Politics of Colorado

Colorado operates under a constitution adopted in 1876 and features both a traditional three-branch system of government and extensive direct democracy mechanisms, including citizen initiatives and referendums.

Colorado's political landscape has evolved significantly, transitioning from a swing state to a blue state in the early 21st century, though maintaining distinctive features like high voter participation and strong independent voting blocs. The state government consists of an executive branch led by the Governor of Colorado, a bicameral Colorado General Assembly, and a judiciary headed by the Colorado Supreme Court.

Colorado was a pioneer in women's suffrage, becoming the second state to grant women voting rights in 1893 and the first to do so by popular referendum.

Notable aspects of Colorado politics include its robust ballot initiative system, which has produced significant reforms like the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and demographic shifts particularly in the Denver metropolitan area that have reshaped electoral patterns. The state has also pioneered various electoral innovations, including universal mail-in voting and being among the first states to legalize marijuana through popular vote.