Please check back here often. Ballot info will be updated as it becomes available.
ELECTION DAY is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
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español voting info 2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide 2022 state ballot info "blue book"
Boulder County voters who participated in the June 28, 2022 Primary determined the Democratic nominees that are on your November 8, 2022 Midterm Ballot. There are municipal, contested races for Longmont City Council (special election to fill one at-large seat, which was vacated by Joan Peck when she was elected Mayor in 2021), Erie Home Rule Charter Commission (9 seats) and Superior Board of Trustees (Mayor and 4 Trustee seats). The Boulder County Democratic Party (BCDP) has not endorsed democratic candidates in these contested races, but all candidates for contested municipal and local races listed in this guide are registered Democrats.
Statewide, county and local ballot measures: The BCDP Executive Committee tries to be comprehensive in its research and recommendations on all ballot items on the Boulder County ballot. A Ballot Measures Committee was formed weeks before the Executive Committee convened on September 14, to vote on ballot recommendations, and in time for the print version of the Voter Guide's press date (our two-part voting process explained, here). The sample ballot was posted on September 24, at which time additional ballot measures came to the attention of the Ballot Measures Committee. We've provided extensive research on most all ballot measures, which can be found in our BCDP Ballot Measures Guide, here.
Colorado elections are mail-in ballot, and the Boulder County Clerk will start mailing ballots to voters on October 17. In the meantime, if you haven't already, sign up for Ballot Track, here — a free service for Boulder County voters that can send you notifications by text message, phone call, or email when your mail ballot has been sent and received by the Boulder County Elections Division.
Below you'll find Democratic candidate listings and ballot recommendations from the Boulder County Democratic Party (BCDP). Your personal ballot will include US Senate, US House, all statewide and countywide seats & ballot measures seen below, but will be city, town, state legislative & RTD district-specific. All Boulder County ballots will include the Boulder County Commissioner, District 3 seat. Your Boulder County ballot will include judge retention questions for Court of Appeals, 20th Judicial District, and Boulder County Court judges.
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— UNITED STATES SENATE —
Michael Bennet
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— US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 —
Joe Neguse
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— GOVERNOR —
Jared Polis
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— SECRETARY OF STATE —
Jena Griswold
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— STATE TREASURER —
Dave Young
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— STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL —
Phil Weiser
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— STATE BOARD of EDUCATION, AT LARGE —
Kathy Plomer
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— STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 15 —
Janice Marchman
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— STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 10 —
Junie Joseph
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— STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 11 —
Karen McCormick
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— STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 12 —
Tracey Bernett
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— STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 19 —
Jennifer Parenti
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— STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 49 —
Judy Amabile
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— RTD BOARD DIRECTOR, DISTRICT O —
Lynn Guissinger
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— BOULDER COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 3 —
Ashley Stolzmann
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— BOULDER COUNTY CLERK —
Molly Fitzpatrick
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— BOULDER COUNTY TREASURER —
Paul Weissmann
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— BOULDER COUNTY ASSESSOR —
Cynthia Braddock
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— BOULDER COUNTY SHERIFF —
Curtis Johnson
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— BOULDER COUNTY SURVEYOR —
Lee Stadele
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— BOULDER COUNTY CORONER —
Emma Hall
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LOCAL (CITY & TOWN) OFFICES
All candidates listed are registered Democrats.
The BCDP did not endorse candidates in the 2022 Boulder County local elections.
— LONGMONT CITY COUNCIL, AT LARGE —
(There are three candidates on your ballot for this race.)
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There are 8 candidates for the Superior Trustee election, listed below are the registered Democrats.
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— JUDICIAL RETENTION QUESTIONS —
Boulder County is the 20th Judicial District. You will have judge retention questions for eight Colorado Court of Appeals Judges, two 20th Judicial District Court Judges, and four Boulder County Court Judges (vote "yes" or "no" for retention). Please go to the newly updated judicialperformance.colorado.gov > click "find a judge" then click "Boulder County" to find information about all the judges on your ballot.
Please read about our process, here:
BALLOT MEASURE RECOMMENDATION PROCESS
NOTE: "Yes" or "No" will be posted below, for each statewide and local ballot measure, when a position was taken.
