Colorado voters turned out on November 4, 2025, for a coordinated election that saw heated contests over school funding, local government seats, and a slate of ballot measures that could reshape everything from property taxes to public health policy. With unofficial results now posted, the state is already buzzing about what these outcomes mean for the year ahead.
Unofficial Results: What’s In, What’s Still Counting
As of Wednesday evening, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office has released unofficial statewide results for the 2025 Coordinated Election. These results, updated throughout election night, provide a first look at how Coloradans voted on key issues and local races, though final certification won’t come until later this month.
Douglas County, one of the state’s political bellwethers, posted its own unofficial results shortly after polls closed at 7 p.m., with additional updates at 9 p.m. and later in the evening. Like other counties, Douglas must report complete results to the Secretary of State within 10 days, with final certification due by the 22nd day after the election.
Key Ballot Measures: School Lunches and Property Taxes
One of the most closely watched statewide propositions was a measure to expand free school lunches for all public school students, funded by a modest increase in state income taxes for high earners. Early returns show the measure passing by a narrow margin, reflecting both strong support from education advocates and concerns from fiscal conservatives about new tax burdens.
Another hot-button issue: a proposal to cap property tax increases for homeowners. The measure, which drew fierce debate from local governments and taxpayer groups, appears to be failing, with a majority of voters siding with arguments that caps could threaten funding for schools and emergency services.
Local Races: New Faces in City Halls and School Boards
Across Colorado’s cities and counties, voters selected new mayors, city council members, and school board representatives. In Denver, a progressive slate of school board candidates appears to have swept the field, signaling a shift toward more robust funding and equity initiatives in the state’s largest district.
Douglas County’s school board race, meanwhile, was a nail-biter, with candidates backed by parent advocacy groups edging out incumbents in several districts. These results could have major implications for curriculum decisions and district policies in the coming year.
What’s Next: Certification, Recounts, and Policy Shifts
While most races and measures have clear outcomes, a handful remain too close to call and could trigger automatic recounts under state law. Counties have until November 14 to report complete results, and the Secretary of State will certify the final vote tallies by November 26.
Political analysts say the 2025 election results reflect Colorado’s ongoing debates over education, taxation, and local governance. With new faces in office and fresh mandates from voters, expect spirited policy debates—and possibly more ballot measures—heading into 2026.
How to Stay Updated
For the latest, most accurate results, voters are encouraged to check the Colorado Secretary of State’s official election results page, which updates as counties finalize their counts. Local county websites, such as DouglasVotes.com, also provide detailed breakdowns and contact information for election officials.
Sources
1. Douglas County 2025 Coordinated Election Unofficial Results
2. Hotlist news - FeedLand
3. Election Results & Data - Colorado Secretary of State
4. Election Results 2025: Colorado & Denver - YouTube
