Denver voters will decide on Referred Question 2J in the upcoming election. The measure proposes several amendments to the city charter that govern how the police and fire departments hire, manage pay and handle discipline.
Key changes in the charter amendment
The proposal would remove the charter’s explicit hiring requirements, giving the city council broader authority to adjust hiring processes through ordinary legislation. Supporters say this flexibility will allow quicker updates to staffing needs without the need for another public vote.
Another amendment would eliminate the charter language that requires applicants to be of “good moral character,” a phrase critics called vague. The revised wording would be gender neutral and focus on specific qualifications rather than subjective character assessments.
The measure also seeks to delete a section that sets longevity‑pay requirements, shifting those details to collective bargaining agreements negotiated with the police and fire unions.
Finally, Question 2J would extend the period the city’s public safety manager has to review disciplinary items from 15 days to 20 days and would remove a cap on the number of command staff positions each department may employ.
Support and opposition
Councilmember Jamie Torres has led the effort, describing the amendment as a “good governance process” and praising the collaboration with city officials and public‑safety unions. “It was great to work with all these wonderful folks,” Torres said.
Chief Desmond Fulton of the Denver Fire Department endorsed the changes, stating they will allow the fire service to operate more effectively while preserving the integrity of the civil service system.
Opposition is organized by United Safety Workers of Denver, a coalition of the Denver Firefighters Local 858 and the Denver Police Protective Association. The group argues that removing the charter’s safeguards makes it easier for the city to alter police and fire department rules without direct voter input. “We’re not against modernizing civil service. We just believe changes to these rules should stay with Denver voters,” the coalition’s website reads.
The Denver police union has contributed $30,000 to a campaign opposing the measure.
What voters need to know
Ballot Question 2J does not introduce new policies for police or fire operations; it changes the procedural framework that governs how those policies can be created or modified. Voters who favor greater flexibility for city officials may view the amendment as a sensible modernization. Those who prioritize direct voter control over public‑safety rules see the proposal as a potential erosion of democratic oversight.
Early results for the election will begin to be reported at 7 p.m. on election night. Voters can find the full text of the proposed charter amendments and a voter‑guide analysis on the City of Denver’s official website.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
