By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
Writing the rules that will shape Douglas County’s future might sound like a job you’d rely on lawmakers to handle. But in this case, it could be your neighbor, your coworker – or you.
Anyone interested in serving on the proposed Home Rule Charter Commission has until 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24 to turn in a nominating petition (https://www.douglas.co.us/june-2025-special-election-asks-douglas-county-voters-about-home-rule-charter-commission/).
The commission will only move forward if voters approve it during the June 24 special election. If it passes, residents will also select who fills the 21 available seats—six from each of the county’s three commissioner districts, and three at-large (https://www.douglas.co.us/elections/june-2025-douglas-county-special-election).
Petition process now underway
To secure a spot on the ballot, interested residents must collect a minimum of 25 signatures from registered Douglas County voters who live and are eligible to vote in the same district.
“Once complete, the petition must be physically turned in to the Douglas County Elections located at 125 Stephanie Place, Castle Rock no later than 5pm 4/24/2025. Electronic copies and late submissions will not be accepted,” according to the official petition document for District 2 candidates.
The Candidate Nomination Petition forms for the Douglas County Home Rule Charter Commission must be printed on legal-size paper, stapled into a single packet and delivered as hard copies (https://www.douglas.co.us/elections/june-2025-douglas-county-special-election).
Those interested in serving can request a nomination packet by contacting [email protected] or visiting the Elections Office in person.
Election timing and commission duties
The Charter Commission would begin its work only if voters approve its formation during the June 24 Special Election.
If approved, commissioners would hold their first meeting within 30 days. The commission would have 240 days from its first meeting to draft a proposed Home Rule Charter. That document would go to voters in a second countywide election on November 4 (https://www.douglas.co.us/board-county-commissioners/home-rule-charter/).
If voters approve the charter, it would take effect on January 1, 2026.
Candidate eligibility and nonpartisan nature
To be eligible, candidates must be registered voters in Douglas County and run in the district they reside in – or as an at-large candidate. Unlike other county races, commission candidacy is considered nonpartisan.
“Serving on the Commission is not an elected office and the Colorado Secretary of State’s office has advised Douglas County that campaign finance reporting does not apply to Commission candidates,” the county’s election guidance states (https://www.douglas.co.us/elections/june-2025-douglas-county-special-election).
The county’s three commissioner districts are listed on its GIS website (https://apps.douglas.co.us/gis/STDMaps/Commissioner).
Charter powers—and limitations
If a charter is drafted and adopted, it may reshape the internal structure of county government, including how officials are appointed or elected, how departments are organized and how local ordinances are created.
However, a charter does not release the county from obligations imposed by state law.
“A county home rule charter does not provide the ‘functional’ home rule powers found in municipal charters, and… a home rule county must continue to provide the county services required by law,” according to a 2020 issue brief from the Colorado Legislative Council Staff.
State-mandated responsibilities include public health, law enforcement, jails, transportation infrastructure and social services.
Key deadlines at a glance
- Candidate petition deadline: Thursday, April 24, at 5 p.m.
- Special Election date: Tuesday, June 24
- Proposed charter language deadline (if commission forms): Friday, September 5
- Charter adoption election (if proposed): Tuesday, November 4
For official information, visit https://www.douglasvotes.com or email [email protected].