Early returns Tuesday night showed the proposal winning with 72 percent of the vote. Breckenridge is poised to clear adults over 21 to have up to 1 ounce of marijuana.

The measure is largely symbolic, though. Pot possession remains a state crime for people without medical clearance.



"We believe this a signal to the state of Colorado and the nation as a whole," said Sean McAllister, a Breckenridge lawyer who pushed the decriminalization measure. Denver approved a similar decriminalization in 2005.



The Breckenridge vote came as communities nationwide are struggling with how to enforce pot laws at a time when medical marijuana has surged in popularity, especially in Colorado and California.

Elsewhere in Colorado, Denver voters appeared headed toward rejecting a measure that would have forced police to seize cars from people caught driving without a license. Dozens more municipal questions were on ballots.