More than 40% of Denver’s active voters participated in the 2007 election - exceeding most expectations…and most of them said yes to increasing property taxes that will build and maintain city infrastructure. Tuesday’s all mail ballot election also decided 3 seats on the Denver Public Schools Board.

The Election Division reports of the nearly 210-thousand active, registered voters, more than 90-thousand of them returned ballots. A turnout of about 44 percent.

Of those voters, almost 55% approved Referred Question 1-A, a decision to permanently increase property taxes, by raising the mill levy by 2.5 mills. Officials say the increase will raise about $27 million dollars a year to maintain City parks, buildings, and roads. Typical homeowners whose property is valued at $225,000 can expect about $50 more a year in taxes.

The next 8 ballots issues also impact taxes and voters did pick and choose among them. Question 1B for Health and Human Services facilities passed easily with nearly 62 percent of the vote.

Question 1C will pay for maintenance on existing library facilities and build three new branches in Stapleton, Green Valley Ranch and west Denver. 1C passed at 60 percent clip.

Question 1D gives the City nearly 150-million dollars to repair streets, structures and increase road capacity. It also funds construction and expansion of the Cherry Creek Solid Waste Facility.

93-million dollars for Parks Facilities was approved above the 60 percent level. The money in Question 1E will pay for, among other things, maintenance, pools, playgrounds and land acquisition for new parks.

In Question 1F, 53 percent of voters approved 10 million dollars to be used for the repair and remodeling of the City and County Building , and the former city permit center at 14^th and Bannock.

Question 1G provides 60 million dollars for the renovation and repair of existing cultural facilities, including the Botanic Gardens, Boettcher Concert Hall, and the Museum of Nature and Science.

In the closest vote of the election, 1H approves money for new construction at cultural facilities, primarily Boettcher Concert Hall and the Museum of Nature and Science.

Public safety was an easy winner Question 1I provides 65 million dollars to construct renovate or replace facilities. Nearly 64 percent of voters approved this issue, with just 37 percent saying no.

Initiated Question 100 makes the private use and possession of marijuana by people 21 years or older the City’s lowest law-enforcement priority. It was easily approved by 57 percent of voters.

In the school board election, voters citywide elected Theresa Pena to fill the at-large seat for Denver Public Schools.

In District 1, Bruce Hoyt cruised to victory, receiving 65% of the vote over two challengers.

In a very tight race in School Board District 5, Arturo Jimenez topped his closest rival Tony Curcio by less than 200 votes.

Results are unofficial until the Election Division certifies the canvas on November 23rd.