Asterisks (*) for each measure listed either further explain the recommendation, or whether neither a "yes" or "no" position was taken. To further clarify, an asterisk only (*) next to each measure means that a "yes/support" recommendation did not meet the 2/3rds vote threshold, nor did a "no/oppose" recommendation meet the 2/3rds vote threshold of the BCDP Executive Committee.
(CDP = Colorado Democratic Party)
BCDP recommends YES* on AMENDMENT D
New Twenty-Third Judicial District Judges
REFERRED TO THE VOTERS BY THE COLORADO STATE LEGISLATURE
Requires the Governor to designate judges from the 18th judicial district to serve in the newly created 23rd judicial district
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take the position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — The Colorado Legislature split the current 18th Judicial into two districts in [HB20-1026]. The 23rd Judicial District will consist of Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties and Arapahoe County will remain in the 18th. The purpose of this was because (1) the size of JD 18 was large enough to create significant caseload and access to justice issues; and (2) communities of color in Arapahoe were not well represented under the old configuration. The bill is already law. But Amendment D, is a conforming amendment to the Colorado Constitution to address the residency of the existing judges, allowing them to establish residency in the new districts.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Amendment D" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends YES* on AMENDMENT E
Extend Homestead Exemption to Surviving Spouses of U.S. Armed Forces Members and Veterans
REFERRED TO THE VOTERS BY THE COLORADO STATE LEGISLATURE
Extends an existing property tax homestead exemption for disabled veterans to the surviving spouses of certain military personnel
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take the position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — Current law gives a property tax Homestead Exemption for qualifying seniors and veterans. This measure would extend the benefit to Gold Star Spouses, who are the widows of veterans killed in the line of duty or as a result of service-related injury or disease.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Amendment E" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends * on AMENDMENT F
Charitable Gaming Constitutional Amendment
REFERRED TO THE VOTERS BY THE COLORADO STATE LEGISLATURE
Allows the operators and managers of charitable gaming activities to be paid and allows the legislature to determine how long an organization must exist to obtain a charitable gaming license
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — The Platform of the Colorado Democratic Party does not address gaming policies in the State of Colorado. Individuals may have varied individual opinions and should express and vote those positions but the passage or defeat of this measure does not fall under our core values.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Amendment F" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends YES* on PROPOSITION FF
Healthy Meals for All Public School Students
REFERRED TO THE VOTERS BY THE COLORADO STATE LEGISLATURE
Creates and funds the Healthy School Meals for All Program by reducing the allowable state income tax deduction amounts for those earning over $300,000
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take the position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — This measure helps fund hunger programs in Colorado, support Colorado food growers, increases support for food workers and creates food nutrition advisory groups to guide healthier food options.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Proposition FF" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends YES* on PROPOSITION GG
Include Income Tax Effects in Initiative Ballot Language
REFERRED TO THE VOTERS BY THE COLORADO STATE LEGISLATURE
Requires a table showing changes in income tax owed for average taxpayers in certain brackets to be included in the ballot title and fiscal summary for any citizen initiative that would increase or decrease the individual income tax rate
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take the position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — This measure would provide a tax table for future ballot measures on taxes to show the economic distribution of the impact of the tax policy change to help voters see the impact of the measure.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Proposition GG" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends NO* on PROPOSITION 121
State Income Tax Reduction
PETITIONED TO BALLOT
Reduce the state income tax rate from 4.55% to 4.40% for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2022
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take the position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — The measure reduces the state income tax rate from 4.55 percent to 4.40 percent for tax year 2022 and all later tax years. This rate applies to the Colorado taxable income of individuals and corporations. The measure decreases state General Fund revenue by an estimated $572.1 million in FY 2022-23 and $397.9 million for FY 2023-24, with ongoing decreases in later years. The estimate for FY 2022-23 represents a full-year impact for tax year 2022 and a half-year impact for tax year 2023, because the measure takes effect after completion of FY 2021-22. Taxpayer Impact For tax year 2022: the measure reduces state income tax due by an average of $95 per individual taxpayer, and by twice this amount for married couples filing tax jointly. The actual amount by which tax will decrease depends on one’s taxable income.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Proposition 121" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends * on PROPOSITION 122
Access to Natural Psychedelic Substances
PETITIONED TO BALLOT
Creates a natural medicine services program for the supervised administration of dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine, mescaline (excluding peyote), psilocybin, and psilocyn; creates a framework for regulating the growth, distribution, and sale of such substances to permitted entities; creates the Natural Medicine Advisory Board
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — The initiative would decriminalize the personal use and possession (for adults age 21 and older) of the following hallucinogenic/entheogenic plants and fungi, which are currently classified as Schedule I controlled substances under state law: dimethyltryptamine (DMT); ibogaine; mescaline (excluding peyote). It also purports that these hallucinogens are natural medicine and could be helpful in treating mental health disorders.
