Voters choose Referendum 2, and say no to Referendum 1

Aspen voters have decided the fate of two referendums impacting the Entrance to Aspen. Referendum 2 passed with 1,369 votes in favor and 1,276 against, while Referendum 1 failed, with 952 votes in support and 1,652 opposed.

Referendum 1 proposed increasing the voter threshold for changes to city-owned parks and open spaces from a simple majority of 50% plus one to 60%. Supporters argued the amendment would ensure broader community consensus on critical land-use decisions, while opponents saw it as undemocratic, potentially allowing a minority to block changes.

Referendum 2 sought to amend Aspen’s Home Rule Charter, permitting the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to use portions of the Marolt and Thomas properties to realign Colorado Highway 82. The measure aligns with the 1998 Entrance to Aspen Record of Decision’s Preferred Alternative or any new option that could emerge from an updated Environmental Impact Statement.

Supporters of Referendum 2 urged voters to approve the measure, arguing that without it, the decades-long debate over the Entrance to Aspen would continue indefinitely. Opponents countered that the referendum would give CDOT unchecked access to all 79.5 acres of Marolt and Thomas Open Space — an assertion proponents called misleading, clarifying that only 2.9 acres would be affected.

Both referendums were hotly debated leading up to Tuesday’s election.

Neil Seigel, who was involved in the Referendum 1 campaign, acknowledged the outcome.

“Referendum 1 did not get the results we wanted, but Aspen’s Open Space is still protected with the Home Rule Charter,” Seigel said. “We were shooting for a higher number and we just didn’t get it. Open Space will still require a vote. We did not get the result with Referendum 2 that we wanted either.”

Looking ahead, Seigel said the legal process and CDOT’s next steps would determine what comes next, adding that the outcome may bring more confusion than clarity.