Colorado 2021 local ballot measures

Colorado Local Ballot Measures
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Ballotpedia covered one local ballot measure in Colorado for voters in one city on April 6. Ballotpedia covered 21 local ballot measures in Colorado for voters in five counties on November 2. Voters approved 11 measures and defeated ten.

In 2021, Ballotpedia covered local measures that appeared on the ballot for voters within the top 100 largest cities in the U.S. and all state capitals, including those outside of the top 100 largest cities. Ballotpedia covered a selection of notable police-related and election-related measures outside of the top 100 largest cities. Ballotpedia also covered all local measures in California and all statewide ballot measures. Click here to see the scope of Ballotpedia local ballot measure coverage by year.

November 2

Voters in Adams County School District 27J defeated a property tax increase measure and approved a school facilities construction bond measure.

Voters in Arapahoe County approved a sales tax extension measure with revenue dedicated to maintaining parks and wildlife areas, trails, local farms, and water conservation projects.

Voters in Denver County approved six and defeated two referred ballot measures and approved four citizen-initiated ballot measures, and defeated one initiative.

Voters in El Paso County defeated one ballot measure to allow the state to retain revenue above the TABOR limit. Colorado Springs voters defeated one measure to increase the sales tax dedicated to trails, open spaces, and parks; and approved another to allow the state to retain and spend $20 million in revenue to create a city and regional wildfire mitigation and prevention program. Colorado Springs School District 11 voters defeated a school facilities construction bond measure.

Voters in Broomfield approved a measure to enact ranked-choice voting for mayor and city council elections.

Adams County

See also: Adams County, Colorado ballot measures

• Adams School District 27J, Colorado, Ballot Issue 5A, Property Tax Increase for Education Funding Measure (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported authorizing School District 27J taxes to be increased by $16 million in 2022 and by other amounts in the future with an additional mill levy of up to 8 mills for education funding.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing School District 27J taxes to be increased by $16 million in 2022 and by other amounts in the future with an additional mill levy of up to 8 mills for education funding.

• Adams School District 27J, Colorado, Ballot Issue 5B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing School District 27J to issue $515 million in bonds for school district facilities construction, acquisition, and capital improvements.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing School District 27J to issue $515 million in bonds for school district facilities construction, acquisition, and capital improvements.

Arapahoe County

See also: Arapahoe County, Colorado ballot measures

• Arapahoe County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Parks and Trails Sales Tax Extension Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported making permanent the current Arapahoe County sales and use tax of 0.0025% (one quarter of one percent), with revenue dedicated to maintaining parks and wildlife areas, trails, local farms, and water conservation projects.

A "no" vote opposed making permanent the current Arapahoe County sales and use tax of 0.0025% (one quarter of one percent), with revenue dedicated to maintaining parks and wildlife areas, trails, local farms, and water conservation projects.

Broomfield County

See also: Broomfield County, Colorado ballot measures

• Broomfield, Colorado, Question 2A, Ranked-Choice Voting Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported adopting ranked-choice voting for mayoral and city council elections beginning in November 2023.

A "no" vote opposed adopting ranked-choice voting for mayoral and city council elections.

Denver County

See also: Denver County, Colorado ballot measures

• Denver, Colorado, Initiated Ordinance 300, Increase Denver Marijuana Sales Tax to Fund Pandemic Research Initiative (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported increasing the Denver retail marijuana sales tax (1.5% as of 2021) by $7 million annually to fund pandemic research, preparedness, and recovery.

A "no" vote opposed increasing the Denver retail marijuana sales tax by $7 million annually to fund pandemic research, preparedness, and recovery.

• Denver, Colorado, Initiated Ordinance 301, Voter Approval Requirement for Commercial or Residential Development on City Park Lands Initiative (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported this measure requiring voter approval for commercial or residential development on city park lands or lands under a conservation easement.

A "no" vote opposed this measure requiring voter approval for commercial or residential development on city park lands or lands under a conservation easement.