While decriminalization of certain controlled substances would be consistent with the position to roll back the war on drugs, there is legitimate differences of opinion as to safety or whether it is really effective for medicinal purposes. We anticipate different opinions from within the Democratic Party. A statewide party position in support could be used to hurt Democratic candidates running in certain seats, and therefore think it is best for individuals to decide for themselves.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Proposition 122" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
BCDP recommends YES* on PROPOSITION 123
Dedicate Revenue to Fund Housing Projects
PETITIONED TO BALLOT
Dedicate a portion of income tax revenues (up to one-tenth of 1%) and allocate the funds to housing projects, including affordable housing financing programs that reduce rent, purchasing land for affordable housing developments and supporting people experiencing homelessness.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take the position recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale of the CDP — This measure creates a dedicated portion (0.01%) of income tax to go to a statewide affordable housing fund that will be used to award grants and provide rental assistance to people in Colorado.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Proposition 123" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
— LIQUOR MEASURES —
BCDP recommends * on PROPOSITION 124
Increase Allowable Retail Liquor Licenses
PETITIONED TO BALLOT
Increase the number of retail liquor licenses a business can hold from three now, to 8 between now and 2027, to 13 before 2032, to 20 by 2037, and unlimited after 2037
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
BCDP recommends * on PROPOSITION 125
Permit Sale of Wine in Grocery Stores
PETITIONED TO BALLOT
Permit the sale of wine in Colorado grocery stores. Currently, only beer and certain spirits are allowed to be sold in grocery stores.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
BCDP recommends * on PROPOSITION 126
Allow Third-Party Alcohol Delivery
PETITIONED TO BALLOT
Seeks to allow third parties to deliver alcoholic beverages in Colorado.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position as recommended by the CDP on 9/14/22
Rationale from the CDP — These measures do not address matters central to the Democratic Party Platform. We anticipate different opinions from within the Democratic Party. A statewide party position in support could be used to hurt Democratic candidates running in certain seats, and therefore think it is best for individuals to decide for themselves.
For a more detailed analysis of these measures, click button, then click "Propositions 124, 125, and 126" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BOULDER COUNTY ISSUE 1A:
Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax
Boulder County Ballot Issue AA would create a new 0.1% sales and use tax throughout for wildfire mitigation efforts that will continue in perpetuity unless a future action is taken. The 0.1% tax works out to one cent on a $10 taxable purchase, and is expected to generate about $11 million annually.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — Boulder County already has a program called Wildfire Partners, described as “a Boulder County program to help homeowners mitigate their properties and prepare for wildfire.” It’s currently funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Boulder County government. It’s not always possible to count on federal grant money far into the future, and this ballot measure would provide a dependable source of mitigation funding for as long as it remains in effect. Some of the money from 1A would be used in the Wildfire Partners program.
