Commissioners recommend opposing Amendment 81; no county position on Amendment 86

San Miguel County commissioners discussed state ballot measures on Sept. 16 and agreed to an opposed posture on Amendment 81 and to take no position on Amendment 86.

Commissioner Anne Brown summarized Sheriff Kovalt's memo opposing Amendment 81, which the sheriff said attempts to re-locate statutory immigration-policy decisions into the state constitution and would be vague about what constitutes a "reasonable effort" by law enforcement. Brown said she agreed with the sheriff and recommended the county take an opposed position: "I would recommend that we take an opposed position on this consistent with Sheriff Kovalt's recommendation." The board did not debate a formal, long-term policy statement but signaled support for the recommendation.

On Amendment 86, which would require an independent redistricting commission and approval by the state Supreme Court for mid-decade congressional redistricting, commissioners weighed conflicting views. Brown said some local clerks had expressed support as an additional safeguard against political gerrymandering, while others said Colorado already has sufficient protections. The board ultimately decided not to take a formal position on Amendment 86 pending further consideration.