Aspen prepares for election season as ballot lottery determines candidate order

Aspen City Hall.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times Aspen’s upcoming municipal election gained clarity on Wednesday as the city clerk’s office conducted a double-random selection lottery to determine the order of candidates on the ballot. The process, rooted in fairness and transparency, set the stage for the city’s voters to decide on key leadership positions for both the City Council and mayor. Seven candidates are vying for seats on the City Council. The random draw determined the following order for the ballot: The lottery procedure involved assigning each candidate a random number from balls kicked out randomly from a machine, followed by a second draw of these balls to determine the candidates’ sequence on the ballot. The names were finalized after all balls were returned to the bin for the second draw to ensure impartiality. The mayoral race, which features two prominent candidates, also followed the double-random selection method. The resulting ballot order is: Each candidate’s placement was decided through a two-stage process, with a random draw first assigning a number to each contender, followed by a draw to finalize their order. The ballot order lottery marks a significant milestone in Aspen’s democratic process as voters prepare to assess the candidates’ platforms. The mix of seasoned leaders and new voices promises a vibrant election season, according to Woolley. “The atmosphere was very cordial at the ballot lottery, and it was really good to see smiling faces and so many young women interested in politics,” he said. “I was raised by women, so that was reassuring, especially considering our current City Council situation.” He said he was impressed with city staff to ensure the process was fair. “I hope the ballot order does not matter and that the electorate is as informed and engaged in the electoral process as I hope they are because our democracy and community stands in the balance,” he said. “Regardless of who the candidates are, I am really inspired by how many people are running this term.” City Council member and candidate Doyle said that the first or the last position on the ballot are the best places to be, in his opinion. “The two best spots to have your name are the very top or the very bottom, although that is a very small part of getting elected,” he said. “I am pleased that I have received one of the two best positions, but where my name is on the ballot is not super important to me. It will come down to the quality of the candidates, not the order that is on the ballot.” He said the council’s action being taken on the Entrance to Aspen after 27 years is something he thinks a lot of people are pleased about after years of delay. “For me, the survey really spelled it out. Eighty percent of respondents want a better egress route out of Aspen. We need a better way out of Aspen, especially in the case of an emergency, like a wildfire,” he said. “People who say otherwise are self-interested and are not interested in our community moving forward.” Key debates are anticipated to include such issues as affordable housing, climate resilience, the Entrance to Aspen and Castle Creek Bridge, and other community developments to include Aspen’s open space. Aspen Election Day is set for Tuesday, March 4.