Next round of votes show Aspen’s 2A, 2B, and 2C ballot measures passing

The city of Aspen has three ballot measures for this year’s election, which include a sales tax for affordable housing initiatives, an extension of a sales tax for daycare, and a motor vehicle tax, which approved would lower the existing rate, which goes toward roads and bridges.

The final results of Tuesday’s Aspen ballot questions show Issue 2A passing by a margin of 66.00%, or 2,628 votes for “yes,” to 34.00%, or 1,345 votes for “no,” which is 80.56% of the total eligible votes.

This measure proposes extending the existing 1% real estate transfer tax and 0.45% sales tax, which fund affordable housing and transportation initiatives in Aspen. It aims to address rising costs and growing demand for these services.

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City Council member John Doyle said that housing is something Aspen cannot take for granted.

“This measure was absolutely necessary to pass to continue funding, for what we sometimes take for granted, our housing,” Doyle said. “Housing is are largest funding source.”

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Issue 2B is also passing by a margin of 72.10%, or 2,943 votes for “yes,” to 27.90%, or 1,139 votes for “no,” which is 80.56% of the total eligibles votes.

Issue 2B proposes extending the existing 0.45% sales tax dedicated to affordable housing and child care. The tax, first approved in 2010, is set to expire in 2040. If extended, it would continue through 2050, ensuring ongoing funding for these critical services.

The tax supports the development, maintenance, and operation of affordable housing for Aspen’s workforce and provides financial assistance for local childcare services.

City Council member Ward Hauenstein said Ballot Measure 2B is a measure that Aspen needs to pass.

“In essence, it’s free money to the residents of Aspen and is put to good use,” said Hauenstein. “We need it to help with future housing and to help offset the cost of childcare.”

Finally, Issue 2C is passing by a margin of 85.36%, or 3,434 votes for “yes,” to 14.64%, or 589 votes for “no,” which is 80.56% of the total eligible votes.

Ballot Measure 2C proposes reclassifying the existing 2.4% sales tax on motor vehicles to a lower 2.1% use tax. 

This new tax would apply to the same vehicle transactions but at a reduced rate. 

The revenue generated from this use tax would be directed specifically toward road maintenance, bridges, and other transit-related infrastructure. 

If the measure does not pass, the current 2.4% sales tax on vehicle purchases will remain in place.

In 2022, Pitkin County had 13,735 active voters, where 9,725 ballots were cast, totaling a 70.8% voter turnout. This year’s election, being a presidential year, and issues such as airport ballot measures 200 and 1C, officials are expecting to see a higher turnout.

City Council member Sam Rose said that the three ballot initiatives that were put forward were not new taxes.

“These ballot measures were clarifying questions in order for the city to move forward into the future,” Rose said. “2A I think is the most important one, because it goes the distance for the lumberyard financing. 2C clarifies how we collect that tax, and it helps that it is reduced slightly.”

Aspen Mayor Torre said he is hopeful for a large voter turn out this year.

“I am hoping for numbers that eclipse the 70% Pitkin County voter participation we saw in 2022,” said Torre. “Hopefully, we see similar numbers that match the county turnout for the city of Aspen voters.”

Aspen City Council member Bill Guth agreed.

“The county seems to have done an excellent job,” said Guth. “The city had no role in administering this election, but I am grateful for the hard work election officials have put into making this a smooth election process.”

The three polling locations in Pitkin County were at the County Administration Building and Sheriff’s Office, Snowmass Town Hall, and Basalt Regional Library, which had no reported issues.

The final results, which were updated at 6:40 pm, 80.56% of the total eligible votes have been cast, totaling 11,208 votes out of 13,913 eligible voters.

The Aspen Times will update this story when further results become available.