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Ballot Drop Boxes
Election Day is Tuesday, November 2!
The Colorado Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot based on your values. Vote in every race! It’s our right and responsibility. Browse the categories at the left or select “Choose My Guide” to see races specific to you. And please share this guide with your friends and family.
City of Westminster
Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.
Anita Seitz is running for Mayor of Westminster. Seitz currently holds the position after previous mayor Herb Atchison resigned earlier in 2021. She was first elected to City Council in 2013 and served as Mayor Protem from 2018 to May of this year. Seitz brings clear headed leadership to the role of mayor and addresses difficult city challenges with grace, confidence, and a forward looking vision. Seitz is a committed climate activist, previously serving as president for Colorado Communities for Climate Action and led Westminster to adopt environmentally conscious ordinances and policies. Her climate work garnered her national recognition as a leader on addressing issues related to climate change at the local municipal level. As Westminster and the northern Front Range grows in population and size, Seitz has a vision for economic and communal development that includes equity, sustainable growth, and increased quality of life.
Challenging Seitz is Nancy McNally. McNally is a former Westminster mayor and owner of the embroidery/crafting store, “Made and Created.” McNally’s campaign website lacks an “issues” section, but her social media presence makes clear that one of her main priorities is lowering water rates. McNally’s attitude is one that ignores the realities of climate change and dwindling water use in favor of empowering home owners to over-water their thirsty, Kentucky bluegrass lawns. While McNally brings extensive executive experience, her vision for the city does not match its future needs.
Seitz has the experience, leadership, and sustainable vision for the city of Westminster. She deserves your vote.
Anita Seitz is running for Mayor of Westminster. Seitz currently holds the position after previous mayor Herb Atchison resigned earlier in 2021. She was first elected to City Council in 2013 and served as Mayor Protem from 2018 to May of this year. Seitz brings clear headed leadership to the role of mayor and addresses difficult city challenges with grace, confidence, and a forward looking vision. Seitz is a committed climate activist, previously serving as president for Colorado Communities for Climate Action and led Westminster to adopt environmentally conscious ordinances and policies. Her climate work garnered her national recognition as a leader on addressing issues related to climate change at the local municipal level. As Westminster and the northern Front Range grows in population and size, Seitz has a vision for economic and communal development that includes equity, sustainable growth, and increased quality of life.
Challenging Seitz is Nancy McNally. McNally is a former Westminster mayor and owner of the embroidery/crafting store, “Made and Created.” McNally’s campaign website lacks an “issues” section, but her social media presence makes clear that one of her main priorities is lowering water rates. McNally’s attitude is one that ignores the realities of climate change and dwindling water use in favor of empowering home owners to over-water their thirsty, Kentucky bluegrass lawns. While McNally brings extensive executive experience, her vision for the city does not match its future needs.
Seitz has the experience, leadership, and sustainable vision for the city of Westminster. She deserves your vote.
Anita Seitz is running for Mayor of Westminster. Seitz currently holds the position after previous mayor Herb Atchison resigned earlier in 2021. She was first elected to City Council in 2013 and served as Mayor Protem from 2018 to May of this year. Seitz brings clear headed leadership to the role of mayor and addresses difficult city challenges with grace, confidence, and a forward looking vision. Seitz is a committed climate activist, previously serving as president for Colorado Communities for Climate Action and led Westminster to adopt environmentally conscious ordinances and policies. Her climate work garnered her national recognition as a leader on addressing issues related to climate change at the local municipal level. As Westminster and the northern Front Range grows in population and size, Seitz has a vision for economic and communal development that includes equity, sustainable growth, and increased quality of life.
Challenging Seitz is Nancy McNally. McNally is a former Westminster mayor and owner of the embroidery/crafting store, “Made and Created.” McNally’s campaign website lacks an “issues” section, but her social media presence makes clear that one of her main priorities is lowering water rates. McNally’s attitude is one that ignores the realities of climate change and dwindling water use in favor of empowering home owners to over-water their thirsty, Kentucky bluegrass lawns. While McNally brings extensive executive experience, her vision for the city does not match its future needs.
