Nearly lost in the excitement of the Colorado Rockies’ amazing run this fall lies a major election.
Sure, there are no statewide issues on the ballot to generate chatter, such as Referendum C two years ago, and odd-year elections generally aren’t big draws for voters, but dozens of pressing matters are up for grabs.
So while you’re standing in line for World Series tickets, don’t forget to register to vote. Today is the last day for citizens to do so before the Nov. 6 elections.
Plenty of local issues that could have a huge impact on people’s everyday lives will be decided this fall. Several cities and counties, including Denver, are seeking substantial tax increases to fix roads and buildings, renovate public safety facilities, build new buildings, preserve open space and improve city services.
Voters in several cities, including Lakewood, Aurora and Arvada, also will be picking mayors, city council members and school board officials.
Election Day 2007 falls on the first Tuesday in November. However, in Denver and 40 other counties, voters will be casting their ballots by mail only. Denver voters will start receiving their ballots this weekend.
Denver voters who cast ballots in last November’s election or who voted in last January’s special election or the May mayoral election will automatically receive a ballot. Denverites who did not vote in one of those elections should request a ballot from the Election Commission.
In order to register to vote, people must be 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of Colorado and their precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election. Contact county election commissions to find out how to register. And do it today if you plan to participate in this November’s election.
Register to vote. Find out if your county has polling places or mail-in ballots only. Read up on the issues.
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
