Progressive Voters Guide Powered by ProgressNow Colorado
Progressive Voters Guide Powered by ProgressNow Colorado
Nicole Speer photo
Non-Partisan

Nicole Speer

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram

Nicole Speer is running for reelection to the Boulder City Council. She was originally elected in 2021. Speer is a scientist who, like many of us, is facing unemployment due to federal funding cuts to government science programs. As a council member and Mayor Pro-Tem, Speer worked on creating financial security in Boulder through renter protections and raising the city’s minimum wage. She is dedicated to expanding housing services and addressing barriers to stability to thwart homelessness. Speer hopes to create a budget that reflects what Boulderites care about including nature and the environment, public spaces, civil liberties, and pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Speer is an advocate for the community and the power of municipal government. 
Also running are Matt Benjamin, Aaron Stone, Montserrat Palacios, Robert Smoke, Maxwell Lord, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Lauren Folkerts, Rob Kaplan, Mark Wallach, and Jennifer Robbins. 
Voters are asked to select up to 4 candidates for the City Council race. Nicole Speer is a strong progressive choice for Boulder City Council.

Nicole Speer is running for reelection to the Boulder City Council. She was originally elected in 2021. Speer is a scientist who, like many of us, is facing unemployment due to federal funding cuts to government science programs. As a council member and Mayor Pro-Tem, Speer worked on creating financial security in Boulder through renter protections and raising the city’s minimum wage. She is dedicated to expanding housing services and addressing barriers to stability to thwart homelessness. Speer hopes to create a budget that reflects what Boulderites care about including nature and the environment, public spaces, civil liberties, and pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Speer is an advocate for the community and the power of municipal government. 
Also running are Matt Benjamin, Aaron Stone, Montserrat Palacios, Robert Smoke, Maxwell Lord, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Lauren Folkerts, Rob Kaplan, Mark Wallach, and Jennifer Robbins. 
Voters are asked to select up to 4 candidates for the City Council race. Nicole Speer is a strong progressive choice for Boulder City Council.

City of Boulder

Not in City of Boulder? Find your guide.

Election Day November 4, 2025
Find Drop Box Locations
Ballot Drop Boxes

City of Boulder

Boulder City Council

Lauren Folkerts photo
Non-Partisan

Lauren Folkerts

Website Facebook Instagram (Twitter)

Lauren Folkerts is running for reelection to Boulder City Council. She currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem and outside of council, works as an architect. Folkerts hopes to continue to work on Boulder’s most pressing issues such as climate change, inequity, and the housing crisis. She helped lead efforts to raise minimum wage, reform land use, and pass the nation’s first embodied carbon building code. Folkerts is an advocate for the people and nature that make Boulder so special. She is dedicated to supporting quality of life and economic prosperity for all. Also running are Matt Benjamin, Aaron Stone, Montserrat Palacios, Robert Smoke, Maxwell Lord, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Rob Kaplan, Mark Wallach, Nicole Speer, and Jennifer Robbins. 
Voters are asked to select up to 4 candidates for the City Council race. Lauren Folkerts is a strong progressive choice for Boulder City Council.

Lauren Folkerts is running for reelection to Boulder City Council. She currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem and outside of council, works as an architect. Folkerts hopes to continue to work on Boulder’s most pressing issues such as climate change, inequity, and the housing crisis. She helped lead efforts to raise minimum wage, reform land use, and pass the nation’s first embodied carbon building code. Folkerts is an advocate for the people and nature that make Boulder so special. She is dedicated to supporting quality of life and economic prosperity for all. Also running are Matt Benjamin, Aaron Stone, Montserrat Palacios, Robert Smoke, Maxwell Lord, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Rob Kaplan, Mark Wallach, Nicole Speer, and Jennifer Robbins. 
Voters are asked to select up to 4 candidates for the City Council race. Lauren Folkerts is a strong progressive choice for Boulder City Council.

Nicole Speer photo
Non-Partisan

Nicole Speer

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram

Nicole Speer is running for reelection to the Boulder City Council. She was originally elected in 2021. Speer is a scientist who, like many of us, is facing unemployment due to federal funding cuts to government science programs. As a council member and Mayor Pro-Tem, Speer worked on creating financial security in Boulder through renter protections and raising the city’s minimum wage. She is dedicated to expanding housing services and addressing barriers to stability to thwart homelessness. Speer hopes to create a budget that reflects what Boulderites care about including nature and the environment, public spaces, civil liberties, and pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Speer is an advocate for the community and the power of municipal government. 
Also running are Matt Benjamin, Aaron Stone, Montserrat Palacios, Robert Smoke, Maxwell Lord, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Lauren Folkerts, Rob Kaplan, Mark Wallach, and Jennifer Robbins. 
Voters are asked to select up to 4 candidates for the City Council race. Nicole Speer is a strong progressive choice for Boulder City Council.