Seitz has the experience, leadership, and sustainable vision for the city of Westminster. She deserves your vote.
John Voelz is running for reelection to Westminster City Council. With him, he brings 30 years of experience in the public sector and public affairs. Voelz survived a misguided recall attempt last summer from local right-wing zealots upset with higher water utility bills. However, the vote to increase water prices in a tiered-system happened in 2018, before Voelz ever joined city council. The voters of Westminster saw through the recall shenanigans and voted to keep him in office.
One of his top priorities is expanding and maintaining the city’s open space and parks, which is crucial in attracting new businesses and economic activity. Voelz is committed to setting up the city for a sustainable future and wants to upgrade much needed transportation, water, and sewer infrastructure. Councilman Voelz has shown resilience and deserves to continue his work and is a solid progressive choice.
John Voelz is running for reelection to Westminster City Council. With him, he brings 30 years of experience in the public sector and public affairs. Voelz survived a misguided recall attempt last summer from local right-wing zealots upset with higher water utility bills. However, the vote to increase water prices in a tiered-system happened in 2018, before Voelz ever joined city council. The voters of Westminster saw through the recall shenanigans and voted to keep him in office.
One of his top priorities is expanding and maintaining the city’s open space and parks, which is crucial in attracting new businesses and economic activity. Voelz is committed to setting up the city for a sustainable future and wants to upgrade much needed transportation, water, and sewer infrastructure. Councilman Voelz has shown resilience and deserves to continue his work and is a solid progressive choice.
Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18
,
Conservation Colorado
John Voelz is running for reelection to Westminster City Council. With him, he brings 30 years of experience in the public sector and public affairs. Voelz survived a misguided recall attempt last summer from local right-wing zealots upset with higher water utility bills. However, the vote to increase water prices in a tiered-system happened in 2018, before Voelz ever joined city council. The voters of Westminster saw through the recall shenanigans and voted to keep him in office.
One of his top priorities is expanding and maintaining the city’s open space and parks, which is crucial in attracting new businesses and economic activity. Voelz is committed to setting up the city for a sustainable future and wants to upgrade much needed transportation, water, and sewer infrastructure. Councilman Voelz has shown resilience and deserves to continue his work and is a solid progressive choice.
Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18
,
Conservation Colorado
Kathryn Scully is running for re-election to Westminster City Council. Scully is a Community College professor, a mother of two children, and heavily involved in Westminster through her kids’ PTA and a number of other civic organizations. Scully values open communication and accessibility. Her focus on making Westminster a welcoming and equitable community as well as her work with other progressive members of the City Council make her a clear progressive choice. Her endorsements from partner organizations are also helpful.
Kathryn Scully is running for re-election to Westminster City Council. Scully is a Community College professor, a mother of two children, and heavily involved in Westminster through her kids’ PTA and a number of other civic organizations. Scully values open communication and accessibility. Her focus on making Westminster a welcoming and equitable community as well as her work with other progressive members of the City Council make her a clear progressive choice. Her endorsements from partner organizations are also helpful.
Endorsed By: Conservation Colorado
,
AFSCME Council 18
Kathryn Scully is running for re-election to Westminster City Council. Scully is a Community College professor, a mother of two children, and heavily involved in Westminster through her kids’ PTA and a number of other civic organizations. Scully values open communication and accessibility. Her focus on making Westminster a welcoming and equitable community as well as her work with other progressive members of the City Council make her a clear progressive choice. Her endorsements from partner organizations are also helpful.
Endorsed By: Conservation Colorado
,
AFSCME Council 18
Obi Ezeadi is running for one of four open positions on Westminster City Council. Ezeadi is a successful entrepreneur with experience in the transportation, healthcare, real estate, and technology sectors. As first-generation American and the son of Nigerian immigrants, Ezeadi’s upbringing was rife with poverty and struggle. His background fighting through adversity grounds his vision for a more just and equitable Westminster.
