1-minute voter guide: What to know about Amendment 85 on the Colorado ballot

How it works: A "yes" vote would amend the Colorado Constitution to:

• Require state and local ballot titles to use plain language at no higher than an eighth-grade reading level.

• Prohibit laws requiring specific wording in citizen-initiated ballot titles if that wording interferes with the readability requirement.

Context: Colorado already requires ballot titles to use plain language, but there's no specific reading-level requirement.

The intrigue: The proposal doesn't specify who would determine whether ballot questions meet the eighth-grade standard or how that would be measured.

Between the lines: Supporters say the amendment would help voters understand complicated ballot measures. Opponents argue existing requirements are sufficient and the new standard could lead to more legal challenges.

The fine print: Because Amendment 85 would change the state Constitution, it needs 55% voter approval to pass.