With Election Day just around the corner on Nov. 3, we want to make sure all members of Team DPS have the information needed to practice your civic duty while also following guidelines that apply to public employees.
The most important message we can share is: Have a voice and vote!
While using your voice, please review our DPS Employee Manual beginning on page 12 to see the legal "do"s and "don't"s of election season, and see below for a few examples:
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Can I donate my own money or walk in support of a ballot initiative or candidate I believe in? Answer: Yes, as long as it is outside of work time and not using district resources.
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Can I collect money from colleagues at work in support of a ballot initiative or candidate? Answer: No.
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Can I print copies of a flier supporting a ballot initiative or candidate on a school/district copy machine? Even after work hours? Answer: No.
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Can I wear a campaign t-shirt, hat or button or display campaign materials at work? Answer: No.
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What if someone asks me questions about a ballot initiative or candidate -- can I answer if I'm at work? Answer: Yes, but it's complicated. Look to the employee manual for guidance.
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Can I use district email to advocate for a ballot initiative or candidate? Answer: No.
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Can I send unsolicited emails to district email addresses to advocate for a candidate, as long as I do that from my personal email? Answer: No.
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Can I use my personal social media accounts outside of work hours to advocate for a ballot initiative? Answer: Yes.
DPS Mill Levy and Bond
Many of you have questions about issues on the ballot that are relevant to DPS. This November’s ballot contains two initiatives that will directly impact DPS: the “Debt Free Schools” Mill Levy (initiative 4A) and the Bond Measure (initiative 4B). If approved by voters, critical funding would go toward capital improvement projects and operational expenses, including school cooling and air conditioning, ECE program expansion, nursing and mental health supports, cost-of-living increases for teachers, and much more. Click here for a closer look at how funding would be allocated across the district and at specific schools and here for the official language and pros and cons regarding the mill levy and bond.
Other Election Resources
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Make sure your registration is up to date -- ballots will be mailed to all active voters beginning Oct. 9. Visit GoVoteColorado.gov to register or update your address.
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Did you know you can track your ballot? Casting your mail ballot is safe and secure -- get notifications via email or text about when your ballot is on its way to you and when it's been received for counting. Sign up at BallotTRACE.org.
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In Denver, your ballot will automatically be mailed to you beginning Oct. 9. Return it by Nov. 3 at a 24-hour drop box, drive-through or by mail; or vote in person beginning Oct. 19. As a reminder, Oct. 19-20 are non-student-contact days; you can work with your supervisor for time to vote in person on those days if you need to. Find locations at DenverVotes.org/VoterInfo. Need a new ballot? Use Denver's new curbside pick-up service or call 311.
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See more resources for our youngest voters, including those who are turning 18 by Nov. 3, here.