• Denver, Colorado, Initiated Ordinance 302, Change Definition of Conservation Easement and Voter Approval Requirement for Commercial or Residential Development on City Park Lands Initiative (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported this measure requiring voter approval for residential or commercial construction on city park property or property protected by a conservation easement and amending the definition of conservation easement to apply only to those that have been approved by the Division of Conservation and that have received an income tax credit certificate, a definition that exempts the Park Hill Golf Course from the requirements.

A "no" vote opposed this measure requiring voter approval for residential or commercial construction on city park property or property protected by a conservation easement and amending the definition of conservation easement, exempting the Park Hill Golf Course from the requirements.

• Denver, Colorado, Initiated Ordinance 303, Require Enforcement of Unauthorized Camping and Authorize the City of Denver to Create Four Camping Locations on Public Property Initiative (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported requiring the city to enforce unauthorized camping, and allowing the city to establish up to four authorized camping locations on public property with lighting, running water, and restroom facilities to support the homeless population of the city.

A "no" vote opposed requiring the city to enforce unauthorized camping, and allowing the city to establish up to four authorized camping locations on public property with lighting, running water, and restroom facilities to support the homeless population of the city.

• Denver, Colorado, Initiated Ordinance 304, Limit Denver Sales and Use Tax Rate to 4.5% Initiative (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported lowering the sales and use tax rate in Denver from 4.81% to 4.5% and limiting the aggregate sales and use tax in Denver to 4.5%, thereby requiring the city to reduce sales and use taxes if Denver voters approve other tax increases to maintain the 4.5% cap.

A "no" vote opposed lowering the sales and use tax rate in Denver from 4.81% to 4.5% and limiting the aggregate sales and use tax in Denver to 4.5%.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2A, Denver Facilities System Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing Denver to issue $104.04 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions to the Denver Facilities System, such as at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Zoo.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing Denver to issue $104.04 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions to the Denver Facilities System, such as at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Zoo.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2B, Denver Housing and Sheltering System Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing Denver to issue $38.6 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions to the Denver Housing and Sheltering System.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing Denver to issue $38.6 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions to the Denver Housing and Sheltering System.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2C, Denver Transportation and Mobility System Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing Denver to issue $63.32 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions (such as a new walkway in downtown Denver) to the Denver Transportation and Mobility System.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing Denver to issue $63.32 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions (such as a new walkway in downtown Denver) to the Denver Transportation and Mobility System.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2D, Denver Parks and Recreation System Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported authorizing Denver to issue $54.07 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions to the Denver Parks and Recreation System.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing Denver to issue $54.07 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions to the Denver Parks and Recreation System.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2E, National Western Campus Facilities System Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported authorizing Denver to issue $190 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions (such as a new multi-use arena for concerts and sporting events) to the National Western Campus Facilities System.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing Denver to issue $190 million in bonds for repairs, improvements, and additions (such as a new multi-use arena for concerts and sporting events) to the National Western Campus Facilities System.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2F, Repeal 2020 Group Living Ordinance Charter Amendment (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported repealing Ordinance No. 2020-0888, known as the Group Living Ordinance, which amended the Denver Zoning Code and regulations concerning residential care facilities, corrections facilities locations, and the number of unrelated adults who can live together in one house.

A "no" vote supported upholding Ordinance No. 2020-0888, known as the Group Living Ordinance, which amended the Denver Zoning Code by (1) regulating residential care facilities by size instead of use; (2) allowing corrections facilities to be located in commercial and mixed-use zones with no buffer from residential and school zones; and (3) increasing the number of unrelated adults who can live together in one house from two to five.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2G, Allow Citizen Oversight Board to Appoint the Independent Monitor Charter Amendment (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported transferring the power to appoint the Independent Monitor to the The Office of the Independent Monitor, which is responsible for disciplinary investigations concerning the Denver police and sheriff’s departments, from the mayor to the Citizen Oversight Board.

A "no" vote opposed transferring the power to appoint the Independent Monitor to the The Office of the Independent Monitor, which is responsible for disciplinary investigations concerning the Denver police and sheriff’s departments, from the mayor to the Citizen Oversight Board.

