Ballots began arriving in Denver mailboxes this week, and this year’s ticket is tiny but mighty. Even though Denverites will only be facing eight ballot issues, there is some big money at play (like the potential for nearly $1 billion in long-term city debt) and some heated debates at hand (looking at you, flavored tobacco). So, we’re gonna give you the quick and dirty of it all right here ⬇️
Summary: If passed, this measure will retain the ban on flavored tobacco products in Denver that was passed by city council last year. (An important distinction: A “yes” vote would keep the ban in place, a “no” vote would lift the ban.)
Follow the money: The Denver Kids vs Big Tobacco campaign has raised just over $2 million, with contributions from anti-tobacco nonprofits, health organizations, and billionaire Michael Bloomberg (who donated a whopping $1.5 million). The campaign against 310 — called Citizen Power! — has raised $468,830, with contributions mostly from tobacco companies and the vape industry.
Summary: If passed, this measure would change the name of the city’s Department of Excise and Licenses to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. The department’s role and responsibilities — issuing and inspecting business licenses — would not change.
Follow the money: There are no organized committees for or against this measure, which was put forth by the department itself.
Summary: If passed, this measure would change how City Council’s two at-large seats are elected, requiring a majority vote in two separate elections, rather than going with the top two candidates in a combined race.
Follow the money: There are no organized committees for or against this measure. City council is nearly evenly divided on the issue, which was sponsored by members Kevin Flynn and Darrell Watson. The council’s two current at-large members, Sarah Parady and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, oppose the measure.
Summary: If passed in full, the city will take on nearly $1 billion in long-term debt to fund construction projects and infrastructure improvements for years to come. The bond will be divided into five separate ballot measures (2A-2E) representing different categories of projects that would be funded by their allocated portion of the bond. (See some of the biggest ticket items included in the package.) Note: If one measure fails, the others can still pass.
2A: $441 million for transportation and mobility projects
- Such as safety improvements to 13th and 14th avenues, and a massive revamp of the 8th Avenue viaduct
2B: $175 million for parks and rec projects
- With $70 million dedicated to the Park Hill Golf Course redevelopment alone
2C: $30 million for health and human services projects
- Including a new building for Denver Children's Advocacy Center and a new Denver Health clinic in Sun Valley
2D: $244 million for city services and facilities upgrades
- Including upgrades to Denver libraries and cultural institutions like the Denver Zoo, DCPA, and the DAM, plus $75 million toward the construction of a new law enforcement and first responder training facility
2E: $60 million for housing and shelter projects
- For improvements to existing shelters, plus development of affordable housing projects, both public and private
Follow the money: Supporters of the Vibrant Denver Bond package — which include Denver’s five Tier One SCFD institutions and local philanthropist and businessman Larry Mizel, among others — have raised just over $1 million. The opposition group, Citizens for NO New Debt, has raised $6,900.
Dig Deeper
For a more in-depth breakdown of the ballot, tune into the City Cast Denver podcast, where host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by favorite guests Westword editor Patty Calhoun and political insider Deep Singh Badhesha to evaluate each measure so that you 🫵 can vote more confidently.
Important Dates
- Oct. 27: Last day to mail your ballot
- Nov. 4: Election Day! You must drop-off your ballot or be in line to vote by 7 p.m.
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