Three Candidates Qualify for General Election Ballot

Denver, July 18, 2024 - The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office announced today that Dawn Lynn Downs, Unaffiliated candidate for District Attorney, 8^th Judicial District, Chris D Gutschenritter, nonpartisan candidate for RTD Board of Directors District D, and Karen Benker, nonpartisan candidate for RTD Board of Directors District I, have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot.

Candidates for District Attorney are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 3% of votes cast in the last election, whichever is smaller) in their district, a requirement outlined by C.R.S. 1-4-802(c)(VI), C.R.S. Dawn Lynn Downs submitted 2,158 valid signatures, eclipsing the 1,000-signature threshold.

Dawn Lynn Downs Petition Verification Summary:

Number of qualified signatures submitted:  2,534

Number of entries rejected:  376

Number of entries accepted:  2,158

Number of valid signatures required:  1,000

Candidates for RTD Board of Directors are required to collect 250 signatures within their district as required by C.R.S. 32-9-111(5)(a). Chris D Gutschenritter submitted 347 valid signatures. Karen Benker submitted 370 valid signatures. Both eclipsed the 250-signature threshold.

Chris D Gutschenritter Petition Verification Summary:

Number of qualified signatures submitted:  410

Number of entries rejected:  63

Number of entries accepted:  347

Number of valid signatures required:  250

Karen Benker Petition Verification Summary:

Number of qualified signatures submitted:  447

Number of entries rejected:  77

Number of entries accepted:  370

Number of valid signatures required:  250

A record of all accepted and rejected signatures, including reasons for each rejection is on file with the Secretary of State.