2025 Northern Colorado Ballot: Key Issues You Need to Know

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2025 Northern Colorado Ballot: Key Issues You Need to Know

The upcoming elections in Northern Colorado on November 4, 2025, will present voters with several significant local decisions. Although there are no federal or state races on the ballot this year, local issues, especially related to city governance and land use, will take center stage.

Key Ballot Measures in Northern Colorado

Fort Collins Mayoral Race

Fort Collins will have a new mayor, as incumbent Jeni Arndt is not seeking reelection after serving since 2021. The race features seven candidates, and voting will be conducted using ranked choice voting. The candidates include:

  • Tricia Canonico, City Council Member (District 3)
  • Adam Eggleston, Small Business Owner
  • Emily Frances, City Council Member (District 6) and Mayor Pro-Tem
  • Adam Hirschhorn, Community Advocate
  • Shirley Peel, Former City Council Member
  • Jeffery Shumway, Air Force Veteran and Former Police Officer
  • Scott VanTatenhove, Teacher in Poudre School District

Fort Collins Ballot Questions

Two important measures are on the Fort Collins ballot regarding the former Hughes Stadium site:

  • Ballot Question 2H: This measure proposes multi-use development of the site, including a bike park and a wildlife conservation center. It includes consultation with Native American tribes and designates a portion as a natural area.
  • Ballot Question 303: This citizen initiative seeks to preserve the entire site as a natural area. It supports low-impact recreational activities, including mountain biking and disc golf.

If both measures receive more than 50% approval, the one with the majority of “yes” votes will take precedence. Should neither pass, the city council will determine the site’s future.

Boulder County Tax Measures

Boulder County voters will consider several tax-related ballot measures:

  • Ballot Issue 1A: This measure seeks to permanently extend a 0.15% countywide tax to support open space management, which is set to expire in 2030.
  • Ballot Issue 1B: This initiative aims to create a new sales tax to fund mental and behavioral health resources.
  • Ballot Questions 2A and 2B: These questions propose making an existing 0.3% sales tax permanent for infrastructure improvements and trail maintenance.

Denver’s Flavored Tobacco Ban

In Denver, voters will decide on Referendum 310, which concerns a ban on flavored tobacco products. The city council previously approved this ban, but opponents gathered sufficient signatures to place it on the ballot. A vote in favor supports the ban, while a negative vote would repeal it. Proponents argue that flavored products target youth, whereas opponents express concern over potential impacts on local businesses.

Statewide Measures for School Meals

Coloradans will also vote on two statewide measures aimed at funding the Healthy School Meals for All program:

  • Proposition MM: This measure would raise taxes on individuals earning over $300,000 per year to ensure full funding for the school meals program.
  • Proposition LL: This initiative would permit Colorado to retain and utilize all surplus revenue generated for the school meals program.

The outcome of these measures will significantly impact local governance and community services in Northern Colorado, shaping the region’s development trajectory for years to come.