Candidate Guidelines#
Initiative Guidelines#
In an effort to assist citizens with the initiative process, the City Clerk's Office has developed Initiative Guidelines, which attempt to explain the process in a simple chronological manner. The Fort Collins City Charter grants the registered electors of Fort Collins the power to propose ordinances or resolutions to the City Council, and, if the Council fails to adopt such proposed measure, to adopt or reject such ordinance or resolution at the polls.
Note: The Initiative Guidelines do not apply to Charter Amendments, which are governed by State Statute. Please consult with the City Clerk's Office regarding the process for Charter Amendments.
Issue Committee Guidelines#
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In the context of Fort Collins municipal elections, an "issue committee" is defined as:
- Two or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or have associated themselves, and that take steps in furtherance of an intent to accept contributions or contributions in kind, or make expenditures, to support or oppose any ballot issue or ballot question; or
- Any person that takes steps in furtherance of an intent to accept contributions or contributions in kind for the purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot question; or
- Any persons or associated persons upon making independent expenditures of $2,500 or more for the purpose of supporting or opposing any ballot issue or ballot question.
"Person" is defined as any individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or other organization or groups of persons.
It is important to note that the definition of "issue committee" for Fort Collins municipal elections is different than the definition contained in the Fair Campaign Practices Act and that may be used by other municipalities.
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Issue committees are prohibited from making contributions to candidate committees.
Issue committees are prohibited from coordinating its expenditures with any other committee.
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All issue committees are required to register with the City Clerk before accepting contributions or making expenditures.
- Issue Committee Guidelines - Coming Soon
- Committee Registration Form
- Campaign Reporting Forms (MUST be maintained in Excel format and submitted electronically as Excel files)
- Important Dates (November 8, 2022 Special Election)
Campaign Reporting forms now include methods for tracking contributions from Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). Those requirements do not apply to Issue Committees. Therefore, there is no need to mark contributions from an LLC with an X, and no need to complete the last page of the form.
Campaign Reporting forms should be emailed to Rita Knoll, Chief Deputy City Clerk, at rknoll@fcgov.com, and are considered timely if filed no later than midnight Mountain Standard Time on the date due. The report due the Friday before the election is due at noon Mountain Standard Time.
Political Committee Guidelines#
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In the context of Fort Collins municipal elections, a "political committee" is defined as:
- Two or more persons who are elected, appointed or chosen, or have associated themselves, for the purpose of accepting contributions or making expenditures to support or oppose one or more candidates.
- Any person that has accepted contributions for the purpose of supporting or opposing one or more candidates.
"Person" is defined as any individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation, labor organization or other organization or groups of persons.
It is important to note that the definition of "political committee" for Fort Collins municipal elections is different than the definition contained in the Fair Campaign Practices Act and that may be used by other municipalities.
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Political committees can only make direct expenditures and are prohibited from making contributions to candidate committees.
Political committees are prohibited from coordinating its expenditures with any other committee.
These restrictions are different than those contained in the Fair Campaign Practices Act and those that may be used by other municipalities.
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All political committees are required to register with the City Clerk before accepting contributions or making expenditures.
- Political Committee Guidelines
- Committee Registration Form
- Campaign Reporting Forms (May be filed electronically)
- Important Dates
Recall Guidelines#
Citizens may exercise the power to recall an elected official. The Recall Guidelines (pdf format), explain the process in a simple chronological manner.
Note: The question of recall is a ballot issue and is subject to certain campaign regulations.
Referendum Guidelines#
In an effort to assist citizens with the referendum process, the City Clerk's Office has developed Referendum Guidelines (pdf format), which attempt to explain the process in a simple chronological manner. The Fort Collins City Charter grants the registered electors of Fort Collins the power to refer a Council-adopted Ordinance to the voters for approval or rejection.
FCVOTE Logo - Terms of Use#
The City of Fort Collins has created the FCVote logo (the “Logo”) in an effort to increase voter recognition of City elections. Individuals may use the Logo in election materials under the following terms and conditions:
- The Logo may only be used for elections conducted by the City of Fort Collins. In the event that the City election is coordinated with a Larimer County election held in November, the Logo may only be used if accompanied by information making it clear that Larimer County is conducting the election.
- The original colors and size ratio of the Logo must not be modified as it defeats the purpose of the Logo, which is to foster voter recognition of City elections. Slight variations of the Logo (with or without web site domain) are available from the City Clerk's Office.
- The Logo must not be used in any manner that implies endorsement of a candidate or issue by the City of Fort Collins.
- The Logo must stand alone: it cannot be combined with any other design element such as photography, type, or borders, nor can it be incorporated into another logo.
- When used on the web, the Logo must be an active link to fcgov.com/elections.
- The Logo must not be used in any manner deemed offensive and inappropriate. The City shall have sole discretion as to what is offensive or inappropriate.
- Anyone using the Logo must immediately cease such use upon request of the City Clerk.
By using the Logo, you agree to abide by the Terms of Use outlined above. The City shall have sole discretion as to whether the Logo has been used in conformance with the Terms of Use.
If you wish to use the Logo in any other way, you must obtain prior approval from the City Clerk's Office.
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