Denver's Clerk & Recorder, Paul López, has called a press conference to address significant concerns regarding Mayor Mike Johnston's latest budget proposal, specifically about the funding of the Denver Clerk and Recorder's office for the upcoming year. At the heart of the matter is a shortfall of $4.5 million that López claims is crucial to adequately run the city's elections in 2026. This budget cut, he argues, will lead to the closure of polling centers and ballot drop boxes across Denver, potentially stifling the voter turnout in what is expected to be a contentious midterm election.
As obtained by the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office, López said, "Mayor Johnston’s 2026 budget proposal seeks to underfund the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s office by the $4.5 million necessary to run our elections in 2026. This proposal will decimate election operations in Denver by forcing the closure of polling centers and ballot drop boxes in every part of the city, jeopardizing voter turnout in what is expected to be a high-profile midterm election cycle."
The press conference is set to provide further details about the implications of the proposed budget cuts and López's plan to address the issue. The event will be held at the Denver Elections Division and is likely to attract stakeholders interested in maintaining Denver's election integrity and accessibility. Concerns voiced by López echo wider apprehensions about voter suppression and the barriers to casting a ballot that citizens across the nation have been facing in recent times.
