The Red Mirage & The Blue Ripple - Western Colorado Alliance for Community Action

Before you read another word, take a deep breath with me. We’re officially through the 2020 election, and now we look towards what to do to manifest positivity moving forward. Did you do it? Did you take a breath? OK, let’s dig in…

Around the U.S., we saw a record turnout of voters, and the West Slope was no exception. We can’t help but think you had something to do with that, as Western Colorado Alliance members and staff canvassed thousands of doors and mailed thousands of postcards. Overall, 82% of registered voters who live on the West Slope turned out to vote in this election. Traditionally, West Slope voters show a strong turnout, but we outdid ourselves this year!
In past elections, less than 50% of voters under 35 years of age have voted in presidential elections, but this year 63% of West Slope young voters cast their ballots. With 11 state-wide issues on the ballot and a hotly contested presidential race, it’s clear that when the issues hit home, we ALL want our voices to be heard!

No matter which side of the issues you fall on, many voters in this election were probably surprised by the closeness of the presidential election results. As numbers started rolling in on election night, what looked to be given scenarios quickly turned into a Red Mirage and a Blue Ripple. We should all give a round of applause to the State of Colorado, the local election offices, and our tried and tested mail-in ballot system.

What has become commonplace for Colorado voters was an experiment for many of the battleground states that kept us counting for many days after the election. While the election favored President Trump early on, results eventually narrowly shifted towards Joe Biden, leaving many of us uncomfortably aware that the divide in our country and communities is much greater than we had imagined. So, while the election is over, in our quest to build healthy, just, and self-reliant communities, there is much work to be done.

Colorado voters were “yes” voters for most state-wide issues. Of the 11 ballot issues, ten passed with a “mixed bag” of results. Our biggest celebration was the passage of paid family and medical leave, which brings us one giant step forward toward ensuring adequate health care for Colorado families. Alongside paid family leave, Gallagher was repealed, saving local districts such as schools and fire from losing millions of dollars needed to recover from the COVID pandemic. While our Alliance did not take a position on grey wolf reintroduction or taxation on nicotine and tobacco products, our members fell strongly on both sides of these issues, which also passed.

Unfortunately, Propositions 116 and 117 also passed, lowering state income taxes with little benefit going to the majority of Coloradans, and big benefit going to the wealthiest 2%, so further driving the economic divide.

Amendment 76 proved to be another loss for Colorado residents. Its passage was a sneaky success at youth voter suppression. In 2019, the state legislature passed a bill allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they were 18 by Election Day. While the ballot language was unclear, by definition and for voting purposes, a “citizen” excludes anyone who has not attained the age of 18. This seemingly simple change from “every citizen” to “only a citizen” made the 2019 bill, allowing 17-year-olds to vote, unconstitutional.

In addition to the ballot issues, we saw some changes in the make-up of the state legislature. Despite two seats flipping in the Colorado House of Representatives, Democrats continue to maintain a 41-24 majority. Democrat Brianna Buentello of Pueblo lost her seat to Republican Stephanie Luck, and Democrat newcomer David Ortiz unseated incumbent Richard Champion in Arapahoe County.

In the State Senate, Democrats increased their majority, with Democrat Chris Kolker beating Suzanne Staiert in historically Republican-held Senate District 27. With this seat, the new make-up will be 20 Democrats to 15 Republicans. This will likely change committee structures, furthering Democrat advantages in the higher chamber.

John Hickenlooper’s win over Senator Gardner sends two Colorado Democrat senators to DC. Lauren Boebert’s win over Diane Mitch-Bush maintains the Republican stronghold in the 3rd Congressional District. Something to keep in mind is that the 2020 Census could trigger a redistricting that impacts this District.

While we wait with bated breath for the final presidential election results, we don’t have to wait to address the divide in our local communities. During the isolation of the pandemic, it’s been easier to tune-out estranged family and friends who are not like-minded. But the upcoming holidays, whether in person or virtual, give us an opportunity to reconnect and build bridges that work to support our minority and oppressed communities. With that in mind, we hope that in the last few months of the year, you’ll communicate with family and friends with the intent to listen and hear opposing views in order to find commonalities that can manifest positivity. Happy holidays to all!

About the author

Jeriel Clark

Jeriel joined the Western Colorado Alliance staff in February 2017 (back when we were still Western Colorado Congress), but you may remember her as our Canvass Director for the successful Minimum Wage ballot initiative in 2016! In her young career, Jeriel has worked with engaged citizens across Colorado on issues ranging from veterans' affairs, healthcare and women’s rights. Jeriel has called Grand Junction and the Western Slope home for 16 years, and enjoys running, hiking, biking and crafting with her daughter Emma.