CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (KDVR) — Douglas County residents voted overwhelmingly against a home rule charter that would have given more power to the county.

With more than 83,000 votes counted after the polls closed at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, the charter failed with 71% of voters against it.

Home rule is a form of local government that gives cities and counties more independence from state law, which means the heavily republican county would have more standing against the democratic lead state government. Weld and Pitkin Counties and 100 cities have enacted home rule in Colorado.

A judge did not push forward a suit brought by Democratic State Representative Bob Marshall and two residents in April. Marshall says the election process hasn’t been transparent.

The Douglas County Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement saying it would not support home rule, “because home rule will give all power and authority in one-person, political office, or in a small group of a few people; there is little or no oversight of those with this power and authority.”

Commissioner George Teal told FOX31 that under home rule, the county would have likely moved to block collective bargaining among county employees and create working relationships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on immigration issues.

“I am pretty confident we will have examples moving into the future that Home Rule affected the situation here, I believe everyone in Douglas County can count on me to point those out when they come up,” said Teal.

Commissioner vows to continue fight for home rule

Teal said his fight for home rule in Douglas County isn’t over.

“Home Rule initiatives never pass on the first go,” he said, citing Weld County as an example.

Teal tells FOX31 he feels many residents did not fully understand the components of the home rule charter.

"I would like to still continue the conversation I didn’t hear from them that they don’t want to have the conversation. I heard they need more time I heard they need more information. I am not going anywhere, I will be here to provide that information as much as we can,” he said.

FOX31 received the following joint response from the Colorado and Douglas County chapters of the Democratic Party.

“Colorado Democrats applaud Douglas County voters for rejecting a rushed and divisive proposal. Voters made it clear they want more public involvement and transparency in deciding the future of local governance.

Douglas County is known for strong political views, and the campaign against this misguided proposal has brought people together in unexpected ways. Across party lines—Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters alike—residents have united around a shared commitment to transparent, effective governance. Our differences haven't divided us; they've driven us to collaborate and strive for what’s best for our community.

One stark difference was in campaign tactics. Those who were leading the effort chose to spread last-minute racist lies about those who opposed their proposition, and put partisan politics ahead of transparency and doing what’s best for everyone. We’re proud to say that the people of Douglas County won this fight fairly and with dignity for their neighbors.

Now, it's time for county leaders to return to safe, proven paths forward: listening to residents and involving the community in shaping policies that serve all families.”

It's unclear if the home rule charter question will be posed again during the November election or in another future election.