La Plata County voters should expect their ballots to begin arriving next week, said Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee.
About 44,500 ballots were mailed Friday, but Lee said the exact number is subject to change. Ballots continue to be sent until eight days before the election as people register to vote or change their addresses, she said.
Lee emphasized that since ballots are distributed out of Albuquerque, they may take several days to arrive – so don’t panic if they are not in the mailbox on Monday.
The Nov. 4 election asks voters to decide on school board members, two state ballot initiatives and a plethora of proposed tax increases across La Plata County.
A total of nine distinct ballots will be mailed, reflecting the variety of initiatives across municipalities, unincorporated areas and special districts.
State ballot Prop MM asks voters whether they want to approve a tax increase for individuals whose annual income exceeds $300,000 to fund healthy school meals for all public school students.
State ballot Prop LL asks voters to allow the state to keep and spend the excess tax revenue already collected from high-income earners in 2022 by the Healthy School Meals for All program.
Local tax questions include:
- La Plata County is asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax projected to raise $18 million in the first year.
- The city of Durango and the Durango Fire Protection District are seeking a coordinated 4.5 mill property tax increase to build and staff a new fire station in Three Springs, among other needs.
- The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District is proposing a 1% sales tax for staffing, training and equipment.
- The town of Bayfield has two questions: a 1% sales tax increase projected to generate $600,000 annually, and a 4% accommodations tax on short-term lodging, to be paid by visitors.
Voters in Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio school districts will also have a chance to weigh in on board elections.
Lee said she expects voter turnout to come it at 40%, significantly lower than years when midterms or presidential elections take place.
“During these off years, people just don’t get nearly as engaged,” she said. “… But I might be surprised, because people are pretty engaged in elections right now, so they might be more apt to vote – let’s hope.”
Voters can make address changes for the next several weeks, and can register to vote even on the day of the election. Voting centers will open Nov. 4 for people who register late or prefer to vote in person, Lee said.
Her parting reminder – get out and vote.
“Show us how opinionated you are. I want to know,” she said.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