Ezeadi participates in civic life by giving financial expertise to those without access and has served on the Westminster Election Commission since 2019. In a city that is 36% non-white, Ezeadi would bring much needed diversity and representation to the all-White city council. His upbringing, professional resume, and progressive values make Ezeadi an easy choice for Westminster city council.
Obi Ezeadi is running for one of four open positions on Westminster City Council. Ezeadi is a successful entrepreneur with experience in the transportation, healthcare, real estate, and technology sectors. As first-generation American and the son of Nigerian immigrants, Ezeadi’s upbringing was rife with poverty and struggle. His background fighting through adversity grounds his vision for a more just and equitable Westminster.
Ezeadi participates in civic life by giving financial expertise to those without access and has served on the Westminster Election Commission since 2019. In a city that is 36% non-white, Ezeadi would bring much needed diversity and representation to the all-White city council. His upbringing, professional resume, and progressive values make Ezeadi an easy choice for Westminster city council.
Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18
,
Conservation Colorado
Obi Ezeadi is running for one of four open positions on Westminster City Council. Ezeadi is a successful entrepreneur with experience in the transportation, healthcare, real estate, and technology sectors. As first-generation American and the son of Nigerian immigrants, Ezeadi’s upbringing was rife with poverty and struggle. His background fighting through adversity grounds his vision for a more just and equitable Westminster.
Ezeadi participates in civic life by giving financial expertise to those without access and has served on the Westminster Election Commission since 2019. In a city that is 36% non-white, Ezeadi would bring much needed diversity and representation to the all-White city council. His upbringing, professional resume, and progressive values make Ezeadi an easy choice for Westminster city council.
Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18
,
Conservation Colorado
Sarah Nurmella is an urban planner running for one of Westminster’s four at-large city council seats. She has lived in Westminster for the last 10 years and has a very impressive background and qualifications for a City Council job including masters degrees in architecture and urban planning. Nurmella worked as a Westminster city-planner for 8 years, giving her granular knowledge perfect for the job. Lead comprehensive city planning. She has also served in a volunteer capacity on the city’s Environmental Advisory Board, ensuring that the city growth and actions have thorough environmental impact analysis.
Nurmella’s platform emphasizes strategic growth for the city, increasing affordable housing, diversifying industries, and updating the city's aging infrastructure to be resilient in the face of climate change.
In a city like Westminster where resource management and growth are hugely important issues, Nurmella would be an excellent addition to this City Council. Her resume and her endorsements speak to her progressive strengths.
Sarah Nurmella is an urban planner running for one of Westminster’s four at-large city council seats. She has lived in Westminster for the last 10 years and has a very impressive background and qualifications for a City Council job including masters degrees in architecture and urban planning. Nurmella worked as a Westminster city-planner for 8 years, giving her granular knowledge perfect for the job. Lead comprehensive city planning. She has also served in a volunteer capacity on the city’s Environmental Advisory Board, ensuring that the city growth and actions have thorough environmental impact analysis.
Nurmella’s platform emphasizes strategic growth for the city, increasing affordable housing, diversifying industries, and updating the city's aging infrastructure to be resilient in the face of climate change.
In a city like Westminster where resource management and growth are hugely important issues, Nurmella would be an excellent addition to this City Council. Her resume and her endorsements speak to her progressive strengths.
Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18
,
Conservation Colorado
Sarah Nurmella is an urban planner running for one of Westminster’s four at-large city council seats. She has lived in Westminster for the last 10 years and has a very impressive background and qualifications for a City Council job including masters degrees in architecture and urban planning. Nurmella worked as a Westminster city-planner for 8 years, giving her granular knowledge perfect for the job. Lead comprehensive city planning. She has also served in a volunteer capacity on the city’s Environmental Advisory Board, ensuring that the city growth and actions have thorough environmental impact analysis.
Nurmella’s platform emphasizes strategic growth for the city, increasing affordable housing, diversifying industries, and updating the city's aging infrastructure to be resilient in the face of climate change.
In a city like Westminster where resource management and growth are hugely important issues, Nurmella would be an excellent addition to this City Council. Her resume and her endorsements speak to her progressive strengths.
Endorsed By: AFSCME Council 18
,
Conservation Colorado
District Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.
