Requirements for participation; debate requirement.
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 15-54
in effectSec. 15-54. - Requirements for participation; debate requirement.
In addition to the requirements identified in division 1, the following requirements shall apply to participating candidates.
(a) Receipts for match-eligible contributions. Participating candidates shall obtain and retain receipts for each match-eligible contribution which shall contain the same information required for each contribution making up a qualifying contribution.
(b) Receipt retention. Participating candidates shall retain receipts for each contribution making up the qualifying contributions and each match-eligible contribution for a period of two (2) years after the election.
(c) Debate participation. Participating candidates must agree to participate in at least one (1) public debate with other participating candidates who are opponents in the general election and at least one (1) public debate with the participating candidate who is the opponent in a run-off election.
(1) If there is only one (1) candidate for a given office on the ballot, or if the only other candidates on the ballot for the given office are not participating candidates, then no debate for that office shall be required pursuant to this section.
(2) Each debate shall be at least one (1) hour's duration and shall take place only after the ballot is certified but no later than fifteen (15) days before the election.
(3) The clerk and recorder shall organize debates held for participating candidates pursuant to this section but shall not moderate the debate or have any direct role in formulating the questions. The clerk and recorder may enter into agreements to stage, moderate, publicize, and provide other services related to holding the debate.
(4) Entities providing services for a debate may not have endorsed, supported, opposed, contributed to, or made any electioneering communication or independent expenditure related to any candidate during the election cycle, nor may such entities be affiliated with a political party. Entities providing debate services shall disclose any prior relationship with a candidate to the clerk and recorder.
(5) The clerk and recorder shall ensure that each debate is broadcasted and that participating candidates are consulted and notified at least ten (10) business days prior to holding a debate, and at least three business (3) days prior to holding a rescheduled debate.
(6) Debates shall not be structured to promote or advance one candidate over another.
(7) Each debate shall be held at a facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101, and the regulations adopted thereunder.
(Ord. No. 1676-24, § 1, 2-18-25)
Source: City and County of Denver, Revised Municipal Code and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/co/denver/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIREMUCO_CH15EL_ARTIIICAFI_DIV2DEFAELFU_S15-54REPADEREFetched: 10/27/2026