Boulder County also intends to spend some of the 1A money on strategic “Fireshed Partnerships,” to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, protect drinking water supplies and create more resilient forest and grassland ecosystems.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Boulder County Issue 1A" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BOULDER COUNTY ISSUE 1B:
Emergency Services Sales Tax
This measure would establish a 0.1% countywide sales and use tax for five years, whereupon the tax would decrease to 0.05% for perpetuity. The 0.1% tax is expected to generate about $11 million annually. Revenues from the tax would go for emergency response, including a facility and operational costs for volunteer search and rescue organizations; the capital needs of fire departments in mountainous and rural areas; ambulance services in areas not covered by municipal ambulance services; operational costs of search and rescue organizations; trail and trailhead safety services; wildland firefighting staffing; and other projects and services to address the need for emergency services and public safety in unincorporated Boulder County.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — This tax is imperative to protect lives and property in areas of Boulder County that are not covered by municipal emergency response providers. Recreation visitation to open space and public lands in Boulder County continues to increase. Trailheads must be managed to ensure emergency services have proper access to trails.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Boulder County Issue 1B" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BOULDER COUNTY ISSUE 1C:
Transportation Sales Tax Extension
This ballot measure would extend a 0.1% Boulder County transportation sales tax that was originally passed in 2001, and extended in 2007, and would generate about $11 million annually if it passes. Unless the current ballot measure passes, the transportation tax would “sunset” June 30, 2024 and Boulder County could only do basic maintenance on existing transportation infrastructure. This year’s ballot measure would be in effect “in perpetuity” if it passes, meaning no sunset date. The ballot measure would pass with a simple majority of Boulder County voters.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —
- Transportation is a core function of government, and this measure will provide consistent funding for important safety and mobility projects throughout Boulder County.
- This measure would be a tax extension, not a new tax, so overall tax rates won’t increase from where they are now due to this measure.
- Boulder County residents are physically active and want to commute by bicycle in addition to recreating, and this measure will improve local recreational path and trail infrastructure.
- This ballot measure would fund local transit services, mobility services and infrastructure projects representing most major modes of transportation, including roads and bridges, bike lanes, and recreational paths.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Boulder County Issue 1C" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
City of Boulder
YES on BALLOT ISSUE 2A:
Climate Tax (TABOR)
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2A would create a new Climate Tax on the delivery of electricity and natural gas, to replace the City’s existing Climate Action Plan and Utility Occupation taxes. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) tax is set to expire March 31, 2023, and the Utility Occupation Tax (UOT) is set to expire on December 31, 2025. The new climate tax would be collected on Xcel Energy bills, would increase the annual amount of tax revenue collected by the City for climate actions, and would expire in 2040.This ballot measure proposes a tax increase of $2.6M and an effective tax extension of $3.9M to combine to create a new $6.5M Climate Tax. A second ballot measure, Ballot Issue 2B, would authorize a debt limit of up to a maximum principal amount of $52,900,000 in case bonding is necessary for climate projects.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —Climate change is an existential threat, and many of the programs envisioned in 2A will take direct action to limit the greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions that contribute to climate warming. This is a new type of tax, but it’s an incremental increase compared to what ratepayers are already paying and could help limit impacts of climate change that bear their own costs. Some of the actions envisioned in 2A, like energy efficiency programs, could reduce utility bills for ratepayers into the future.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Boulder Issue 2a" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT ISSUE 2B:
Climate Debt Authorization
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2B would authorize a debt limit of up to a maximum principal amount of $52,900,000 in case bonding is necessary for the climate projects outlined in Ballot Issue 2A. The maximum repayment amount is $75,000,000. Both 2A and 2B have to pass in order for 2B to take effect. Both ballot measures need only a simple majority to pass. Voters don’t have to vote for or against both measures — they can pick and choose if they so desire.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — Authorizing the City to take on debt through 2B will get beneficial projects started sooner.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Boulder Issue 2B" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 2C:
Repeal Charter Provisions Regarding the Library
Question 2C only takes effect if voters also approve the proposed library district in County Electors Issue DD.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — These provisions in the city charter will be unnecessary and obsolete if voters fund a Boulder Public Library District. This is a clean-up charter change.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Boulder Question 2C" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 2D:
Amend Charter Provisions Regarding Direct Election of Mayor
Question MM is amending the charter to handle questions that have arisen since voters in 2020 approved directly electing the mayor.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — Except for changing the start of the council term which allows for delays in election results, this is a clean-up charter change. Allowing a council member whose term ends the same year as there is a mayoral election to run for both mayor and council places an unfair disadvantage on other potential candidates. That individual should have to choose up front which office to seek as it then makes clear to the public where the vacancy is. The power of incumbency means other candidates may choose not to run.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Boulder Question 2D" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
* on BALLOT QUESTION 2E:
Even-Year Municipal Candidate Elections
Move Boulder City Council and Mayoral elections from being held in odd-numbered years to being held in even-numbered years.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position by a simple majority on 9/14/22
Rationale — The primary rationale for proponents of this move is because overall voter turnout is higher in even-year elections than odd-year, and their argument is that people who vote in even-year elections, but not in odd-year elections, would be more likely to participate in Council elections if 2E passes. About 90% of active registered voters in Boulder County cast votes in the Presidential year of 2020, compared with 47% of active registered voters in 2021, and 82% in our last mid-term election of 2018.