City of Arvada, Ward #1
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
City of Arvada, Ward #3
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
City of Lakewood, Ward #1
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See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
City of Lakewood, Ward #2
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
City of Lakewood, Ward #3
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
City of Lakewood, Ward #4
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
City of Lakewood, Ward #5
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Working Families Party
,
AFSCME Council 18
Jefferson County School District
Depending on where you live, you may have the following school district races on your ballot.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
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Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
See the above links for this candidate's endorsements and additional campaign information.
Statewide Ballot Measures
The Legislative Authority for Spending State Money would mandate that all state spending from “outside funds” — such as federal money or private donations — would need to be determined and approved by the Colorado Legislature. At a time when Colorado is still rebounding from several disasters, this amendment would effectively paralyze our state in times of future emergencies, when our government needs more flexibility and responsiveness, not less. It also risks over-politicization of ongoing state activities and reduces the influence of technical experts. When our budgeting system fails to produce evidence-based, timely solutions, the most marginalized Coloradans suffer and we miss opportunities to make critical long-term investments in public infrastructure. We must find more nuanced solutions that promote both transparency and effective budgeting.
The Legislative Authority for Spending State Money would mandate that all state spending from “outside funds” — such as federal money or private donations — would need to be determined and approved by the Colorado Legislature. At a time when Colorado is still rebounding from several disasters, this amendment would effectively paralyze our state in times of future emergencies, when our government needs more flexibility and responsiveness, not less. It also risks over-politicization of ongoing state activities and reduces the influence of technical experts. When our budgeting system fails to produce evidence-based, timely solutions, the most marginalized Coloradans suffer and we miss opportunities to make critical long-term investments in public infrastructure. We must find more nuanced solutions that promote both transparency and effective budgeting.
The Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress Program would raise sales tax on marijuana purchases from 15% to 20% over three years to fund out-of-school educational programs for children ages 5-17, with a priority for providing programs for low-income households. It is estimated that this would raise an estimated $137 million per year. Though the outcome of this taxation is of course laudable, continuing to fund needed education and enrichment programs through “sin taxes,” is an unsustainable model and circumvents the necessary major systemic funding issues we need to address as a state.
The Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress Program would raise sales tax on marijuana purchases from 15% to 20% over three years to fund out-of-school educational programs for children ages 5-17, with a priority for providing programs for low-income households. It is estimated that this would raise an estimated $137 million per year. Though the outcome of this taxation is of course laudable, continuing to fund needed education and enrichment programs through “sin taxes,” is an unsustainable model and circumvents the necessary major systemic funding issues we need to address as a state.
The Property Tax Assessment Rate Reduction Proposition would: lower the property tax assessment rate for non-residential property from 29% to 26.4%, and lower the property tax assessment rate for residential property from 7.1% to 6.5%.
This reduction would cut needed public funding -- an estimated $45 million in its first year -- for local government services that all Coloradans rely on, such as schools, fire departments, and police departments. In sum, this proposition would have the effect of primarily benefitting wealthy property owners while robbing funding from crucial public investments like education and infrastructure. When public programs such as these are continually underfunded, the most marginalized in our communities are consistently disproportionally harmed.
The Property Tax Assessment Rate Reduction Proposition would: lower the property tax assessment rate for non-residential property from 29% to 26.4%, and lower the property tax assessment rate for residential property from 7.1% to 6.5%.
This reduction would cut needed public funding -- an estimated $45 million in its first year -- for local government services that all Coloradans rely on, such as schools, fire departments, and police departments. In sum, this proposition would have the effect of primarily benefitting wealthy property owners while robbing funding from crucial public investments like education and infrastructure. When public programs such as these are continually underfunded, the most marginalized in our communities are consistently disproportionally harmed.
Denver City Ballot Measures
The Initiated Ordinance 303 would ban anyone from camping in the Denver area, with the exception of four permitted sites, without receiving written permission from the property’s owner. It would grant the power of enforcement of this ban to residents, who would be allowed to sue the city if it didn’t remove people from these sites within 72 hours.
