Boulder County voters make their voices heard in 2024 election

Democrats maintained their strong presence in Boulder County as voters made decisions on numerous races and ballot measures in the Nov. 5, 2024, election. From federal representation to local water district measures, residents weighed in on a wide array of candidates and issues.

Federal and State Representation

Democrat Joe Neguse secured another term as the U.S. Representative for the 2nd Congressional District. At the state level, Kathy Gebhardt won the race for State Board of Education Member in Congressional District 2, while Elliott Hood claimed victory as Regent of the University of Colorado At-Large.

The state legislature will see several familiar Democratic faces returning to office. Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Judy Amabile won their State Senate races in Districts 17 and 18, respectively. The State House delegation from Boulder County will include Junie Joseph (District 10), Karen McCormick (District 11), Kyle Brown (District 12), Jillaire McMillan (District 19), and Lesley Smith (District 49).

County Leadership

Boulder County voters re-elected Democrat Michael T. Dougherty as District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District. The County Commissioners will welcome back Claire Levy (District 1) and Marta Loachamin (District 2), while Jeff Martin secured the position of County Coroner. Karen Benker will serve as the Regional Transportation District Director for District I.

Judicial Retention

Voters supported retaining all judges on the ballot, including three Supreme Court Justices: Maria E. Berkenkotter, Brian D. Boatright, and Monica M. Marquez.

Five Court of Appeals Judges (Stephanie Dunn, Jerry N. Jones, W. Eric Kuhn, Gilbert M. Roman and Timothy J. Schutz) and four 20th Judicial District judges (J. Keith Collins, Robert R. Gunning, Dea Marie Lindsey, and Thomas Francis Mulvahill) along with Boulder County Court Judge Jonathon P. Martin, all received voter approval to remain on the bench.

Ballot Measures

The election saw mixed results for amendments and propositions. Amendment G passed, which will expand the property tax exemption for veterans with a disability and include those with unemployability status.

Also passed were Amendment H (judicial discipline procedures and confidentiality), Amendment I (constitutional bail exception for first degree murder), Amendment J (removing the ban on same-sex marriages), and Amendment 79 (constitutional right to abortion).

Amendment 80 failed. There will not be an amendment to the Colorado constitution establishing the right to school choice for children in kindergarten through 12th grade as did Amendment K (modifying constitutional election deadlines).

Proposition JJ (retaining additional sports betting tax revenue) and Proposition KK (firearms and ammunition excise tax), received voter approval.

Propositions that were rejected by voters were Proposition 127 (prohibiting bobcat, lynx, and mountain lion hunting) and Proposition 131 (establishing all-candidate primary and ranked choice voting general elections).

Voters approved Proposition 128 (parole eligibility for crimes of violence), Proposition 129 (establishing veterinary professional associates), and Proposition 130 (funding for law enforcement).

Local Issues

Local ballot measures found broad support among voters. The City of Longmont's Issue 3A to extend Longmont's current Open Space Sales and Use Tax passed, as did Ballot Question 2C to tie city council pay to the area median income starting in December 2026, and Ballot Question 2D allowing all nine councilmembers to meet privately in executive sessions under certain conditions.

However, Ballot Question 2E failed, which would have given the Longmont city council greater authority over setting term lengths and eligibility for certain city boards and commissions.

Education and transportation initiatives saw success, with St. Vrain Valley School District's Issue 5C (bond issue increasing debt by $739.8 million) and the Regional Transportation District's Issue 7A (allowing RTD to retain all its revenues) both passed.

The St. Vrain Left Hand Water Conservancy District's Issue 7C (a measure to permanently extend a sales tax that pays for the city to buy and maintain open space) and Homestead Public Improvement District's Issue 6D (asking whether residents of Gunbarrel's Homestead neighborhood may create a public improvement district to improve the roads in their neighborhood) also received voter approval.

This comprehensive election demonstrates Boulder County voters' continued engagement in local governance and their willingness to weigh in on a wide range of issues affecting their communities.

See all Colorado election results at here or go to https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CO/122598/web.345435/#/summary.