What is required for a ballot initiative to be placed on the ballot in Colorado?

In Colorado, for a ballot initiative to be placed on the ballot, a certain number of voter signatures is indeed required. This process is part of the state’s system of direct democracy that allows citizens to propose legislation and constitutional amendments through initiatives.

To qualify for the ballot, proponents must gather a specified number of valid signatures from registered voters within a defined time frame. The required number of signatures typically corresponds to a percentage of the total votes cast in a recent election, ensuring that the initiative reflects a significant level of public support. This requirement ensures that initiatives are backed by a substantial segment of the electorate before they are considered for voting.

The other options, such as needing a sponsor from the state legislature, a majority vote in the previous election, or approval from the governor, do not apply to the ballot initiative process in Colorado. Initiatives are a means for the public to directly influence legislation, independent of legislative sponsorship or executive approval.