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Colorado General Assembly Age, Referendum L (2008)

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The Colorado Referendum L, also known as the General Assembly Age Act appeared as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment on the November 2008 ballot in Colorado, where it was defeated.[1]

The measure would have amended the Colorado Constitution to lower the age requirement for serving in the Colorado general assembly from 25 to 21 years of age. In essence, Measure L was a housekeeping measure.[2]

Election results

Referendum L (2008)
ResultVotesPercentage
Defeatedd No1,162,29653.5%
Yes 1,010,896 46.5%

Election Results via: The Colorado Secretary of State

Specific Provisions

In the measure passed it would have amended section 4 of article V of Colorado's constitution, lowering the age qualification for the Colorado General Assembly (House of Representatives and State Senate) to 21 years old. The proposed change to the state constitution would not have reduced the size of the state legislature, or changed other established features of the General Assembly. The referendum would have reduced only the age requirement from 25 to 21. This change would not have affected state or local government revenue or expenditures and the referendum is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

Supporters

Sponsors of the measure included:

Supporters argued that people are legally considered adults at 21, and the age restriction is unnecessary. If voters don't want a 21-year-old serving in the legislature, they will not vote them into office. Some supporters also argued that the measure would encourage the next generation to participate in the political process.

Opponents

Opponents argued that a 21-year-old lacks the maturity and does not have enough life or work experience to lead effectively. The current age requirement also aligns with other state and federal requirements.

See also

 		Suggest a link

External links

References

  1. ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, 2008 Election Results
  2. ↑ Aspen Times: "Referendums L, M, N and O deserve your support," Oct 1, 2008
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