Opponents will point out that all registered voters get a ballot in the mail delivered to the address on their voter registration, so it’s likely that not voting in odd-year elections is a choice. They will also say moving local elections to even years will bury discussions on local issues beneath higher-profile races, like President or Governor, so local discussions won’t be as robust during even-year election cycles as they have been during odd-year cycles.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Boulder Question 2E" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
* on BALLOT QUESTION 2F:
Repeal Ordinance 8483 Regarding Annexation of CU South
Seeks the repeal of the 2021 annexation agreement between the City of Boulder and the University of Colorado that annexes the CU-South property and sets its terms. By law, citizens can gather petition signatures to place a “referendum” on the ballot to repeal adopted ordinances or certain state laws. This referendum would pass with a simple majority.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position by a simple majority on 9/14/22
Rationale — The 2021 annexation agreement would put the 308-acre CU-South property within City of Boulder city limits, which would require the City to provide water and sewer service and access to city streets and other services.. The annexation agreement anticipates 1,100 new housing units (10% required to be “affordable”) and 750,000 sq feet of non-residential development, plus a flood mitigation project for the South Boulder Creek main channel that includes an approximately one mile long concrete floodwall along U.S. 36 and an earthen dam near Table Mesa Drive to temporarily contain South Boulder Creek floodwater, from up to a 100-Year flood, on part of the CU-South property.
If the annexation agreement is repealed, the referendum does not direct what would happen with the CU-South property.
This referendum was in response to City Council’s decision to approve the CU South annexation agreement in September 2021 which preempted Ballot Question 302’s proposal to allow Boulder City voters to vote on approval of a CU South Annexation agreement. Ballot Question 302 ultimately failed to pass in the 2021 general election, and opponents of the 2021 annexation agreement then successfully collected signatures to place this question to repeal Ordinance 8483 on the ballot.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Boulder Question 2F" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
Boulder Public Library District
* on BOULDER PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 6C:
Boulder Public Library District Formation and Property Tax
Establish a Boulder Public Library District and impose a $3.5 mill property tax within its designated boundaries. The new property tax would permit restoration of and increased services and hours at all branches as well as pay for a new Gunbarrel branch. The property tax is expected to generate $18,780,000 in its first year. The boundaries of the proposed library district include the entire city of Boulder and some adjoining unincorporated areas – see Exhibit A (page 5) of Resolution 2022-058. Ballot language is in Resolution 2022-059.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position by a simple majority on 9/14/22
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Boulder Public Library District Issue 6C" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
Boulder Valley School District RE-2
YES on BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 5A:
$350 Million Bond for Capital Construction and Maintenance
Allow BVSD to borrow up to $350 million with a maximum repayment cost of $714 million to address items on the Facility Critical Needs List. Impose a property tax mill levy with the maximum revenue from the tax set at $32 million annually, costing $118/yr for a $600,000 residential home.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — All students benefit from safe, functional, comfortable schools; Taxpayer investments are optimized by extending the useful life of facilities. Delaying this critical work as our buildings continue to age will allow conditions to deteriorate, while costs escalate. BVSD has been a good steward of taxpayers’ money in the past and will continue to be so. This $350M bond will go to necessary projects - New Vista, Parkdale, CTE and other critical needs.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Boulder Valley School District Issue 5A" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
Town of Erie
YES on BALLOT ISSUE 3D:
Trails, Natural Areas and Community Character Tax Extension
This ballot measure would extend a 4 mill property tax for Town of Erie trails, natural areas, and community character (TNACC) projects until December 31, 2034. The current tax generates approximately $2 million annually, but is set to expire December 31, 2024. The 2022 ballot measure would also expand allowable uses for TNACC revenue to include construction, improvement, repair and maintenance of existing parks and parkland infrastructure.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — Protecting open lands and natural areas provides a lot of benefits to residents and visitors to Erie, including recreational opportunities, protecting wildlife habitat, and maintaining natural beauty. Erie voters have supported TNACC twice already (2004 and 2014), and this ballot measure would keep programs in place without increasing tax rates Erie property owners already pay.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Town of Erie Issue 3D" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 3E:
Form Home Rule Charter Commission
Form a Home Rule Charter Commission composed of 9 members
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —
- The Board of Trustees did not lightly initiate this ballot measure. This ballot measure came about following extensive research and public outreach concerning the advantages of home rule.
