Ballot Question Results

Arapahoe County Government will begin posting preliminary results shortly after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. View preliminary results for Ballot Question 302 here.

To view all preliminary election results for Arapahoe County, visit www.arapahoevotes.com.

Ballot Language

Charter Amendment Increasing the Number of City Council Votes to Fill a Council Vacancy, Requiring Election if Vacant over 30 Days

To guarantee a broader community consensus for appointments of vacated positions on City Council and to protect the interests of Englewood voters, shall there be an amendment to the City Charter Section 28 requiring a supermajority vote of no less than 75% of the remaining Council Members for the appointment of a vacated position, and if a vote cannot be reached within 30 days, and the vacancy occurs greater than 6 months from any general municipal election, such vacancy shall be referred to a special election for the respective unexpired term, otherwise the position will be held vacant until the next general municipal election?

Yes/For or No/Against

Explanation

This ballot initiative proposes an amendment to the Englewood City Charter regarding how vacancies on the City Council are filled. If passed, it would require a 75% supermajority of the remaining council members to appoint a replacement for any vacated seat. If a consensus cannot be reached within 30 days and the vacancy occurs more than six months before the next general election, a special election would be held to fill the position. If the vacancy occurs less than six months before the general election, the seat will remain vacant until that time. 

Pros

  • Broad Representation in Appointments: Ensures a broader consensus is needed to appoint replacements for vacant council member seats by requiring a supermajority vote. This enhances accountability and reflects a more representative viewpoint of the city council. Appointments made by a supermajority vote are more likely to reflect the diverse interests of the community and avoid politically motivated decisions.
  • Promotes Collaboration: Encourages compromise and collaboration among council members to seek candidates who have broader support within the council and among the community. This fosters a more cooperative decision-making process.
  • Cost Control and Timeliness: Maintains existing language by requiring the city council to reach a successful vote on vacancy appointments within 30 days but prevents a special election to fill a vacancy from occurring less than 6 months from a general municipal election. This will protect the city from unnecessary expenses, because the position will remain vacant during this 6-month period rather than requiring a city-funded special election.
  • Empowers Voters in Case of Deadlock: Guarantees Englewood voters the right to elect a replacement if the City Council fails to reach a consensus on a vacancy. This provision ensures that even in the event of a stalemate, the power ultimately lies with the Englewood voters.

Cons

  • Complexity and Lengthy Process: The proposed amendment introduces procedural challenges that could complicate and delay filling council vacancies Currently, requiring 4 out of 6 votes promotes efficient decision-making and supports good governance. Adding a supermajority requirement risks creating a 3-3 deadlock, which could result in months of inaction, stalling progress on important city matters.
  • Increased Costs for Special Elections: The current system allows for open applications and public interviews, ensuring transparency. A supermajority requirement could derail this process if one council member dissents, leading to a costly special election. These elections could cost taxpayers between $60,000 and $100,000 or more each time. It's in the taxpayers’ best interest for council to resolve vacancies through a simple majority, allowing the term to be filled until the next regularly scheduled election every two years.
  • Risk of Deadlock: The Charter was designed to address potential disagreements on the council. Requiring 5 out of 6 votes could cause extended deadlock when council is divided, leading to prolonged vacancies and delays in city business. A simple majority encourages compromise and keeps the council functioning efficiently.
  • Discourages Minority Opinions: A supermajority requirement could consolidate power with the majority faction, limiting the influence of minority viewpoints. The Charter aims to foster collaboration and compromise, but this amendment risks diminishing diverse perspectives, undermining balanced decision-making.