Astrodome referendum defeated; Colorado marijuana tax, New Jersey minimum wage measures approved

HOUSTON – Memories will likely soon be all that’s left of the Houston Astrodome, the world’s first multipurpose domed stadium.

Voters on Tuesday did not approve a referendum that would have authorized up to $217 million in bonds to turn the stadium that once hosted both professional baseball and football games into a giant convention and event center and exhibition space.

Houston-area leaders have said the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the World” would likely have to be torn down if the ballot measure failed to pass.

Colorado

Voters approved a 25 percent tax on newly legal recreational marijuana to fund school construction. Opponents argued the tax rate would benefit black market sales.

Also, voters in 11 largely rural counties are deciding on a mostly symbolic effort to form a 51st state called North Colorado because of what supporters call a disconnect with urban areas. The Legislature and Congress would have to approve the creation of a new state, something considered unlikely. At least six of the counties had voted against the proposal.

New Jersey

Voters approved a constitutional amendment raising the state’s minimum wage by $1, to $8.25 an hour, and to provide for automatic cost-of-living increases, as 10 other states already do, including Washington.