- Home rule allows for local governance on local issues and more control of finance and taxation, land use, and elections.
- Colorado has about 100 cities and towns that are home rule municipalities. The home rule charter determines the form of municipal government.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Town of Erie Question 3E" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
There are 18 candidates on the ballot for the Erie Home Rule Commission, listed below are the registered Democrats.
City of Longmont
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 3A:
Modernization of Conduct of City Business
Six separate amendments to the Charter, to remove outdated or unnecessary language in the charter, and to “modernize” city operations.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale — Those in favor believe that amending certain sections of the City’s Charter would modernize and streamline City operations.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Longmont Question 3A" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 3B:
Charter Amendment to Prospectively Vacate Office
This ballot measure would amend the Longmont City Charter with respect to City Council vacancies. Currently, when a sitting Council member wants to run for another position (such as Mayor) during their term, if they win, a special election is needed to fill the vacancy. Council would like to offer an option where sitting Council members can voluntarily end their term as they run for another. The Council member interested in pursuing this option must provide notice to the City at least 90 days before the date of the next municipal election. The Council seat would then be automatically vacated, allowing the City to run the election for both seats simultaneously and save the cost and labor of a special election in these cases.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —
- Making this change could save money and time by not needing to conduct a special election.
- Making this change could help ensure that a Mayor and six council members are serving the City, without unnecessary vacancies.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Longmont Question 3B" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 3C:
Funding Resilient St. Vrain Project Improvements
Authorize $20 million in new financing for storm drainage projects in Longmont. It would not require new taxation, since the City of Longmont already collects Storm Drainage funds acquired through storm drainage utility customer payments and fees paid by new development. However, the city expects rate changes for 2022-24. In response to the 2013 floods, the City of Longmont developed the Resilient St. Vrain Project (RSVP), an extensive, multi-year project to fully restore the St. Vrain Greenway and improve the St. Vrain Creek channel to protect people, property and infrastructure from future flood risk. If this ballot measure is approved, the new bonds would be used to finance improving the channel capacity of the St. Vrain Creek from Sunset Street to Hover Street. This would be considered the second phase of a larger project that began in 2014.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —
- Using bonding and debt servicing spreads out the cost of needed infrastructure improvements over time to avoid rate spikes, which keeps rates more predictable for users.
- Bond financing results in user rates that are initially lower than if cash were used to fund the improvements and distributes costs more equitably across both current and future residents.
- Bond financing allows the City of Longmont to make improvements in the near future, rather than waiting until funds become available.
- The proposed improvements are of value to residents of the City broadly because they protect public property and infrastructure from flooding risk.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "City of Longmont Question 3C" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
Town of Lyons
* on BALLOT ISSUE 2G:
Lodging Tax Increase
Would initially increase an existing $2 per day lodging occupation tax to up to 5% of the lodging rate. This rate may later be adjusted by resolution of the Board of Trustees, but this ballot measure sets the maximum allowable lodging occupation tax at 8% of the lodging rate. The current tax has been applied to lodging rooms or other accommodations, including camping and short-term rentals.
