Denver Council Proposes Instant Runoff Voting Model and Voter Education Funding

The Alternative Voting Methods Task Force Meeting held by the League of Women Voters of Colorado on July 21, 2025, spotlighted the potential shift to instant runoff voting in Denver, a move that could save the city an estimated $2 million by eliminating costly runoff elections.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the proposal to implement instant runoff voting, which has already been successfully adopted in Boulder. Advocates argued that if Boulder can manage this voting method, Denver should be able to as well. “Why do you think Denver can't do it?” one participant emphasized, challenging skeptics of the proposal.

The financial implications of this change were a key focus. While the elimination of runoff elections could lead to significant savings, concerns were raised about the costs associated with voter education and licensing for the new voting system. “We need to be careful about saying we're gonna save a lot of money,” one member cautioned, referencing Boulder’s experience with high voter education expenses despite not having a runoff election.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the topic of vacancy elections, with suggestions to streamline the process by utilizing previous election ballots to fill council vacancies. This method, used in Cambridge, Massachusetts, allows for a more efficient transition when a council member vacates their seat.

As the Task Force continues to refine its proposals, the anticipated shift to instant runoff voting stands out as a significant potential reform for Denver's electoral process, promising both cost savings and a more efficient voting experience. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations of the proposals presented.