AURORA | The Aurora branch of the American Association of University Women Aurora has scheduled a public forum Oct. 19 to discuss key 2024 state and local ballot issues.

The event is slated for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway and is intended to provide voters with critical information about five controversial Nov. 5 election ballot questions set to shape Colorado’s political and social landscape.

The forum will highlight five major ballot issues:

• Amendment 79, Right to Abortion: This amendment codifies broad reproductive rights into the state Constitution.

• Amendment 80, Right to School Choice: This proposal would codify school choice in the state Constitution, ensuring rights for homeschooling and charter schools. Critics say the measure could allow parents to direct public education funding to private and alternative schooling options, creating school vouchers without explicit approval. Proponents said it ensures school options already offered to state residents.

• Proposition KK, Excise Tax on Firearms and Ammunition: This measure aims to impose additional excise taxes on the sale of firearms and ammunition, with the funds directed toward public safety initiatives and violence prevention programs.

• Proposition 131, Ranked Choice Voting: This initiative would introduce ranked choice voting for certain state and local elections, changing the way ballots are cast and tallied, and potentially eliminating runoff elections.

• Arapahoe County Proposition 1A, Retaining Excess Tax Collections. This local proposition seeks voter approval to allow Arapahoe County to retain and spend tax revenues that exceed state-imposed limits, which would otherwise be refunded to taxpayers. The measure has been referred to as “De-Brucing,” as it allows the county to avoid some so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights restrictions. The “TABOR” bill was created by Colorado tax protester Douglas Bruce during in 1991.

The AAUW has long touted a mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls and is known for educational initiatives and advocacy efforts.