* The BCDP Executive Committee voted to take neither a "yes" or "no" position by a simple majority on 9/14/22
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Town of Lyons Issue 2G" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
YES on BALLOT QUESTION 2H:
Permitted Use Classification of Arts and Cultural Facilities
Would allow certain uses within areas of Lyons designated with Parks and Open Space zoning. Arts and cultural facilities could be allowed as a permitted use, while nonprofit facilities could be allowed as a conditional use. According to the ballot measure language, an opportunity has arisen to use the Visitors Center in Sandstone Park as an arts and cultural facility, and as office space for the Lyons Creative District, while still using the center as a visitors’ center and public restroom. Without this ballot measure passing, the new uses would not be allowed under current Lyons zoning.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —
- This ballot measure would allow a facility to be used for beneficial community opportunities.
- Sandstone Park is in the heart of downtown Lyons, so it’s a convenient location for Lyons residents.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Town of Lyons Question 2H" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
Town of Nederland
Please note: Information for Nederland Ballot Issues 2J, 2K and 2L, was not available to the BCDP Ballot Measures Committee in time for when the BCDP Executive Committee convened to take votes, and make recommendations for ballot measures on 9/14/22.
BALLOT ISSUE 2J:
Tax Increase
Shall the Town of Nederland sales tax increase from 4.0% to 4.25% with revenues from such tax increase being used for law enforcement services, personnel support public safety, equipment facilities to support public safety, personnel to support other town services, and/or other lawful municipal purposes.
BALLOT ISSUE 2K:
Marijuana Sales Tax
5% sales tax on retail Marijuana, with proceeds to be used on parks and recreation.
BALLOT ISSUE 2L:
Occupation Tax Increase
Occupation tax increase to be used for health and human services programs and activities and law enforcement services.
Town of Superior
YES on BALLOT ISSUE 2M:
Extend and Repurpose Sales and Use Tax
Would replace an expiring 0.16% sales tax for the Superior Metropolitan Exchange District (SMED) with a 0.16% sales tax to be used for Marshall Fire recovery and other related expenses. The SMED tax expires Dec. 31, 2022, while the new tax would expire December 31, 2032. In essence, this measure would continue the exact same Superior sales tax rate already in effect, but the revenue would be used for a different purpose than the original SMED tax.
The BCDP Executive Committee voted to support this issue with a two thirds majority vote.
Rationale —
- Superior faced major damage from the Marshall Fire, and this revenue would help greatly with recovery efforts.
- The Superior/McCaslin interchange project is up and running, so using the tax revenue for fire recovery needs instead of the interchange is a logical change.
For a more detailed analysis of this measure, click button, then click "Town of Superior Issue 2M" in the Table of Contents:
2023 BCDP Ballot Measures Guide
Please note: Information for Nederland Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 6A, Left Hand Water and Sanitation District Ballot Issue 6B, and Gold Hill Fire Protection District Ballot Issue 6B, was not available to the BCDP Ballot Measures Committee in time for when the BCDP Executive Committee convened to take votes, and make recommendations for ballot measures on 9/14/22.
NEDERLAND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 6A:
Vehicle and Building Funding
Shall Nederland Fire Protection District taxes be increased at a rate of 1 mill in 2023, and an additional 1 mill in 2024, and continuing thereafter to be used for the funding of a structured vehicle replacement plan, funding of vehicle maintenance and replacement and funding of building maintenance and construction.
LEFT HAND WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 6B:
Debt Increase
Shall Left Hand Water and Sanitation District debt be increased up to $350,000, with a maximum repayment cost of not to exceed $480,000, and shall district taxes be increased not more than $26,000 annually for the purpose of financing the cost of improvements to the district.
GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BALLOT ISSUE 6B:
Firefighting Equipment
Shall Gold Hill Fire Protection District taxes be increased up to $50,000 annually, and by whatever additional amounts are annually raised thereafter, by an additional tax levy of 6.6 mills, commencing in tax year 2022, to be used for district operations and capital expenses including, but not limited to, providing essential firefighting equipment, repairing and replacing aging emergency response vehicles, repairing, maintaining and replacing the current fire station and adding of one or more paid employees.
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