By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
Non-partisan elections of persons who sit on city councils, school districts, fire and water boards, and more, almost always are overshadowed in what is termed “down-ballot elections.”
One Rocky Mountain Voice reader, Chuck O’Reilly, has taken on the challenge to identify some of these elections in a multifaceted project in the area where he resides. Following is information on the project in Mr. O’Reilly’s words:
This project has multiple purposes.
- First, to analyze the nomination process of each district and timely information for voters of the process, so that those who wish to do so may become a candidate for the respective board in their area.
- Later, after the individuals qualify for the respective elections, I will discuss the ideology of all candidates so that voters may make a more informed choice as to who will represent them on those various boards.
- Finally, I will give advance notice of the dates of the elections of those nonpartisan districts.
The budgets of many of the nonpartisan entities are large and provide important services such as education, fire protection, clean water and sewage treatment. Most voters do not realize the amount of their tax dollars that go to “special districts” where the elections are labeled nonpartisan.
An analysis of my own property tax bill showed that 50% of my property taxes went to the school district (nonpartisan elections) and 20% of my property taxes went to the fire district (nonpartisan elections). A total of 70% of my property tax money went to so called non-partisan districts.
The budgets of these special districts are significant and deserve the attention this project is giving them. Members of the boards of these special districts receive valuable experience such as analyzing budgets and making policy decisions. The individuals running for these non-partisan offices are the “bench” for the Republican and Democratic parties. Many of the candidates that are successful on these boards will move on to higher offices.
These nonpartisan elections occur in either even or odd years and they occur either in the spring or in November of the year. Consequently, the nonpartisan elections are broken up into four different groups.
The first non-partisan district I would like to discuss is the RTD:
- For 2024, The RTD Board will manage projected revenues of $1.2 billion of which 75% ($932 million) will come from sales taxes paid by us, the taxpayers, while only 5% ($63 million) comes from fares of those who actually ride the RTD.
- The RTD is governed by a 15-member, publicly elected board of directors. Directors are elected to a four-year term and represent a specific district. On Nov. 5, 2024, the general election will see RTD directors elected from the following eight director Districts: A, D, E, F, G, H, I, M.
The four steps to become an RTD candidate are:
- First determine the RTD district in which you reside.
- Next, one must electronically submit a candidate affidavit.
- Apply for a petition.
- Before July 11, get more than 250 valid signatures.
The process required to become a candidate for the RTD Board is very detailed. I have documented this process so that one can complete it quickly. For assistance with the overall process email me with “RTD” in the subject box.