The Initiative and Referendum Process
Watch this month's Council Matters Online
How do questions that voters decide make it to the ballot?
As we approach another election season with a Primary election scheduled for August 12 and the General election for November 4TH, registered voters know that we cast our votes based upon what appears on a ballot. We have seen the primary and nominating processes at work for the candidates for elected office whose names appear on ballots.
But what about those other items we see on the ballot? How do they get on the ballot and who puts them there? In the past couple of months Denver City Council has been considering just those very questions. Some issues arrive on the ballot through the initiative and referendum processes. And in the August primary, Denver voters will consider an amendment to the City Charter concerning that very initiative and referendum process, and what Council’s role in the process will be.
What is the initiative and referendum process?
The initiative and referendum process is actually “Direct Democracy” or the constitutional right of the people to propose or reject laws directly in lieu of legislating through their elected representatives. It has been one of the cornerstones of Progressive Era reforms that began early in the 20th Century.
What will Denver voters be deciding in August?
The wording of the bill is: “Shall the Charter of the City and County of Denver be amended to require the Clerk and Recorder, upon certifying the sufficiency of any initiative or referendum petition, to submit the initiative or referendum directly to the registered electors of the City and County of Denver at the next scheduled citywide election, unless the City Council determines to call an earlier election?"
Voter will decide this question with a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote.
More Information:
More info on how City Government works:
denvergov.org Search – ‘About City Government’
More info on The City Charter of Denver:
denvergov.org Search – ‘Charter and Municipal Code’
On the next edition of Council Matters, join host Beverly Weaver and other distinguished members of City Council to take a look at City Council’s Priorities for 2008 – 2009 which target graffiti, neighborhoods and economic development.