• Denver, Colorado, Referred Question 2H, Change Odd-Year Denver Election Date from May to April Charter Amendment (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported changing the odd-year general election date for the City and County of Denver from the first Tuesday of May to the first Tuesday in April.

A "no" vote opposed changing the odd-year general election date for the City and County of Denver from the first Tuesday of May to the first Tuesday in April.

El Paso County

See also: El Paso County, Colorado ballot measures

• Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ballot Issue 2C, Sales Tax Increase for Trails, Open Spaces, and Parks Measure (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported increasing the city sales and use tax dedicated to trails, open spaces, and parks from 0.1% to 0.2%.

A "no" vote opposed increasing the city sales and use tax dedicated to trails, open spaces, and parks from 0.1% to 0.2%.

• Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ballot Issue 2D, Retain $20 Million for City and Regional Wildfire Protection and Prevention Program Measure (November 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported allowing the city of Colorado Springs to retain and spend $20 million in revenue to create a city and regional wildfire mitigation and prevention program.

A "no" vote opposed allowing the city of Colorado Springs to retain and spend $20 million in revenue to create a city and regional wildfire mitigation and prevention program.

• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, Ballot Issue 4B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported allowing School District 11 to issue $350 million in bonds for school facilities construction and capital improvements.

A "no" vote opposed allowing School District 11 to issue $350 million in bonds for school facilities construction and capital improvements.

• El Paso County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Retain Revenue Above TABOR Limit up to the County Revenue Cap and Spend $15 Million on Roads and Park Projects Measure (November 2021):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported allowing the county of El Paso to retain and spend revenue above the TABOR limit, but below the county revenue cap, with the $15 million in revenue dedicated to roadway improvements and parks projects.

A "no" vote opposed allowing the county of El Paso to retain and spend revenue above the TABOR limit, but below the county revenue cap, with the $15 million in revenue dedicated to roadway improvements and parks projects.

April 6

Voters in Colorado Springs decided one local charter amendment concerning the length of ballot titles for tax or bonded debt increase questions.

El Paso County

See also: El Paso County, Colorado ballot measures

• Colorado Springs, Colorado, Issue 1, Ballot Title Length Charter Amendment (April 2021):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported amending the Colorado City charter to allow ballot titles for tax or bonded debt increases to exceed thirty words.

A "no" vote opposed amending the Colorado City charter to allow ballot titles for tax or bonded debt increases to exceed thirty words.

Statewide ballot measures

See also: Colorado 2021 ballot measures

Click here to read about statewide ballot measures in Colorado in 2021.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Colorado

Click "Show" to learn more about voter registration, identification requirements, and poll times in Colorado.

How to cast a vote in Colorado

Poll times In Colorado, polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time for those who choose to vote in person rather than by mail. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote. Registration Check your voter registration status here. In Colorado, an individual can pre-register to vote if they are at least 15 years old. Voters must be at least 18 years old to vote in any election. A voter must be a citizen of the United States and have established residence in Colorado to vote. Colorado voters can register to vote through Election Day. However, in order to automatically receive a absentee/mail-in ballot, a voter must register online, through the mail, at a voter registration agency, or driver's license examination facility at least eight days prior to Election Day. A voter that registers through a voter registration drive must submit their application no later than 22 days before the election to automatically receive an absentee/mail-in ballot. A voter can register online or submit a form in person or by fax, email, or mail. Automatic registration See also: Automatic voter registration Colorado automatically registers eligible individuals to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles and certain other state agencies. Online registration See also: Online voter registration Colorado has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website. Same-day registration See also: Same-day voter registration Colorado allows same-day voter registration for individuals who vote in person. Residency requirements Colorado law requires 22 days of residency in the state before a person may vote. Verification of citizenship See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States Colorado does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury. All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters. Verifying your registration The site Go Vote Colorado, run by the Colorado Secretary of State office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online. Voter ID requirements Colorado requires voters to present non-photo identification when voting in person. If voting by mail for the first, a voter may also need to return a photocopy of his or her identification with their mail-in ballot. Click here for more information. The following list of accepted forms of identification was current as of August 2025. Click here for the most current information, sourced directly from the Office of the Colorado Secretary of State. “ The following documents are acceptable forms of identification: A valid Colorado driver’s license or valid identification card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue. (Note: documents issued to not lawfully present and temporarily lawfully present individuals under Part 5 of Article 2 of Title 42, C.R.S. are not acceptable forms of identification.) A valid U.S. passport. A valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. government or of Colorado, or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of Colorado. A valid pilot’s license issued by the federal aviation administration or other authorized agency of the U.S. A valid U.S. military identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector. A copy of a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the elector. A Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood. A valid Medicare or Medicaid card issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate for the elector. Certified documentation of naturalization. A valid student identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by an institute of higher education in Colorado, as defined in section 23-3.1-102(5), C.R.S.. A valid veteran identification card issued by the U.S. department of veterans affairs veterans health administration with a photograph of the eligible elector. A valid identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government certifying tribal membership. Any form of identification listed above that shows your address must show a Colorado address to qualify as an acceptable form of identification. The following documents are also considered acceptable forms of identification for voting: Verification that a voter is a resident of a group residential facility, as defined in section 1-1-104(18.5), C.R.S. Verification that a voter is a person committed to the department of human services and confined and eligible to register and vote shall be considered sufficient identification of such person for the purposes of section 1-2-210.5, C.R.S. Written correspondence from the county sheriff or his or her designee to the county clerk indicating that a voter is confined in a county jail or detention facility. ” Note: SB 1, signed into law on May 12, 2025, specified that tribal IDs issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, or another federal agency were also valid identification.

