Denver has long been recognized as a pioneer in the improvement of election processes, establishing an election system that is both accessible and secure.
Over the last two decades, the city has garnered attention for its innovative approaches to elections, attracting inspiration from other states and cities looking to replicate its successes.
Amber McReynolds, who holds significant experience in election management, has played a crucial role in this transformation.
Since taking over as deputy director of elections in 2007 and later as director in 2011, McReynolds was confronted with numerous challenges, including outdated voting equipment and strained budgets, which made providing a satisfactory voter experience difficult.
However, with a dedicated team, innovative solutions were introduced to enhance the efficiency and security of elections.
A significant initiative was the implementation of a revamped paper ballot voting system, introduced through collaboration with a vendor.
The elections office also rolled out ballot tracking, allowing voters to stay informed regarding the status of their ballots— from mailing to counting.
In an effort to create a modern and effective electoral framework, McReynolds and her team developed a digital petition application.
This initiative not only streamlined the candidate experience but also enhanced the security and accessibility of petition signing for voters.
Moreover, Denver expanded voting options, including facilitating at-home voting and establishing vote centers, as well as secure methods for ballot return.
These advancements, including drop boxes and drive-up drop-off locations, have been adopted on a national scale, showcasing Denver’s leadership in election reform.
As a result of these initiatives, Denver has received recognition on both national and international levels, becoming a model for election reform characterized by accessibility and trust.
However, recent decisions by the Denver City Council have provided a counterpoint to this progress.
The council’s vote to block a proposal aimed at allowing voters to choose whether to implement an instant run-off voting system was met with disappointment.
Proponents argue that instant run-off processes with ranked choice voting could provide cost savings, foster more civil campaigning, and broaden voter options.
The lack of support for this proposal forced McReynolds to reflect on the future of Denver’s governance.
It triggered an opportunity to assess the broader electoral landscape and propose a series of reforms aimed at enhancing Denver’s representative democracy.
In her vision, McReynolds proposes three significant changes to improve municipal voting efficiency and inclusivity.
First, she advocates for implementing an instant run-off voting system with ranked choice voting, which would not only modernize the election process but also significantly reduce unnecessary runoff costs.
This method allows voters to rank candidates, ensuring their votes count toward subsequent choices if their first preferences are not successful.
Such an approach is seen as a way to encourage candidates to appeal to a wider electorate and diminish negative campaigning—an essential factor for a city known for its innovative aspirations.
Second, McReynolds suggests moving municipal elections from the historically low-turnout spring months to the higher-turnout November odd-year elections.
This change is expected to amplify voter participation and consolidate local leadership races, including school board elections, onto a single ballot.
Not only would this approach engage more citizens in the democratic process, but it could also yield an estimated saving of $6 million for taxpayers each election cycle.
While the transition would necessitate charter changes and budget cycle adjustments, these challenges can be addressed in pursuit of a more engaged electorate.
Lastly, she recommends staggered terms for City Council members.
This would prevent sudden, sweeping changes in governance and maintain institutional memory while promoting stability.
Staggering terms is a practice prevalent in many governance models and is seen as a way to equip the city to address long-term challenges effectively.
Advancing these vital reforms is imperative for Denver, a city that continues to evolve in response to increasingly complex challenges.
Communities expect a government that is not only modern and efficient but also capable of responding to their needs effectively.
The current election structures, rooted in past frameworks, must adapt to meet contemporary demands.
While the inability to pass the recent instant run-off proposal is disappointing, it serves as a catalyst for broader discussions about meaningful reforms in Denver’s governance.
This moment should galvanize residents, civic and business leaders, and policymakers to unite for a livelier democracy in the city they cherish.
Denver is poised for leadership once more, and to honor its legacy of innovation, the community must come together to take bold strides towards progress.
image source from：coloradosun
