Special Elections

On June 1, 2026, Councilmember At-Large Sarah Parady announced her intention to formally resign on August 5, 2026.

Should Denver City Council announce via resolution on that date that an At-Large seat is vacant, Denver Elections will hold a Special Election to fill that seat in conjunction with the General Election on November 3, 2026.  

 

Contribution Limits

Non-FEF Candidates 
• Individuals and PACs: Up to $835 
• Small Donor Committees (SDCs): Up to $8,350 

FEF Candidates 
• Individuals: Up to $415 
• Small Donor Committees (SDCs): Up to $4,150

 

Fair Elections Fund (FEF) Requirements

To qualify for public matching funds, candidates must: 
• File a candidate affidavit for the vacant office 
• File an FEF Intent Form in SearchLight 
• Collect 100 qualifying contributions 
• Submit an FEF application by September 4, 2026 

Qualifying contributions must be collected between August 5 and September 4, 2026. 

Maximum Public Funding Available: Up to $298,365 per candidate 

Fair Elections Fund Payment Schedule

First Disbursement: Within 10 days of the August Campaign Finance Report due date.

Final Disbursement: After the September Campaign Finance Report and no later than October 20, 2026.

 

Candidate Debates

There is no debate requirement for candidates participating in the Fair Elections Fund during a special vacancy election.

 

Already Running for a 2027 Municipal Office?

Vacancy election contribution limits are separate from 2027 limits. 

Existing candidate committee funds may be transferred to a new committee. 

New FEF qualification is required, including a new application and 100 new qualifying contributions. 

FEF funds received for the 2027 election cannot be used in the vacancy election. 

Special Election FAQs

What are the qualifications to run? 
Candidate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the City and County of Denver for the two (2) years immediately preceding the member’s election, a qualified elector of the City and County of Denver, at least twenty-five (25) years of age by the date of the election. 

No person who has been convicted of willful evasion of City or State taxes; or who has been convicted of malfeasance in office, bribery or other corrupt practices, shall be qualified for membership in the Council. 

Do I need to run for the vacancy if I am already running for the 2027 election? 
No. It is your choice whether to run for the vacant office.  

When can I file for the office? 
When City Council declares a vacancy election (tentatively August 5, 2026), filing for the vacant office will open. 

When can I pick up petitions?  
When City Council declares a vacancy election (tentatively August 5, 2026), petitions for the vacant office will open.  

How many signatures are needed to qualify for the ballot?  
Petitions for Councilmember-at-large need 300 valid signatures for ballot access.   

When is the deadline to turn in petitions?
Should City Council declare a vacancy election on August 5, 2026, petitions would tentatively be due no later than August 20, 2026. 
For information on petition circulation requirements, please view Step 4 of the 2027 Municipal Candidate Guide. 

Will there be a runoff election? 
No. The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes at said election shall qualify and take such office immediately. 

How long will the winning candidate serve in office? 
The winner of the vacancy election fills the remainder of the vacating member’s term.

Special Election Sample Ballots

This section is coming soon

Need Help? 
The Denver Clerk & Recorder’s Office provides candidate resources, training, and filing support through the SearchLight disclosure system. 

For procedural questions regarding ballot access, email elections@denvergov.org or call 720-913-8683 (VOTE). 

Review the 2027 Municipal Candidate Guide containing general information about municipal elections in Denver, however, please note the differences highlighted above related to the vacancy election. 


 

Denver Elections Division

Call: 720-913-VOTE (8683)  Text: 56003
Hearing Impaired only (TTY): 720-913-8657
200 W. 14th Ave., Denver, CO 80204
elections@denvergov.org
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