Breckenridge special election will aid council in marijuana-on-Main Street debate

The town of Breckenridge is holding a Special Election on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to ask registered voters whether retail marijuana stores should be permitted in the downtown area. The advisory ballot question states:

Yes or no: Should the Breckenridge Town Council enact a local ordinance that allows the retail sales of marijuana in the downtown area of Breckenridge subject to restrictions, such as:

• No more than five retail marijuana stores can be operated within the downtown area,

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• No retail marijuana store can be located on the ground floor of any structure,

• No more than one retail marijuana store can be located within any block.

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What is a Special Election?

An election called by the town council for submission of public questions that is not a regularly scheduled election.

What is the date of the special election?

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014.

Why a special election?

Due to public input, the council decided to put the issue to the voters, and the deadline for a submission for the general election on Nov. 4, 2014, had passed; therefore, a special election was called.

What is an Advisory Ballot Question?

An advisory ballot question is a non-binding method for town council to understand the opinion and desire of the voters.

What will the votes mean?

A “yes” vote means the Breckenridge Town Council will consider a change to the current town ordinance that would allow for the continued sale of retail marijuana in the downtown area with certain restrictions, such as those listed in the ballot question. A “no” vote means the council will consider adhering to the current town ordinance prohibiting retail marijuana stores in the downtown area and the current retail marijuana operation, Breckenridge Cannabis Club, must move out of downtown by Feb. 2, 2015.

How will I get my ballot?

If you are registered, you will receive your ballot by mail at the address registered. Ballots were scheduled to be mailed between Nov. 17 and Nov. 21.

What do I do with my ballot?

Mail-in ballots may be returned by mail or by hand delivery to Breckenridge Town Hall, 150 Ski Hill Road, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Mail-in ballots must be returned no later than 7 p.m. the day of the election to be counted.

What if I don’t get a ballot, lose my ballot or make a mistake?

Replacement ballots will be available at Breckenridge Town Hall, 150 Ski Hill Road, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). To request a replacement ballot you must be a registered voter in the town of Breckenridge. If you will be out of town during this time and would like to receive your ballot at a different location, you can request an absentee ballot by calling (970) 547-3127.

How do I register, update my registration, or find out if my registration is still on file?

Visit the Colorado Secretary of State’s website to check your current Colorado voter registration information, or to change your address or party affiliation. Breckenridge voters may also register to vote or change voter information at the Summit County Clerk and Recorder’s office, located at 208 East Lincoln Avenue in Breckenridge. For further information, contact the Summit County Elections Deputy at (970) 453-3479.

Where will the results be posted?

When results are verified, they will be posted on the town’s website (www.townofbreckenridge.com).

What if I have more questions?

Please contact the town clerk’s office at (970) 547-3127 or websiteclerk@townofbreckenridge.com.