Denver Clerk and Recorder Seeks Budget Amendment to Ensure Voter Access

Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López has requested that the City Council consider an amendment to the mayor's 2026 budget proposal to increase funding for his office. López is seeking $4.5 million to run elections in 2026, citing a 9% rise in voter registration, a 30% increase in the cost of printing and mailing ballots, and the impact of Denver's minimum wage increase. Without this additional funding, López warned that the city would have to reduce voter drop boxes and polling centers, potentially impacting the fairness and security of elections. The City Council will consider the proposed budget amendment during their formal budget meetings, with a public hearing scheduled for October 27.

Key Takeaways:

• López is seeking an amendment to the mayor's 2026 budget proposal to increase funding for his office by $4.5 million to ensure voter access.
• López cited a 9% rise in voter registration, a 30% increase in the cost of printing and mailing ballots, and the impact of Denver's minimum wage increase as reasons for the increased funding request.
• Without the additional funding, López warned that the city would have to reduce voter drop boxes and polling centers, potentially impacting the fairness and security of elections.
• López's office has argued that the Denver Charter requires the City Council to appropriate sufficient funds to enable the Clerk and Recorder to fulfill any duty or meet any requirement or obligation imposed by state law.
• A $4.5 million shortfall would result in the closure of 12 of 17 polling centers and 8 drop boxes for the primary election, and the loss of one polling place and 300 election judges for the general and midterm elections.
• The City Council will consider the proposed budget amendment during their formal budget meetings, with a public hearing scheduled for October 27.

Statistics:

• Voter registration increased by 9% in anticipated 2026 elections.
• Cost of printing and mailing ballots increased by 30% in anticipated 2026 elections.
• Denver's minimum wage increase has impacted the cost of conducting elections.
• 12 out of 17 polling centers would be closed without the additional funding.
• 8 drop boxes would be closed without the additional funding.
• 300 election judges would be lost without the additional funding.
• One polling place would be lost without the additional funding for the general and midterm elections.

Sources:

• The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.): "Denver Clerk and Recorder seeks $4.5 million for elections".
• The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.): "Denver Clerk and Recorder argues budget 'mismap'".