Ballot to Ban Cannabis Sales in Colorado Springs Falls Behind

Colorado Springs Ballot Measure to Ban Recreational Cannabis Sales Falls Behind as Results Come In

The proposal to ban recreational marijuana sales in Colorado Springs appears to be on the verge of defeat, as the latest unofficial ballot count shows a narrow margin opposing the measure. The measure, known as Ballot Question 2D, proposed a charter amendment to stop recreational marijuana sales in the city. According to the El Paso County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, as of Saturday evening, 2D is failing by a slim margin of 49.5% in favor to 50.5% opposed, with 118,571 votes for and 120,984 against.

The clerk’s office concluded its vote counting on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., but no races were officially called over the weekend. With the margin so close, questions remain over whether a recount could take place if the tight race persists, though the clerk’s office has not yet provided an answer.

Ballot Question 2D: A Narrow Defeat for the City Council-Backed Measure

Ballot Question 2D was supported by the Colorado Springs City Council and proposed a charter amendment to restrict the sale of recreational marijuana. Early in the week, 2D seemed poised for passage, but as more votes were counted, the trend shifted, ultimately showing more votes against the proposal. This close result suggests the measure may fail, depending on the final certification of votes.

Should 2D be defeated, it would represent a shift in public sentiment around recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs, as it would leave the door open for recreational sales in the city, in contrast to the council’s original intent to restrict them.

Ballot Question 300: Voters Approve Expanding Recreational Sales

While Ballot Question 2D appears likely to fail, another measure, Ballot Question 300, which would allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado Springs to expand into recreational sales, has gained approval. As of Saturday evening, Ballot Question 300 passed with a higher margin than earlier reported, with 54.64% of voters in favor and 45.36% opposed. This marks an increase from the mid-week results, which showed a narrower margin of 53.6% to 46.4%.

The unofficial vote count for Ballot Question 300 stands at 129,979 votes in favor and 107,888 votes against. This approval could potentially pave the way for Colorado Springs to join other Colorado cities in permitting recreational marijuana sales, expanding the existing market of medical dispensaries and potentially increasing revenue for the city.

Pending Certification and Next Steps

As of now, these results remain unofficial. Final certified results will not be available until all ballots are counted and verified, including those from military and overseas voters as well as those who need to “cure” their ballot. These ballots have until November 13 to be submitted, after which the clerk’s office will announce another final unofficial count on Thursday.

Official certification of the results is expected on November 27, once the Canvass Board completes its review and certifies the original vote count. Until then, these results remain subject to change, particularly given the narrow margin for Ballot Question 2D.

Voter Turnout and Ballot Processing in El Paso County

Voter turnout for this election in El Paso County was robust, with approximately 390,000 ballots returned, marking a 78% turnout rate. According to Kristi Ridlen, assistant clerk and recorder, 25-30 staff members were working over the weekend to process ballots and ensure accuracy. This high level of voter participation reflects significant public interest in the local marijuana policies and other key issues on the ballot.

Implications for Colorado Springs’ Cannabis Policy

The outcome of these ballot measures could have a significant impact on the future of marijuana policy in Colorado Springs. Should Ballot Question 2D’s failure hold, recreational marijuana sales would remain possible in the city, aligning with the broader trend in Colorado toward embracing recreational cannabis. The passage of Ballot Question 300 further supports this direction, allowing existing medical dispensaries the option to expand into recreational sales if they choose.

This potential shift toward recreational marijuana sales would also have economic implications, as the city could benefit from tax revenue generated by recreational cannabis, similar to other Colorado cities that have legalized recreational sales. With a significant portion of residents voting in favor of expanding recreational access, public sentiment appears to support a more inclusive approach to marijuana sales, despite the close call on Question 2D.

Final Results Awaited as Certification Approaches

As Colorado Springs residents await final results, the ongoing ballot tabulation and certification process remains a focal point. The certification will confirm the official stance of Colorado Springs on recreational marijuana, potentially concluding a key chapter in the city’s evolving approach to cannabis regulation. For now, the close results on 2D underscore the city’s divided opinions, while the approval of Question 300 hints at a gradual acceptance of recreational cannabis within city limits.

Final certified results, expected later this month, will ultimately determine the path forward for recreational marijuana sales in Colorado Springs and will signal either a continuation of the status quo or a new chapter of expanded cannabis commerce in the city.