Colorado citizens are expressing concerns about the state of democracy as they head to the polls in the upcoming election. Many are worried about political violence, polarization, and threats to voting rights. The Voter Voices survey conducted by media outlets across the state found that 60% of conservatives were “not at all confident” in fair elections, while liberals had more confidence. The survey revealed a lack of faith in political institutions and support for “small government” among many voters.
The candidates running for office in Colorado have differing views on how to strengthen democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz are emphasizing the defense of democracy in their campaign against former President Donald Trump, who continues to claim victory in the 2020 election. Congressional candidates in Colorado are advocating for various reforms, such as banning stock trading by members of Congress and expanding early voting options.
State lawmakers have played a significant role in shaping Colorado’s democracy, implementing reforms such as all-mail ballots and automatic voter registration. The National Popular Vote Compact, aimed at electing presidents through the popular vote, is also supported by Democrats in the state. However, transparency issues and violations of open meeting laws have raised concerns about the functioning of the state legislature.
Local county clerks, who manage elections in Colorado, are working to ensure the integrity of the voting process and build trust among the public. One exception is former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for allowing unauthorized access to voting machine hard drives. Ballot measures on this year’s ballot, including Proposition 131 and Amendment K, could bring significant changes to how elections are conducted in Colorado. Overall, the concerns about democracy in Colorado highlight the importance of civic engagement and participation in the electoral process.
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