified fentanyl and synthetic-opioid crimes and limiting some sentencing exceptions.

A NO vote means

A no vote rejects the measure, leaving current Colorado criminal penalties, treatment requirements, and sentencing exceptions for these offenses unchanged.

More about this measure

Source: sos.state.co.us

Source: sos.state.co.us

Election sources

Source: sos.state.co.us

Source: sos.state.co.us

Source: en.wikipedia.org