This election season make sure your voice is heard.
Only 50% of people ages 18-29 voted in the 2016 election (Circle, 2018). In previous elections, just over 80 youth votes have changed election outcomes. We have the power to elect candidates, pass initiatives and change the future of our state. Here’s how:
Register to Vote
If you haven’t registered to vote in Colorado, you still can up until election day. You can register to vote online at www.GoVoteColorado.com
You’ll need your Colorado ID. If you’re already registered but have moved, you can update your registration here as well. Or, if you can’t remember, you can search the database for your info.
Still have questions about registering? These FAQ’s should answer them all.
You can also visit www.DenverVotes.Org or call 311.
Get Informed
This year’s ballot includes several races for state officer positions, as well as a full list of Amendments and Propositions. If you haven’t been paying attention (or even if you have), it’s a good idea to take a look at a general voter’s guide. Here are two versions with digestible descriptions of ballot measures:
Here’s what you can expect on the ballot.
Candidates for State Office
Governor: Jared Polis vs. Walker Stapleton
Attorney General: George Brauchler vs. Phil Weiser
Secretary of State: Jena Griswold vs. Wayne Williams
State Treasurer: Brian Watson vs. Dave Young
Congressional District 1 (City and County of Denver): Diana DeGette vs. Casper Stockham
Regent of the University of Colorado- At Large: Lesley Smith vs. Ken Montera
State Amendments
- Amendment 73: Tax increase for public education: Amendment 73 would increase funding for public schools in Colorado by changing the state’s tax system for those earning over $150,000, increasing the corporate tax rate from 4.63% to 6%, and changing the property taxes according to school district.
- Amendment 74: Just compensation for government law or regulation. Amendment 74 would require state or local government in Colorado to compensate a property owner if a new regulation or law reduced the fair market value of their property.
- Amendment 75: Raise in campaign contribution limits. Amendment 75 would loosen some state campaign contribution restrictions if a candidate in a given race gave $1 million or more to their own campaign or 3rd party committee.
- Amendment A: Prohibition of Slavery and Involuntary Servitude. Amendment A would remove language from the Colorado Constitution that allows slavery and involuntary servitude to be used as punishment for the conviction of a crime.
- Amendment V: Lower age requirement for serving in state legislature. Amendment V would reduce the age qualification for legislative members from 25 to 21.
- Amendment W: Changes to the judicial ballot format. Amendment W would shorten language on the Colorado ballot regarding judicial retention by consolidating questions.
- Amendment X: Industrial hemp definition. Amendment X changes the definition of industrial hemp from a constitution to a statutory definition.
- Amendment Y: Congressional & Legislative Redistricting. Amendment Y establishes an independent commission for state legislative redistricting.
- Amendment Z: Congressional & Legislative Redistricting. Amendment Z establishes an independent commission for state legislative redistricting.
State Propositions
- Prop 109: Issue bonds to fix our roads. Prop 109 would direct the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to issue $3.5 billion in bonds for over 60 roadwork projects across our state.
- Prop 110: Increase sales tax to pay for transportation projects. Prop 110 would increase the Colorado sales tax from 2.9% to 3.54% and CO would borrow up to $6 billion to spend on a variety of road, transit, pedestrian, and bike projects.
- Prop 111: Limits on APRs of Payday Loans. Prop 111 would reduce and cap the annual percentage rate (APR) that can be charged by payday lenders at a rate of no more than 36%.
- Prop 112: Distance requirement for new oil and gas development. Prop 112 would require that any new oil and gas development be set back at least 2,500 ft from homes, playgrounds, lakes, and other “vulnerable areas”.
Vote!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th, 2018
Every registered voter receives a mail ballot prior to the election- as long as you registered online or in person by October 29th, 2018. After that date, you’ll have to vote in person.
- If you already have a ballot, fill it out and send it in. All ballots must be turned in no later than 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 6th.
- If you run out of time to mail your ballot, bring it by a ballot drop-off location no later than 7:00 pm on Nov. 6th. Find your ballot drop-off locations.
Too busy to register ahead of time? That’s ok! You can go straight to the polls on November 6th. Bring your ID and you’ll get a provisional ballot (one that will be verified with your information after you vote). Find your polling place by entering your home address here. As long as you’re in line by 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 6th, you’ll get to vote.
More questions about voting? You can call 311 or go to www.DenverVotes.Org.
Stay Engaged
Democrat? Republican? Libertarian? Green Party? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re paying attention. Stay informed, stay engaged.
There are several organizations that encourage civic engagement amongst college students and youth.
- New Era Colorado
- Colorado Civic Engagement Roundtable
- Colorado People’s Alliance
- The Women’s Foundation of Colorado
Register to Vote, Get Free Fries!
Illegal Burger is giving out FREE fries to the first 100 students with purchase of a burger. Must show student ID and proof of voter registration. Offer only valid at the Larimer Square Denver location.
References:
CIRCLE: The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. Quick Facts on Youth Voting.
