City Council certifies election results as voter turnout reaches 31.5%

In a special meeting held on April 10, 2025, the Grand Junction City Council reviewed the preliminary results of the recent municipal elections, marking a significant moment for local governance. The meeting highlighted key outcomes, including the election of new council members and the passage of a measure to align election dates with Mesa County.

Cody Kennedy emerged victorious in City Council District A, securing 9,626 votes, while Laurel Cole ran unopposed in District D, receiving 12,096 votes. In District E, Robert Ballard won with 8,660 votes. The at-large seat was claimed by Ben Van Dyke, who garnered 7,838 votes amidst a competitive field of three candidates.

A notable decision was the approval of a ballot measure to move future elections to November, which passed with 10,106 votes. However, a proposed pay increase for council members did not receive enough support, failing with 8,907 votes against it.

City Clerk Celestina Sandoval reported that voter turnout was lower than in previous years, with 16,604 ballots cast compared to a record 18,675 in 2023. The council acknowledged the importance of addressing this decline in participation, with resident Tom Kopp expressing disappointment over the 31.5% turnout rate. He emphasized the need for continued engagement and transparency in local governance.

The council also discussed the process for finalizing election results, noting that they would wait for the counting of military and overseas ballots, as well as resolving signature discrepancies. The final certification of the election results is expected by April 18, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for April 21 to officially canvass the votes.

As the council moves forward, the discussions from this meeting reflect a commitment to enhancing civic engagement and ensuring that local governance remains responsive to the needs of the community. The outcomes of these elections will shape the future direction of Grand Junction, as new council members take their seats and work towards addressing the concerns raised by residents.