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Referendum L would allow 21-year-olds to serve in state Legislature
Herald Denver Bureau
Referendum L would make it a special day for young political wonks as well.
The question on the Nov. 4 ballot would let 21-year-olds serve in the state Legislature.
Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, was one of the 75 lawmakers who voted to put Referendum L on the ballot in 2007.
Penry, 32, began his first term in the House shortly before his 29th birthday, and he's still one of the youngest members of the Legislature.
"I think a 21-year-old would have a steep climb to win an election, but they should not be denied the opportunity," Penry said in an e-mail interview. "The way I look at it, if you are old enough to serve in foreign conflicts, you should absolutely have the right to make your case to serve in the Legislature."
Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, hasn't decided how she'll vote on Referendum L, but she voted against the plan in the Legislature.
Although Roberts championed a Youth Advisory Council for the Legislature last year, she worries that people younger than 25 lack the life experience to handle the demands of being a full-time lawmaker.
"I don't want anyone doing this on a lark, and I don't want anyone to think it's a matter of just showing up. It's not," Roberts said.
The Legislature also placed three other items on the ballot. Referendums M and N would repeal obsolete parts of the constitution. Referendum O deals with petitions to get future measures on the ballot. (Referendum O will be covered in a separate story later.)
Referendum L
What it does: Currently, state residents must be at least 25 years old to serve in the state Legislature. Referendum L would lower the minimum age to 21.
Who's for it: There are no formal campaigns either for or against Referendum L.
Referendum M
What it does: Referendum M repeals an old part of the constitution that defers taxes on the value of shrubs and trees that landowners plant. Its repeal would not change taxes because shrubs and trees are no longer taken into account when property taxes are calculated. Colorado's founders created the tax delay because they wanted to encourage people to plant trees, said the Legislature's research staff.
Who's for it: There are no campaigns either for or against Referendum M.
Referendum N
What it does: It repeals two old parts of the constitution that deal with alcohol: a prohibition on making or selling "impure alcohol," and a ban on saloons, or drinking-only establishments that do not serve food. The federal government has regulated alcohol quality for about 100 years. If Referendum N passes, the Legislature could pass a law to permit saloons.
Who's for it: There are no campaigns either for or against Referendum N.
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