Nicole Speer is running for reelection to the Boulder City Council. She was originally elected in 2021. Speer is a scientist who, like many of us, is facing unemployment due to federal funding cuts to government science programs. As a council member and Mayor Pro-Tem, Speer worked on creating financial security in Boulder through renter protections and raising the city’s minimum wage. She is dedicated to expanding housing services and addressing barriers to stability to thwart homelessness. Speer hopes to create a budget that reflects what Boulderites care about including nature and the environment, public spaces, civil liberties, and pedestrian and bike infrastructure. Speer is an advocate for the community and the power of municipal government. 
Also running are Matt Benjamin, Aaron Stone, Montserrat Palacios, Robert Smoke, Maxwell Lord, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Lauren Folkerts, Rob Kaplan, Mark Wallach, and Jennifer Robbins. 
Voters are asked to select up to 4 candidates for the City Council race. Nicole Speer is a strong progressive choice for Boulder City Council.

School Board

Depending on where you live, you may have the following school district races on your ballot.

Boulder Valley School Board

Boulder Valley School Board School Board, Director, District E

Deann Bucher photo

Deann Bucher

Website Endorsements

Deann Bucher is running for the Boulder Valley School District School Board District E. Bucher has had a varied career in education having taught at Monarch High School as well as working as a mentor and curriculum specialist. Bucher has sponsored GSA clubs and worked closely with the No Place for Hate program in schools. Since retiring from BVSD, she now works in a private school serving students with specialized social and educational needs. Bucher would be the first openly gay school board member and the first educator to fill the seat in 20 years. Bucher hopes to support equality, academic excellence, and student and family support in District E with the BVSD school board.   
Also running is Jeffery Anderson.
Dedicated to the students and famillies of BVSD, Deann Bucher is the progressive choice for the BVSD School Board in District E.

Deann Bucher is running for the Boulder Valley School District School Board District E. Bucher has had a varied career in education having taught at Monarch High School as well as working as a mentor and curriculum specialist. Bucher has sponsored GSA clubs and worked closely with the No Place for Hate program in schools. Since retiring from BVSD, she now works in a private school serving students with specialized social and educational needs. Bucher would be the first openly gay school board member and the first educator to fill the seat in 20 years. Bucher hopes to support equality, academic excellence, and student and family support in District E with the BVSD school board.   
Also running is Jeffery Anderson.
Dedicated to the students and famillies of BVSD, Deann Bucher is the progressive choice for the BVSD School Board in District E.

Boulder Valley School Board School Board, Director, District B

Nicole Rajpal photo

Nicole Rajpal

Website

Nicole Rajpal is running unopposed for reelection to the District B seat of the Boulder Valley School District Board. She is the current Board President and previously served as Treasurer. Rajpal is a registered dietitian which has taken her to work in pediatric hospitals and community colleges. She is dedicated to continuing her work with the school board with specific focuses on opportunity and success rates, staff and student wellbeing, and good governance. Though unopposed, PNC supports Nicole Rajpal as the progressive choice for BVSD school board’s District B seat. 

Nicole Rajpal is running unopposed for reelection to the District B seat of the Boulder Valley School District Board. She is the current Board President and previously served as Treasurer. Rajpal is a registered dietitian which has taken her to work in pediatric hospitals and community colleges. She is dedicated to continuing her work with the school board with specific focuses on opportunity and success rates, staff and student wellbeing, and good governance. Though unopposed, PNC supports Nicole Rajpal as the progressive choice for BVSD school board’s District B seat. 

Boulder Valley School Board School Board, Director, District F

Ana Temu Otting photo

Ana Temu Otting

Website

Ana Temu Otting is running unopposed for the District F seat of the Boulder Valley School District School Board. Otting is an experienced advocate, having worked in lobbying and organizing for immigration issues for many years. The daughter of immigrants herself, Otting understands the uplifting impact of public education for students of all backgrounds. Otting has experience as a professional in non-profit work, philanthropy, local government, and small business. She aims to bring this experience, as well as a focus on equity, partnership, and transparent budgeting, to the BVSD School Board. Though unopposed, Ana Temu Otting is the clear progressive choice for District F. 

Ana Temu Otting is running unopposed for the District F seat of the Boulder Valley School District School Board. Otting is an experienced advocate, having worked in lobbying and organizing for immigration issues for many years. The daughter of immigrants herself, Otting understands the uplifting impact of public education for students of all backgrounds. Otting has experience as a professional in non-profit work, philanthropy, local government, and small business. She aims to bring this experience, as well as a focus on equity, partnership, and transparent budgeting, to the BVSD School Board. Though unopposed, Ana Temu Otting is the clear progressive choice for District F. 

