Election watchers expect at least 50,000 votes to be cast in Denver’s municipal election today, fueled by a steady stream of absentee ballots.
As of Monday, the Denver Election Commission reported receiving 26,027 absentee ballots from voters out of 37,141 requested.
“If you already have half your vote in the bank, then all you need is another 25,000 and you get that (50,000),” pollster Floyd Ciruli said.
Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Denver voters will consider two issues:
Referendum 1A proposes that Denver issue $378 million in bonds to finance construction of a justice center – including 1,500 jail beds and 35 courtrooms – on the 400 and 500 blocks of West Colfax Avenue.
Referendum 1B proposes that Denver’s charter be revised to allow it to hire Glendale’s firefighters. Denver and Glendale have agreed to a deal in which Denver will provide fire-protection services in Glendale for $1 million this year and $1.8 million a year for the next six years. Glendale will rent its fire station to Denver for $1 a year. However, the deal cannot be completed if 1B fails.
Those who wish to vote today by absentee ballot still may drop off their ballots at any of six Safeway sites or at the Election Commission office – but no longer by dropping them in the mail.
The Safeway sites are: 1955 S. Sheridan Blvd.; 6460 E. Yale Ave.; 2150 S. Downing St.; 2660 Federal Blvd.; 4884 Chambers Road; and 3880 W. 44th Ave. Absentee ballots also can be dropped off at the Election Commission’s lobby, at 200 W. 14th Ave., and at a drive- through location on West 14th Avenue between Cherokee and Bannock streets.
