DENVER — Most voters in Denver have probably heard of ballot measures to help Denver Health and provide more affordable housing. But there are other local measures on the ballot, including several forwarded by the Denver City Council that would change the city charter.

Question referred 2Q would eliminate the citizenship requirement to become a Denver police officer or firefighter.

“Overall, we are seeing fewer people applying,” said Denver City Councilwoman Jamie Torres. “Therefore, we should open those doors to anyone who is qualified and meets all standards to serve.”

Torres says if Q2 is approved, recent immigrants would not be eligible to serve because they do not have work authorization and do not meet language requirements.

But it would give others an opportunity.

“This would open up job pathways for immigrants who are legal permanent residents, who could be DACA recipients, to begin serving in our fire department or a police department if they so desire,” Torres said.

He said Denver police and fire chiefs supported the change.

“In fact, we have many community members who would like to see this option open to them,” Torres said. “They have been long-time residents of Denver. They have grown up in our community. They may even be on the path to citizenship, but they haven’t gotten it yet and they want to be able to start this career path.”

Question referred 2S would elevate the Human Rights and Community Partnerships Agency to a cabinet-level position in the mayor’s administration.

Torres says this would protect the agency, ensuring that its mission of protecting basic human and civil rights can continue.

“No future mayor could remove it, eliminate it or dissolve it,” Torres said.

Question referred 2U would expand collective bargaining for city employees.

“The only ones who currently have this are sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and police. This would then allow other groups in the city to form unions and bargain collectively,” Torres said.

Question referred 2V would allow firefighters to go to arbitration, as police and sheriffs do, if they cannot reach an agreement with the city over their pay and benefits.

“Basically, a judge or hearing officer decides based on the facts presented to them,” Torres said. “It’s faster, more decisive, more efficient.”

Finally, Question referred 2W deals with the salaries of elected officials.

Currently, the city council has to vote on all elected officials’ salaries every four years. 2W would change that.

“This would automatically approve those salaries,” Torres said. “And it’s always based on a formula. It is never more than what city employees already received in the previous four years.”

Electoral measures require a simple majority of votes to be approved.

More information on all Denver ballot measures, including citizen comments, can be found in the Denver Ballot Information Pamphlet, which is available at English and Spanish.