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Long ballot to add $140,000 in El Paso County election cost

Posted at 4:14 PM, Sep 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-11 21:58:14-04

EL PASO COUNTY- This November’s election is going to come with a bigger price tag in El Paso County.

With 13 statewide ballot questions, and many contested races, voters will have a lot of decisions to make.

All of the questions and races will also mean a 2 page ballot for El Paso County voters- the first time to happen in about 20 years according to the county.

With a longer ballot, Broerman says it’s going to cost taxpayers about an additional $140,000.

County officials estimate the total cost of this year’s election to come in around $1.6 million.

‘It is an additional expense, but hey, democracy isn’t free. It’s something that’s important and we want to ensure we spend the resources and get it done right,’ said El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Chuck Broerman.

The added cost will come out of the county’s general fund.

‘We do have those reserves to be able to pull in the event of that situation,’ said Broerman.

In addition to the 13 statewide initiatives, some municipalities, school districts, and special districts are going to the voters.

Still with the packed ballot, Broerman is confident that El Paso County voters will turn out for this election.

‘I think the various issues will bring people too because they like those issue,’ said Broerman, ‘I think it will all add up to a great turnout this election.’

Ballots will be mailed out on October 15th, if you need to update your address or register to vote- head to the link here.

RELATED: Colorado voters to decide on seven ballot initiatives in November