(II) A fair and impartial analysis of each measure, which shall include a summary and the major arguments both for and against the measure, and which may include any other information that would assist understanding the purpose and effect of the measure. Any person may file written comments for consideration by the research staff during the preparation of such analysis.
(b) At least thirty days before the election, the research staff shall cause the ballot information booklet to be distributed to active registered voters statewide.
(c) If any measure to be voted on by the voters of the entire state includes matters arising under section 20 of article X of this constitution, the ballot information booklet shall include the information and the titled notice required by section 20 (3)(b) of article X, and the mailing of such information pursuant to section 20 (3)(b) of article X is not required.
(d) The general assembly shall provide sufficient appropriations for the preparation and distribution of the ballot information booklet pursuant to this subsection (7.5) at no charge to recipients.
(8) The style of all laws adopted by the people through the initiative shall be, "Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Colorado".
(9) The initiative and referendum powers reserved to the people by this section are hereby further reserved to the registered electors of every city, town, and municipality as to all local, special, and municipal legislation of every character in or for their respective municipalities. The manner of exercising said powers shall be prescribed by general laws; except that cities, towns, and municipalities may provide for the manner of exercising the initiative and referendum powers as to their municipal legislation. Not more than ten percent of the registered electors may be required to order the referendum, nor more than fifteen percent to propose any measure by the initiative in any city, town, or municipality.
(10) This section of the constitution shall be in all respects self-executing; except that the form of the initiative or referendum petition may be prescribed pursuant to law.
Source: Entire article added, effective August 1, 1876, see L. 1877, p. 37. L. 10, Ex. Sess.: Entire section amended, p. 11. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 1672, effective upon proclamation of the Governor, L. 81, p. 2051, December 19, 1980. L. 93: (5.5) added, p. 2152, effective upon proclamation of the Governor, L. 95, p. 1428, January 19, 1995. L. 94: (7) amended and (7.3) and (7.5) added, p. 2850, effective upon proclamation of the Governor, L. 95, p. 1431, January 19, 1995. Initiated 2016: (2.5) added and (4) amended, Amendment 71, effective upon proclamation of the Governor, L. 2017, p. 2800, December 28, 2016.
Editor's note: The "legislative research and drafting offices" referred to in this section are the Legislative Council and Office of Legislative Legal Services, respectively.
Cross references: For statutory provisions regarding initiatives and referenda, see article 40 of title 1; for distribution of governmental powers, see article III of this constitution; for proposing constitutional amendments by convention or vote of the general assembly, see article XIX of this constitution; for the procedure and requirements for adoption of home rule charters, see § 9 of article XX of this constitution; for apportionment of members of the general assembly, see parts 1 and 2 of article 2 of title 2; for organization and operation of the general assembly, see part 3 of article 2 of title 2.
