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Post-election survey shows limited awareness of ballot Issue 1A; county consultants recommend broad public engagement
Summary
Larimer County commissioners heard March 24 from consultants that a post‑election survey found low pre‑vote awareness of November’s transportation ballot Issue 1A and that broad public engagement and clearer messaging are needed before the county decides whether to place another revenue measure on the ballot.
Larimer County commissioners heard March 24 from consultants who conducted a post‑election survey and stakeholder interviews about November’s transportation ballot question (Issue 1A) and possible next steps for communications and voter outreach.
Ryan Winger of Magellan Strategies reported on a survey of 1,381 voters conducted in February and early March with a reported margin of error of ±2.63 percentage points. Winger said only 15% of respondents remembered hearing “a lot” about Issue 1A before the election, while 44% said they heard “some” and 37% said they heard “little or no” information. When reminded of the ballot text, respondents in the survey recalled voting and the sample split 45% yes, 49% no and 6% said they did not remember or did not vote, Winger said.
Winger and the consulting team said the survey showed respondents rated general upkeep and safety — maintaining and improving roads, bridges and intersections — as the most persuasive message. By contrast, bullet points about regional trails and some alternative transportation options moved fewer voters. The consultants also reported that mentioning a higher tax to cover regional trails resulted in a net loss of support in the sample.
Brian David Blakely and Sarah O’Keefe of Public Alignment, who conducted stakeholder interviews, told commissioners that many residents do not understand the county’s funding shortfall for transportation and that consistent messaging is needed. Their recommended next steps include building an interactive website that serves as a 24/7 public information hub, targeted social and paid media, a messaging matrix and brief “palm‑card” materials for public-facing officials and stakeholders.
Consultants proposed a phased approach: inform residents and solicit input now, run a second survey in June or early July to measure shifts in awareness and support, then decide in August whether to place a revenue measure on a future ballot. The consultants cautioned that an off‑year election (lower turnout, different electorate) presents different challenges than a presidential election year and that other jurisdictions may also place measures on the ballot, which can affect voter decisions.
Commissioners asked about survey methodology, geographic and demographic breakdowns (including unincorporated areas versus cities), and how to reach groups such as students, rural residents and older adults. Magellan said the post‑election sample was drawn from the voter file of people who cast ballots in the referenced election; messages and subgroup cross‑tabs are available from the consultants for staff review. County staff and consultants agreed that coordination with the Transportation Master Plan process would be important as outreach continues.
No formal board action was taken at the work session. Consultants said staff would return with more detailed materials, including sample outreach assets and a timing plan, if the board supports continued public engagement.
