Frederick voters will see a ballot question in 2026 asking whether the Town’s regular municipal election date should move from April to November in even-numbered years. If approved by voters, Town elections would be held on the same date as the statewide general election, allowing Frederick to participate in coordinated elections conducted by the Weld County Clerk and Recorder.
Why is the Town pursuing this change?
The proposed change is intended to:
- Increase voter participation
- Improve efficiency in government services
- Reduce election costs for the Town
Recent election data shows a significant difference in voter turnout between the April and November elections. In the April 2024 regular election, 1,242 votes were cast. In contrast, 4,438 votes were cast during the November 2023 coordinated election, an increase of 3,196 voters. By moving elections to November, the Town would be able to partner with the County to conduct them, reducing the Town staff's administrative workload and generating cost savings.
Recent elections also show that coordinating with the County costs significantly less than conducting a Town-run election. The coordinated election in 2023 cost approximately $15,400, compared to about $35,000 for the Town’s independent 2024 election, largely due to ballot printing and vote-counting equipment. While costs can vary by election, coordinating with the County could save the Town an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 per election.
What would happen to current and future trustee terms?
If voters approve the change:
- Trustees elected in 2024 would serve terms ending in November 2028, resulting in a one-time six-month extension.
- Trustees elected in 2026 would serve terms ending in November 2030, also reflecting a six-month extension.
Why does this decision require voter approval?
State law requires municipalities to ask voters before changing their regular election date. This ballot question allows Frederick residents to decide whether the Town should move its elections to November or continue holding them in April.
What happens after the election?
- If voters approve the ballot question, the Town will adopt an ordinance to implement the new November election schedule.
- If voters do not approve the measure, Town elections will continue to be held in April of even-numbered years.
Residents are encouraged to review the full ballot language and additional background information on the Town’s 2026 Ballot Question webpage before Election Day.