Research Corner: Off-year elections

The upcoming elections are considered “off-year” elections, which take place in odd years and outside of midterm and presidential elections. These elections see much lower overall voter turnout, despite the considerable impact the outcomes have on the electorate’s day-to-day lives. While voter turnout may be affected by the timing of elections, Colorado's municipal elections are proudly nonpartisan and, as a result, avoid the political influences seen during state and federal elections. Take a look at the distribution of municipalities with even- or odd-year elections. Clicking on the chart below will open an interactive graphic.

Debt, revenue and spending, and tax

Whether an election is held in an even or odd year makes little difference for the success rate of ballot measures concerning debt, revenue and spending, and taxes, according to data collected by CML since 1993.

Ballot measures over time

This chart tracks changes in the distribution of ballot measures concerning debt, revenue and spending, and tax over the years.