Denver council declares at-large Seat B vacant in 12-0 vote
The Aug. 5 action starts a tentative process for a Nov. 3 special election to replace former Councilmember Sarah Parady.
Denver City Council adopted Resolution 26-1143 on Aug. 5, declaring at-large Seat B vacant after Sarah Parady’s departure. All 12 council members were present, and the resolution passed 12-0, the official meeting record shows.
During the meeting, a city attorney said a recent change to the seat designations had taken effect immediately, making Seat B the correct designation under the current charter. Parady announced her resignation because of health challenges, The Denver Gazette reported.
How the seat will be filled
Denver Charter Section 3.1.8 requires an at-large vacancy to be filled by special election, generally 120 to 130 days after the vacancy is declared. The election may coincide with a citywide election scheduled within 160 days.
The Clerk and Recorder’s tentative vacancy-election schedule lists Nov. 3, 2026 — the date of the general election — for the special election. It lists Aug. 20 as the nomination-petition deadline, Sept. 2 for the ballot-order drawing, Sept. 4 for candidate filing and qualification for the Fair Elections Fund, and Nov. 24 for certification and swearing-in.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, Denver residents for the two years immediately preceding the election, qualified Denver County electors and at least 25 years old by Election Day. An at-large candidate must submit 300 valid petition signatures. Candidates seeking Fair Elections Fund support must file the required vacancy affidavit and intent form, collect 100 qualifying contributions and apply by Sept. 4.
There will be no runoff; the candidate receiving the most votes will serve the remainder of Parady’s term. The charter says the winner qualifies and takes office immediately, while the Clerk and Recorder’s schedule lists Nov. 24 as the certification and swearing-in date.
The reviewed materials do not specify voter-registration, ballot-mailing or ballot-return deadlines. The election date and other details should be confirmed because the Clerk and Recorder’s schedule remains tentative.