The effect would be not only to further criminalize those experiencing homelessness, but it would embolden any un-elected person to act as an enforcement agency unto themselves.
Homelessness and a dearth of affordable housing is a huge problem in Denver, and one which requires more nuanced solutions and funding. This initiative provides for none of these things, while further endangering our most marginalized neighbors and wasting needed resources.
The Initiated Ordinance 303 would ban anyone from camping in the Denver area, with the exception of four permitted sites, without receiving written permission from the property’s owner. It would grant the power of enforcement of this ban to residents, who would be allowed to sue the city if it didn’t remove people from these sites within 72 hours.
The effect would be not only to further criminalize those experiencing homelessness, but it would embolden any un-elected person to act as an enforcement agency unto themselves.
Homelessness and a dearth of affordable housing is a huge problem in Denver, and one which requires more nuanced solutions and funding. This initiative provides for none of these things, while further endangering our most marginalized neighbors and wasting needed resources.
Opposed By Colorado Working Families Party
The "Enough Taxes Already" Initiative would lower and cap from here forward, Denver’s aggregate sale sand use tax rate, from 4.81% to 4.5%.
It would require the city to stop new sales or use taxes — even if voters approve new ones — above this 4.5% cap.
This initiative would impact the city’s overall revenue and reduce funding for services -- an estimated cut of $4.7 to 8 million dollars before the end of 2021, followed by $50-80 million in cuts in 2022 and every year after. This slash in funding would rob Denver residents of the very improvements that they have overwhelmingly voted to approve, such as road repairs, park maintenance, fire protection, mental health and homeless services. The effect would be undermining Denver voters’ stated priorities in favor of small gains for a select few.
The "Enough Taxes Already" Initiative would lower and cap from here forward, Denver’s aggregate sale sand use tax rate, from 4.81% to 4.5%.
It would require the city to stop new sales or use taxes — even if voters approve new ones — above this 4.5% cap.
This initiative would impact the city’s overall revenue and reduce funding for services -- an estimated cut of $4.7 to 8 million dollars before the end of 2021, followed by $50-80 million in cuts in 2022 and every year after. This slash in funding would rob Denver residents of the very improvements that they have overwhelmingly voted to approve, such as road repairs, park maintenance, fire protection, mental health and homeless services. The effect would be undermining Denver voters’ stated priorities in favor of small gains for a select few.
Opposed By The Bell Policy Center
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Conservation Colorado
The Denver Housing and Sheltering System Bonds would provide $38.6 million funding for shelters and facilities for people experiencing homelessness while not altering Denver's tax rate. It will fund the purchase of the 48th Avenue shelter, support the purchase, conversion, or construction of up to 300 motel rooms in Denver to function as shelters, create over 400 jobs, and fund improvements to existing shelters. This will continue efforts to address the homelessness crisis in Denver which has seen an increase in residents experiencing homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Denver Housing and Sheltering System Bonds would provide $38.6 million funding for shelters and facilities for people experiencing homelessness while not altering Denver's tax rate. It will fund the purchase of the 48th Avenue shelter, support the purchase, conversion, or construction of up to 300 motel rooms in Denver to function as shelters, create over 400 jobs, and fund improvements to existing shelters. This will continue efforts to address the homelessness crisis in Denver which has seen an increase in residents experiencing homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Endorsed By Colorado Working Families Party
The "Safe and Sound" Measure repeals the group living amendment approved by Denver City Council. The previously approved measure allows up to five unrelated adults to legally live together (the legal limit is currently only two unrelated adults to live together).
This would take away affordable housing options for low-income and working families, reduce the number of available plots for halfway homes, and undo progress made to provide support for seniors and and those with physical or development disabilities.
The "Safe and Sound" Measure repeals the group living amendment approved by Denver City Council. The previously approved measure allows up to five unrelated adults to legally live together (the legal limit is currently only two unrelated adults to live together).
This would take away affordable housing options for low-income and working families, reduce the number of available plots for halfway homes, and undo progress made to provide support for seniors and and those with physical or development disabilities.
Opposed By Colorado Working Families Party