Douglas County Commissioners formalize procedures for voter-initiated ballot measures

Did you know – Douglas County has not had a citizen-led petition initiative since 1994?  

With a successful voter-initiated petition qualifying for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election ballot, there is a need to update and document the County’s practices in line with current state law. 

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners adopted procedures for carrying out its responsibilities for voter-initiated ballot measures.  

Colorado law directs counties to follow, as nearly as practical, state procedures established for municipal initiatives. The resolution formalizes how Douglas County will set ballot titles and address challenges involving ballot titles, petitions and signatures. 

The resolution also outlines the Board’s responsibilities if voters pass an initiated measure. If the measure does not contain all the language needed to carry out its intent, the Board may adopt additional ordinances, resolutions, policies or contracts to implement it, unless prohibited by law. 

Read the full resolution here. 

What’s next
During an Administrative Meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Board directed staff to calculate the projected one-time and ongoing costs of increasing the number of commissioners from three to five. 

The Board also directed legal staff to explain its authority and responsibilities for setting the ballot title and addressing potential challenges. 

The Board will discuss that information during a Work Session at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27. The meeting will be open to the public, and, because it’s a working session among the Board and subject matter experts, there will not be public comment. The Board’s online weekly schedule has been updated. 

A Special Business Meeting to set the ballot title was also planned for 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. This meeting is open to the public, and there will be time for public comment. When the agenda is confirmed, Friday’s Special Business Meeting will be publicly posted. Meeting information and agendas are available online. 

This timeline allows for the 72-hour ballot-title challenge period while meeting the Sept. 4 ballot certification deadline. 

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