Additional elections

See also: Colorado elections, 2021

Adams

November 2, 2021

• City elections in Aurora, Colorado (2021)
• Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Bennett School District, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Aurora Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Denver Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• St. Vrain Valley School District, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Adams School District 27J, Colorado, Ballot Issue 5A, Property Tax Increase for Education Funding Measure (November 2021)
• Adams School District 27J, Colorado, Ballot Issue 5B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021)

Arapahoe

November 2, 2021

• City elections in Aurora, Colorado (2021)
• Bennett School District, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Aurora Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Denver Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Arapahoe County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Parks and Trails Sales Tax Extension Measure (November 2021)

Colorado Springs

April 6, 2021

• City elections in Colorado Springs, Colorado (2021)

November 2, 2021

• Widefield School District 3, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Manitou Springs School District 14, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Academy School District 20, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Falcon School District 49, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Harrison School District Two, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, Ballot Issue 4B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021)
• El Paso County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Retain Revenue Above TABOR Limit up to the County Revenue Cap and Spend $15 Million on Roads and Park Projects Measure (November 2021)

Colorado Springs School District 11

April 6, 2021

• City elections in Colorado Springs, Colorado (2021)

November 2, 2021

• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Manitou Springs School District 14, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Academy School District 20, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Falcon School District 49, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Harrison School District Two, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, Ballot Issue 4B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021)
• El Paso County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Retain Revenue Above TABOR Limit up to the County Revenue Cap and Spend $15 Million on Roads and Park Projects Measure (November 2021)

Denver

November 2, 2021

• City elections in Aurora, Colorado (2021)
• Aurora Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Denver Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Adams School District 27J, Colorado, Ballot Issue 5A, Property Tax Increase for Education Funding Measure (November 2021)
• Adams School District 27J, Colorado, Ballot Issue 5B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021)
• Arapahoe County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Parks and Trails Sales Tax Extension Measure (November 2021)

El Paso

April 6, 2021

• City elections in Colorado Springs, Colorado (2021)

November 2, 2021

• Widefield School District 3, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Manitou Springs School District 14, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Academy School District 20, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Falcon School District 49, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Douglas County School District, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Harrison School District Two, Colorado, elections (2021)
• Colorado Springs School District 11, Colorado, Ballot Issue 4B, School Facilities Construction and Capital Improvements Bond Measure (November 2021)
• El Paso County, Colorado, Ballot Issue 1A, Retain Revenue Above TABOR Limit up to the County Revenue Cap and Spend $15 Million on Roads and Park Projects Measure (November 2021)

See also

• Local ballot measure elections in 2021
• Local charter amendments on the ballot