Council debate centers on whether to ask voters to reconsider November’s ballot question 300

Councilmember Andrew Donaldson proposed that the City Council place a referendum on the April municipal ballot asking voters whether to repeal the citizen‑initiated ordinance that passed as ballot question 300 in the November election. Donaldson said he had received emails from constituents who said the November language was confusing; he argued that a clearer yes/no question on the April ballot would confirm voters’ intent before licenses are issued. "There was ballot question 300 was found to be confusing by voters," Donaldson said, citing constituent contacts.

Several councilmembers disagreed about whether the council should put the question forward. Councilmember Hingeam urged that the language should explicitly note the ordinance was a "citizen‑initiated" measure and that the text should make clear the policy applied to existing medical marijuana licensees; Councilmember Avila supported adding the phrase "citizen initiated." Councilmember Tallarico said adding additional words risked more confusion.

Ben Bollinger, the city attorney, advised the council on ballot language and procedure, noting his office’s role is to ensure language permits a simple yes/no response. Bollinger said that including the word "initiated" can help clarify the question for voters. He also explained procedural deadlines: language that will appear on the April ballot must be finalized at the council’s public meeting the day before the ballot is certified so the council is expected to act promptly.

Councilmembers agreed to consider alternate versions and to circulate paper copies of the proposed ballot language to the council before tomorrow’s meeting; a handful of members gave informal head nods but no formal motion was recorded at the work session. Council members also discussed logistics for tomorrow’s hearing, including whether to withdraw or table the item if the council feels the language needs more work; city staff advised that council may postpone or remove the item from tomorrow’s agenda if it wishes.

Why it matters: Ballot question 300 was a citizen‑initiated ordinance that legalized recreational marijuana sales in Colorado Springs for the first time; whether to re‑present a repeal question turns on how the council interprets November voters’ intent and how to craft simple, non‑confusing ballot language.

Council next steps: Councilmembers said alternate language would be circulated and that the council will consider motions during the next regular meeting to either refer a repeal question to the April 1 ballot or withdraw/postpone the item pending clearer language and more review.