I know this is going to sound…well, scary, but in just 34 days we will witness the most consequential election of our time. I know people say this at every election, but this time it is absolutely true.  We must not let ignorance, apathy and yes, voter suppression and corruption, deter us from voting.  We must vote in numbers like never before.  Do your part in getting out the vote.  Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to get out and vote.  Tell your friends and family here and especially in other states to check their voter registration often.  If they do not get a ballot, check early to find out why. Check your registration (especially if you’ve moved) at GoVoteColorado.gov. If you do not get a ballot in the mail and go to vote in person and are denied, do not be deterred. Ask for a provisional ballot so that you can cast a vote for it to be sorted out later.   Ballots will drop in the mail tomorrow, October 2^nd. Do everything you can to avoid mailing back your ballot.  Drop it off at a drop box or voting center.  You can find a voting center or drop box near you at the Weld County Clerk and Recorder Elections page. The current administration will try every means at their disposal to suppress voting, especially in blue states and districts.  Vote early.  This will help our election workers process votes faster with less chance of interruption.  If you need help in getting your ballot to the ballot box, or help in getting to the polling centers, give our office a call, 970-351-7047, and we can help you with that.

If we hope to make any change, to turn around our economy, make environmental protections and progress stick, to stop the corruption and theft of our hard-earned money by billionaires who think they are entitled to it, end corporate welfare and re-instate our place in the world, voter turn-out must surpass all previous numbers.  There can be no doubt about the will of the people. The message must be overwhelmingly loud and clear, that the current trajectory of our country is way off target and we as a people demand a change!  We can re-invigorate Congress and direct them to stand up and take back their power from Donald Trump and his sycophant, incompetent leadership.

Current Weld candidates for both state and federal offices need your help.  If you can canvass for a candidate, phone bank, mail postcards, attend rallies and protests, offer to hold meet and greet events, and volunteer for office help or other events, go to our website and sign up to be a volunteer and we will try and match you to events and candidates.

This is not a time to be complacent; this is a critical time for action.  Getting involved is a great way to cast off feelings of hopelessness and despair, to encourage enthusiasm and action and to be a part of something bigger than yourself.  It is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and see just how many people in Weld share your concerns and beliefs.

It is scary to think that so many people in the last national election chose not to vote.  More people chose not to vote than those who voted.  Even in Weld alone, more than 30,000 eligible voters chose not to bother to vote. Voting in Colorado is easier than almost anywhere, with same day registration, ballot-trax, drop-off boxes and mail in voting. Did you know that unlike many states, in Colorado you can vote if you have had a felony conviction or any action with the court system unless you are actively behind bars?

Confusion over candidates and issues is not an excuse to skip voting.  Educate yourself.  Go to our website for information on candidates and ballot issues.  Read the blue book the county sends to you.  Check out the League of Women Voters, or Indivisible.  Go to candidate websites to find out what their values, issues and their game plan is for Weld and Colorado.

 Don’t let the ghosts of past elections frighten you from using your voice, your Constitutional guaranteed right to vote.  The Trump administration is illegally using government funds, your money, to pay for TV ads aimed at trying to intimidate and frighten voters from voting against the current status quo.  It is not right.  So many things are not right, but we can remove this spirit of greed and corruption and breathe some fresh air into our government and our lives.

Voting is your most sacred right and responsibility.  Don’t let GOP propaganda dissuade you from voting.  Both parties are not the same and it does matter to vote.  Vote down ballot, the entire ballot and vote blue.  For the love of God, love of country, VOTE like your life depends on it…because it does. 

I do hope you will be able to attend the election night party at the Kress Theater.  More information on this event will be available soon.

Bev Wallace

WCDP Vice Chair