Cortez officials released details for the city’s April municipal election, where voters will elect four City Council members.
City Clerk Danielle Wells said the April 7 election will be similar to past years. The difference: Cortez will run it independently, not with Montezuma County.
Mancos and Dolores will do the same. Cortez officials outlined filing steps and key dates for residents interested in running.
“The only difference is we're not coordinating with Montezuma County. They've usually ran elections in the past,” she said. “The county notified the city that they are not available for the April 2026 election.”
The expiring seats are held by Dennis Spruell, Lydia DeHaven, Matthew Keefauver and Robert Dobry. Three seats carry four-year terms, and one carries a two-year term.
Residents interested in running can pick up paperwork starting Jan. 6 at the City Clerk’s office, at City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Ave. All seats are elected at-large and go to candidates with the most votes.
Candidates must be at least 21, a U.S. citizen and have lived in Cortez for 12 months before Election Day. Forms and signatures are due Jan. 26 by 5 p.m.
“The Clerk's Office will verify signatures. There needs to be 25 valid signatures in order for that candidate’s name to be put on the ballot,” she said.
Candidates winning the first-, second- and third-highest number of votes serve four-year terms, and the fourth-place candidate serves two years.
April’s election will be conducted by mail ballot, and residents may return ballots to City Hall’s 24-hour drop box, which will be open until 7 p.m. April 7.
Kelly Codner, the city’s public information officer, said voters choosing to mail their ballots should send them early because ballots received after Election Day won’t count.
The city will mail ballots March 16, Wells said. She urged voters to confirm their registration information before ballots go out.
“Double check at GoVoteColorado.gov and update registration and mailing address,” she said. “The more up-to-date information we have from voters, the better chance they'll get their ballot.”
Wells said ensuring voters receive their ballots is a priority. At GoVoteColorado.gov, residents can check ballot status or confirm registration details.
“We want people to make sure their registration status is ‘active,’ and that their address is correct,” Codner said. There may be two addresses listed if mailing and residential locations differ.
“We really want them to get their ballot the first time around,” Wells said. “Give them as much time as possible to see their ballot and vote.”
She added even minor changes can cause problems. “Sometimes, people close their PO boxes or change their number or, you know, just even move down the street.”
If residents do not receive a ballot, they should visit City Hall for a replacement.
The City Hall drop box will open after ballots are mailed. The usual county ballot drop box will not be open for this election. Voters may register, update their address or vote through Election Day.
No additional municipal questions have been approved.
“There may be some questions, but there's no official language that council has approved yet,” Wells said. Any measures added will likely be introduced at January meetings.
The city’s election notice emphasizes that municipal elections give residents direct influence over budgets, projects and community programs.
The town of Dolores will hold its regular municipal election on the same day. Voters will elect a mayor and three board positions. Candidates can begin circulating nomination petitions Jan. 6 and must file them by Jan. 26 at 5 p.m.
To qualify, candidates must be at least 18, registered to vote and a Dolores resident for 12 consecutive months.
This story has been updated to provide clearer guidance on how voters can verify their information and return their ballots.
