Aurora voters decide whether city elections move to even years starting in 2030

Aurora voters will decide Ballot Question 3D, a measure that would move city elections to even year ballots starting in 2030 and align them with state and federal races.

Aurora voters will decide whether to move city elections from odd years to even years starting in 2030 under Ballot Question 3D. The charter change would place Aurora municipal races on the same ballot as state and federal contests. The measure appears on the November ballot and would not take effect immediately if approved. The first election cycle affected would begin in 2030. Current officeholders and city election officials would have several years to adjust terms and scheduling.

Supporters of the change say even year elections would draw more voters to Aurora races because they would appear alongside higher turnout statewide and national elections. They argue that moving municipal contests to the same ballot as better known races would reduce confusion and increase participation in city elections. Turnout in those elections is often lower than in presidential or midterm years.

Opponents argue that Aurora elections could lose attention if they are grouped with state and federal contests that dominate voter attention and campaign spending. They say local issues, city council races and municipal ballot measures could be overlooked when voters are also deciding candidates for Congress, the Colorado Legislature or statewide offices.

If Ballot Question 3D passes, Aurora would join other Colorado municipalities that have moved local elections to even years to increase turnout. If it fails, Aurora city elections would remain in odd years under the current schedule. City officials will certify the election results after all ballots are counted. If approved, the change would apply beginning with the 2030 election cycle.