This year’s election in Denver is packed with important decisions for voters. Beyond the presidential race, Denver ballots are filled with a range of crucial state and city measures that will significantly shape the future of our community. From initiatives addressing affordable housing and funding for Denver Health, the city’s essential safety-net hospital, to proposals concerning animal welfare and city governance, Denverites have a lot to consider before Election Day on November 5th.
This Denver Voting Guide is designed to help you navigate these important choices. We aim to provide a clear and concise breakdown of each ballot measure so you can make informed decisions that reflect your priorities for Denver.
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Denver Ballot Measures at a Glance
| 2Q | 2R | 2S | 2T | 2U | 2V | 2W| 308 | 309 | 4A | 6A | 7A |
| Key Election Dates | How to Vote in Denver | Colorado Statewide Voter Guide |
Ballot Measure 2Q
Ballot Measure 2Q proposes an increase to Denver’s sales tax by 0.34 percent. This would mean an additional 3.4 cents on every $10 purchase in Denver. The purpose of this tax increase is to provide dedicated funding for Denver Health, Colorado’s crucial safety-net hospital system. This measure aims to ensure the hospital can continue to provide essential healthcare services to all Denver residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
More about Ballot Measure 2Q.
Ballot Measure 2R
Ballot Measure 2R is Mayor Mike Johnston’s initiative to address affordable housing in Denver. It proposes a 0.5 percent sales tax increase, which translates to an extra 5 cents on a $10 purchase. This new tax revenue would be specifically dedicated to funding the construction and development of affordable housing units across the city. The goal is to alleviate Denver’s housing crisis and provide more accessible housing options for residents.
More about Ballot Measure 2R.
Ballot Measure 2S
Ballot Measure 2S focuses on the Denver Department of Human Rights and Community Partnerships. If approved, this measure would elevate the department to a full cabinet-level agency within Denver city government. This change would grant the department greater influence and ensure more stable funding as it becomes a core part of the Mayor’s advisory team. The aim is to strengthen the city’s commitment to human rights and community partnerships.
More about Ballot Measure 2S.
Ballot Measure 2T
Ballot Measure 2T addresses citizenship requirements for Denver Police and Fire Department jobs. Currently, these positions are restricted to U.S. citizens. This measure proposes to remove this citizenship requirement, opening up applications to non-citizens who meet specific work authorization and residency qualifications. The change aims to broaden the applicant pool and potentially address staffing shortages in these critical city departments.
More about Ballot Measure 2T.
Ballot Measure 2U
Ballot Measure 2U concerns collective bargaining rights for Denver city employees. Currently, only police officers, firefighters, and Denver Public Schools teachers have the right to collective bargaining, allowing them to negotiate as part of a union. This measure would extend these rights to more city employees, enabling them to unionize and collectively bargain their employment terms. This could significantly impact labor relations within Denver’s city workforce.
More about Ballot Measure 2U.
Ballot Measure 2V
Ballot Measure 2V specifically targets the collective bargaining rules for Denver’s firefighters’ union. Currently, the city’s collective bargaining policies with the firefighters’ union differ from those in place for the police and sheriff’s departments. This measure seeks to modify some of these rules governing negotiations between the city and the firefighters’ union.
More about Ballot Measure 2V.
Ballot Measure 2W
Ballot Measure 2W proposes a change to the process for approving salary increases for elected officials in Denver. Currently, any raises for elected officials, including city council members themselves, require a vote and approval from the city council. If passed, this measure would make these raises automatic, going into effect without needing city council approval. This aims to streamline the process for adjusting elected officials’ salaries.
More about Ballot Measure 2W.
Ballot Measure 308
Ballot Measure 308 is focused on animal welfare and proposes strict limits on fur products in Denver. This measure would largely ban the sale, distribution, and trade of fur products, such as fur coats and items with fur linings, within Denver city limits. There would be some exceptions, but the measure’s primary goal is to restrict the fur trade in Denver.
More about Ballot Measure 308.
Ballot Measure 309
Ballot Measure 309 addresses slaughterhouses in Denver. Specifically, it proposes to ban slaughterhouses within the city. Currently, there is only one slaughterhouse operating in Denver, the Superior Farms lamb processing plant in the Globeville neighborhood. This measure would effectively prohibit such facilities within city limits.
More about Ballot Measure 309.
Ballot Measure 4A
Ballot Measure 4A concerns Denver Public Schools (DPS) funding. DPS is asking Denver voters to approve a significant debt issuance of $1.9 billion, including both debt and interest. This would be the largest debt in the district’s history. However, DPS states that this measure would maintain current tax levels, not increase them. The funds are intended for school improvements and infrastructure projects.
More about Ballot Measure 4A.
Ballot Measure 6A
Ballot Measure 6A focuses on downtown Denver development. It proposes to authorize $847 million in debt and interest to fund projects and improvements in the downtown area. This initiative would expand the Denver Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) focus beyond its current primary area around Union Station, encompassing a wider downtown region. Similar to 4A, this measure aims to maintain current tax levels.
More about Ballot Measure 6A.
Ballot Measure 7A
Ballot Measure 7A pertains to the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Currently, RTD is subject to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which can require them to return revenue to taxpayers if it exceeds certain limits. Measure 7A would permanently allow RTD to retain any revenue that would otherwise be refunded to taxpayers under TABOR. This could provide RTD with more financial flexibility.
More about Ballot Measure 7A.
Key Election Dates for Denver Voters
Oct. 11: Ballots are mailed out to registered Denver voters.
Oct. 28: This is the deadline to return your ballot by mail to ensure it is counted. It’s also the last day to register to vote if you wish to receive your ballot via mail.
Nov. 5: Election Day! Polls will be open until 7 p.m. on November 5th. Make sure to cast your vote!
How to Vote in Denver
Need to know where to drop off your ballot or how to register to vote? For answers to these questions and more essential voting information, please refer to our detailed guide on how to vote in Denver.
We answer those questions and more.
Colorado Statewide Voter Guide
Looking for information on statewide ballot measures and other races impacting Colorado? Our colleagues at Colorado Public Radio have prepared a comprehensive voter guide covering these topics.
