✅ Votes are in

Editor's note: These were the most recent results as of midnight. You can check current numbers here.

❌ Prop HH

Colorado property owners should NOT expect a property tax rate reduction and TABOR refunds will NOT be slashed.

✅ Prop II

Funds from the state’s taxes on nicotine, cigarettes, and tobacco will go toward universal preschool instead of being refunded to retailers.

✅ Referred Question 2P

Denver voters agreed to make permanent an existing 0.15% sales tax in order to fund preschool tuition credits.

👋 DPS At-Large Seat

The mayor-endorsed former East High School principal John Youngquist will fill the at-large seat being vacated by board vice president Auon’tai Anderson.

👋 DPS District 1

Longtime educator Kimberlee Sia will be the new representative for Denver School District 1, replacing Scott Baldermann.

👋 DPS District 5

Denver Northsider Marlene De La Rosa will be the new representative for Denver School District 5, replacing Charmaine Lindsay.

Hey loyal reader, what’s on your mind? 🤔

🧺 Last week on the podcast, we wondered: Do bodegas have a place in Denver? And y’all had some thoughts:

• Amanda says: “I feel like moving bodegas into Denver is just something that New Yorkers want to do because they want Denver to be like New York. I like the idea of having bodegas around because it's cute and it's fun and you can pick up convenient things. But at the end of the day, we shouldn't be striving to be like New York because Denver is way better.”
• Johanna says: “I wanted to shout out the Sun Market on 20th and Lafayette in Whittier. I think that neighborhood markets are awesome. They’re a place for younger people and older adults and people who don't drive or don't have a car.”
• Megan O. says: “I live in Clayton and we frequent the Uptown Cornerstore on Bruce Randolph. It is great for things like milk, garlic, toilet paper, and lotto tickets. Plus my kids love to go there for candy. It is nice having a neighborhood market where they know us.”

📍 When we asked if Colorado can be considered part of the Midwest, y’all answered with a resounding NO. Here’s just some of my favorite commentary (and very sound reasoning!) you all shared:

• “Outdoor/mountain culture immediately disqualifies Colorado from the Midwest.”
• “For me, the Midwest is flat plains, with a lot of farmland and very cold winter temps. I think we have too much elevation and more temperate winters.”
• “MasterChef just finished a season where they grouped the contestants by regions and the contestant from Denver was part of the West. So they gotta be correct, right…?”
• “Since moving here 5 years ago, I have yet to hear someone say ‘I’ll bring my casserole’ to any gathering.”
• “Colorado’s always been a part of the West, from the decor and exhibits all the way down to our boots. Also, most of us call our evening meal ‘dinner,’ instead of ‘supper.’ Supper is definitely a Midwest meal. Here, in Colorado, we eat dinner.”
• “For better or worse, there is more of a spirit of rugged individualism here in Colorado than I ever felt in my native Michigan.”
• “Western expansion literally defined Colorado, also the Midwest is icky and we aren't icky.”

🎶 Music Bingo | Wednesday | 7-9 p.m.

Enjoy music, beer, prizes, and fun at Station 26 Brewing Co. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. [Northeast Park Hill; Free]

🧑‍🌾 Focus on the Farmer | Thursday | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

World-renowned experts in organic agriculture offer a full day of panels and discussions for local farmers and producers. [Elyria Swansea; Free]

🌻 Wild & Scenic Film Festival | Thursday | 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The Bug Theatre is hosting a lineup of award-winning environmental films by activists for activists. [Highland; $5-$15]

Election Results Are In! Plus, Inside Denver's Budget Battles

It may be an off-year election, but there are still plenty of results to dissect, including the death of Gov. Polis' hotly debated Prop HH and a new era for Denver Public Schools.