On Nov. 5, residents of Denver will take to the polls to vote on four citywide measures, two statewide measures and Denver Public School Board members. Ballots are due by 7 p.m., on Nov. 5. Colorado has same-day voter registration, so those who are not yet registered to vote can do so and still participate in this election. 

Statewide measures

There are two statewide measures being voted on during this election – Proposition CC and Proposition DD. 

Proposition CC is concerned with tax revenue and the “Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights” (TABOR). Currently, TABOR limits the amount of money that the state can “collect and spend and save each year.” Although the limit is currently changed year-by-year to take into account inflation, population growth and voter-approved changes, one-third of the money that is collected through state taxes is subject to the limit. If the state of Colorado collects above the limit, set to $15 million in the 2019-2020 state budget, taxpayers will be refunded in what is called TABOR refund. If Proposition CC passes, the state would no longer have to refund the money collected above the TABOR limit, and instead, would be allowed to use that money towards funding “public schools, higher education, and roads, bridges and transit.” The state would hold a yearly independent audit that would report how the money was spent. 

Yes on Proposition CC says that by passing Proposition CC, the state would have the money to fix roads, retain public school teachers and help make community colleges and trade schools more affordable. They argue that since TABOR is only used in economically prosperous times, taxpayers would be able to go without the TABOR refund.

Vote No on CC argues that TABOR is an essential check to the state budget, ensuring that legislators cannot raise taxes without first seeking the approval of voters. They believe that the changes that Proposition CC seeks to make can be made through reprioritization of legislature. They argue that Proposition CC is essentially a tax increase, as Coloradoans would not receive the TABOR refund. 

Proposition DD is concerned with sports betting. If Proposition DD were to be passed, sports betting would be legalized and a 10 percent tax would be established on winnings from sports betting. Revenue gathered through this 10 percent tax would benefit Colorado’s Water Plan, as well as fund the regulation and administration of sports betting. The state estimates that up to $29 million could be collected. 

Casino owners, sports betting companies, environmentalists and water officials are all fighting for Proposition DD. They believe that the profits from sports betting would outweigh expenses from the proposed tax. James Eklund, the person who helped draft the Water Plan, and the Environmental Defense Fund, have both spoken out in favor of Proposition DD, stating that it is the easiest way of funding $3 million still needed for the Water Plan. 

For more on the statewide measures, read the Colorado Blue Book, a voting guide released by the state government. 

Denver measures

Denver referred question 2A is a measure that would establish a city Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Currently, Denver Public Works oversees the transportation of the city. City councilwoman Mary Beth has stated that establishing this department will allow Denver to take “ownership in our transportation needs, our transit needs, our pedestrian walkways and bikeways.” If 2A were to pass, transportation would be moved out from Public Works and would be a cabinet-level department. City officials have stated that this move could save an estimated $7 million per year. 

Referred question 2B would separate Denver Arts and Venue from the Department of General Services. Denver Arts and Venue is the agency that is responsible for operating venues like Red Rocks, the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Referred question 2C would add Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and shift commanders to the ranks at the Denver Fire department. This would allow the Denver Fire Department to hire six more EMTs for the department, providing assistance in minor calls that would require some medical evaluation but would not require paramedics. The shift commander position would create a position that is directly responsible for the daily operations of the Denver Fire Department vehicles. 

Referred question 2D would create a new rule ensuring that elected city officials would be required to live in Denver throughout their terms. This would impact the mayor, City Council members, the clerk and recorder and the city auditor. Currently, Denver elected officials have to live in the city in order to run for office, but there is no rule that states that they must live in the city through their terms. 

Denver Public School board

The Denver Public School Board is a seven-member board that is responsible for setting the policy of the Denver Public Schools (DPS), as well as overseeing the superintendent of DPS. DPS currently serves 93,000 students. 

Three candidates are running for the at-large seat, a seat that represents all of Denver. The current board member is Happy Haynes; he is barred from running again because of term limits. The three candidates are Tay Anderson, Alexis Menocal Harrigan and Natela Alexandrovna Manusteva.

Anderson is 20 years old and currently works at North High School as a restorative practices coordinators. He cites his experience as a DPS employee as well as a DPS student as something that sets him apart. His goals include raising pay for support staff, including teacher’s aides, cafeteria workers and custodians, increasing the number of gender-neutral bathrooms, stocking restrooms with free tampons and pads, increasing the number of mental health workers in DPS and increasing the number of teachers of color. 

Menocal Harrigan is a mother of a student in DPS as well as a DPS graduate. She cites her experience as an Americorps volunteer in Northwest Denver and a city council aide in northeast Denver as reasons she is well-suited to representing Denver as a whole. Her goals include providing affordable housing options for teachers, emphasizing the importance of mental health support when budgeting, increasing per-student spending, reforming disciplinary protocol and expanding computer science education.  

Manusteva says that her experience learning English is what drove her to run for the school board. In DPS, one in three students are learning English as a second language. Her goal is to improve schools for all students, asking students and teachers questions resources are needed and checking in on students’ home lives. 

Three candidates are running for the seat in District 1, currently held by Anne Rowe. Rowe is barred from re-running due to term-limits. District 1 represents southwest Denver, and only residents of this area will be able to vote. The candidates are Scott Baldermann, Radhika Nath and Diana Romero Campbell. 

In District 5, three candidates are running for a seat currently held by Lisa Flores, who has decided not to re-run. This district represents northwest Denver, and only residents of this area will be able to vote. The candidates are Julie Bañuelos, Tony Curcio and Brad Laurvick. 

The Denver Teachers Union has endorsed Anderson, Lauvrick and Baldermann, while Stand for Children and Students for Education Reform have endorsed Menocal Harrigan, Romero Campbell and Curcio.