These are the lazy days of August and a challenging time to nudge Coloradans into any indoor activity, much less a mid-summer election. But we hope they will make an exception next Tuesday.
Candidates, after all, have enough to worry about besides voter apathy.
Consider this: Several winners in next Tuesday’s primaries could be well on their way to Congress, the state legislature or a county commission. That’s because the political balance in some jurisdictions is lopsided in such a way as to practically guarantee that a party primary winner on Tuesday will emerge victorious in November. In some cases, primary winners won’t even have a challenger in November.
Secretary of State Gigi Dennis expects a 15 percent voter turnout for this year’s primary elections, a dismal enough figure that nonetheless would be an improvement over past primaries. In 2000, the turnout was 11.83 percent; in 2002, the last mid-term election year, it was 12.94 percent. There are 2.9 million registered voters, and a 15 percent turnout would mean 2,489,886 voters stayed home.
Sharply contested primaries will stimulate turnout in two of Colorado’s seven congressional districts. In the conservative 5th CD, six Republicans are vying to succeed retiring Rep. Joel Hefley.
In the 7th CD, three Democrats are bidding for the party’s nomination for the seat being abandoned by Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez. Democrats hold a slight voter- registration edge over Republicans, but unaffiliated voters outnumber both.
The suburban Denver district has been targeted nationally by both parties as one of the most competitive in the country. The winner – Peggy Lamm, Ed Perlmutter or Herb Rubenstein – will face off in November against Rick O’Donnell, who has no Republican primary opponent.
In addition to Congress, there are a number of legislative primaries worthy of voter interest. Among GOP contests, closely watched will be districts in Grand Junction, Lakewood and Greeley. Key Democratic primaries are in Adams County and in Denver.
Even though lines may not be long, voters might want to allow a little extra time, because many counties will have new voting machines, and some counties, including Denver, have eliminated neighborhood precincts in favor of large centers. Check with your county clerk’s office if you’re unsure where to vote.
Tomorrow is the last day for early voting. Tuesday is primary election day. We urge Coloradans to vote.
