TL/DR –
A group of wealthy individuals, led by former CEO of DaVita, Kent Thiry, have spent over $9 million to push for Colorado’s Proposition 131, which seeks to implement voting system reforms such as ranked choice voting and a top-four, all-candidate jungle primary. Critics worry these changes could allow for greater influence of big money, particularly dark money, in politics. There’s concern that Proposition 131 doesn’t address the potential for exploitation of these changes by big money, a fear shared by Sen. Michael Bennet who opposes the proposition.
An affluent group spends heavily on Colorado’s voting reform – Proposition 131
A group of wealthy individuals, led by former DaVita CEO, Kent Thiry, has spent over $9 million on a proposed voting reform in Colorado — Proposition 131. This could potentially increase the influence of big money and dark money in politics.
Prop 131 seeks to change the Colorado election system
Proposition 131 aims to revolutionize how elections operate in Colorado, instigating a ranked choice voting system and a top-four, all-candidate jungle primary. While portions of Prop 131 are attractive, critics, including Senator Michael Bennet, argue it could worsen the influence of big money in politics.
Prop 131 remains largely untested
Despite its potential benefits, Prop 131 remains mostly unproven, with the risk that large sums of money could exploit the changes it brings. Though Thiry insists Prop 131 would increase competition in uncompetitive races, its effectiveness has not been clinically proven.
Fears over increase in dark money
Since the Citizens United ruling that equated money with speech, the influence of big money has escalated. Bennet fears that Prop 131’s unproven system could increase the sway of dark money even further, leading to irreversible changes in Colorado’s election system.
Public understanding of Prop 131 remains low
Public understanding of how Prop 131 would operate is generally limited, leading to scant public debate. Despite backing from notable figures such as Governor Jared Polis, the Democrat and Republican parties, and progressive politicians, generally oppose it.
Potential for untested change fuels debate
While people are understandably desiring of change in politics, the largely untested Prop 131 raises concerns. The question remains as to whether Coloradans want a change funded by millionaires. The answer will be revealed on Election Day.
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