It's time to get engaged in local elections
Posted Jan. 24, 2025
by Sam Calkins
General Manager of Highlands Ranch Water
Our nation and the State of Colorado concluded the general election in November of last year. When people hear the word "election," their thoughts often jump to the presidential race. However, it’s important to note that another round of important elections for our community are just around the corner on May 6, 2025 – elections that have a great impact at the local level and ones that eligible electors should take some time to learn about.
Special district elections in Colorado take place on May 6 this year. Special districts affect many aspects of Coloradans’ lives, yet many people don’t know a lot about them. Voting in your special district elections is crucial because these districts manage essential services that directly impact your daily life, including water, wastewater, metropolitan services, parks and recreation, and fire protection. A special district is a local government entity that fills the gaps that may exist between the services counties provide and the services residents desire.
By participating in these elections, you have a say in how important services are provided and funded, ensuring they meet the specific needs of your community.
Special districts operate independently of local county or municipal governments, often with the authority to levy and collect taxes, issue bonds, or charge rates and fees to fund their operations. They are an essential part of local government because they address specific community needs efficiently and with focused expertise.
Participating in special district elections is democracy at work, and a great way to get involved at the local level and influence the decisions impacting your local community, neighbors, family and friends.
There are several reasons to vote in the upcoming elections:
- Voting allows you to directly impact local services; you can influence how services provided by a special district are supervised and managed here in Highlands Ranch.
- By voting in special district elections, you have a say in decisions that affect your property taxes and utility costs, helping to ensure they are operated in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
- Having your voice heard is important. Voter turnout in special district elections is typically low, meaning your vote carries significant weight. Your participation ensures elected board members truly represent the community's interests and priorities.
There are three special district elections taking place on May 6 that Highlands Ranch residents should consider taking part in: Highlands Ranch Water, Highlands Ranch Metro District and South Metro Fire Rescue. Each district has seats open on their elected board of directors. All authority for governing the districts lies with each board of directors.
I encourage you to take time to learn about the upcoming elections, research the candidates, and vote or run for a seat on one of the boards. Highlands Ranch Water and the Highlands Ranch Metro District are both running polling place elections. Eligible electors can vote in person on May 6 at the Hendrick Office Building at 62 Plaza Drive in Highlands Ranch, or you can request an absentee ballot to vote by mail in each election. You can find the application for absentee ballots on the district’s respective websites, and please note you’ll need to fill out a form for each district separately.
South Metro Fire Rescue is conducting a mail ballot election which means all eligible electors in regions with open board seats will receive a ballot by mail.
To learn more about these special district elections, download an Application for Absentee Ballot, or submit a Self-Nomination Form to run for a seat on a board, please visit the appropriate website for each district:
If there’s one message I’d like to leave you with, it’s this: special districts have an impact on your quality of life in Highlands Ranch and by voting you can help ensure their services meet your needs and the needs of your community. Your vote has a powerful impact on how services are delivered and funded, and I encourage you to get involved.