St. Vrain Valley School District

St. Vrain Valley School District School Board, Director, District E

Jocelyn Gilligan photo

Jocelyn Gilligan

Jocelyn Gilligan is running unopposed for District E of the St Vrain Valley School District Board. She is the incumbent for this seat, having originally filled a vacancy in 2023. Gilligan’s background is in finance and consulting and she served as Treasurer for the St. Vrain Valley School Board. Gilligan has four children in St. Vrain schools and is outspoken on the importance of public education as a pillar for families and communities.

Jocelyn Gilligan is running unopposed for District E of the St Vrain Valley School District Board. She is the incumbent for this seat, having originally filled a vacancy in 2023. Gilligan’s background is in finance and consulting and she served as Treasurer for the St. Vrain Valley School Board. Gilligan has four children in St. Vrain schools and is outspoken on the importance of public education as a pillar for families and communities.

St. Vrain Valley School District School Board, Director, District D

Meosha Babbs photo

Meosha Babbs

Website

Meosha Babbs is running for reelection to St Vrain Valley School District’s School Board in District D. Babbs is a project engineer at Ball and has additional experience as an educator teaching grade and graduate school students. She serves on the board of several organizations aimed at STEM/STEAM access for students. She is also involved with Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Babbs supports the development of science and technology, as well as arts and music, programming in SVVSD. She supports the stewardship of a responsible budget that helps schools, students, and staff flourish. Babbs is an open-minded board member who recognizes the talent and potential of SVVSD. 
Also running is John Ahrens. 
Based on her proven success as a board member and community leader, Meosha Babbs is the progressive choice for District D.

Meosha Babbs is running for reelection to St Vrain Valley School District’s School Board in District D. Babbs is a project engineer at Ball and has additional experience as an educator teaching grade and graduate school students. She serves on the board of several organizations aimed at STEM/STEAM access for students. She is also involved with Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Babbs supports the development of science and technology, as well as arts and music, programming in SVVSD. She supports the stewardship of a responsible budget that helps schools, students, and staff flourish. Babbs is an open-minded board member who recognizes the talent and potential of SVVSD. 
Also running is John Ahrens. 
Based on her proven success as a board member and community leader, Meosha Babbs is the progressive choice for District D.

St. Vrain Valley School District School Board, Director, District B

Hadley Solomon photo

Hadley Solomon

Website

Hadley Solomon is the progressive choice for District B of St. Vrain Valley School District. An involved parent, Solomon has been a community leader for SVVSD for many years in classrooms and school advisory/fundraising boards. In her professional life, Solomon prides herself for having a wealth of experiences and problem solving skills. Solomon wants to foster academic excellence, ensure safe and respectful schools, and secure education funding. 

Opposing Solomon is Peggy Kelly. Kelly is a retired nurse and educator who brings a concerning focus to the United States constitution to her platform and view of educational standards. She also highlights biological sex standards for sports and “parental rights” as important issues for SVVSD. 

With her even keeled attitude and progressive values, Hadley Solomon is the clear progressive choice for District B of St Vrain Valley School District’s School Board.

Hadley Solomon is the progressive choice for District B of St. Vrain Valley School District. An involved parent, Solomon has been a community leader for SVVSD for many years in classrooms and school advisory/fundraising boards. In her professional life, Solomon prides herself for having a wealth of experiences and problem solving skills. Solomon wants to foster academic excellence, ensure safe and respectful schools, and secure education funding. 

Opposing Solomon is Peggy Kelly. Kelly is a retired nurse and educator who brings a concerning focus to the United States constitution to her platform and view of educational standards. She also highlights biological sex standards for sports and “parental rights” as important issues for SVVSD. 

With her even keeled attitude and progressive values, Hadley Solomon is the clear progressive choice for District B of St Vrain Valley School District’s School Board.

St. Vrain Valley School District School Board, Director, District F

Sarah Hurianek photo

Sarah Hurianek

Sarah Hurianek is unopposed for the District F councilmember seat of the St Vrain Valley School District Board. She originally joined the board in 2022. Hurianek is a second generation educator and attended school in St Vrain Valley herself. She is dedicated to supporting educators and the financial stability of SVVSD. 

Sarah Hurianek is unopposed for the District F councilmember seat of the St Vrain Valley School District Board. She originally joined the board in 2022. Hurianek is a second generation educator and attended school in St Vrain Valley herself. She is dedicated to supporting educators and the financial stability of SVVSD. 

Statewide Ballot Measures

Proposition LL

VOTE YES

Vote YES on Proposition LL

Website

Proposition LL asks if the state should be allowed to keep and spend the revenue collected from Proposition FF. Prop FF established the Healthy School Meals for All Program and has accrued $12.4 million in revenue since its original voter approval in 2022. The Healthy School Meals for All Program is funded through state income taxes and supports free school meals for all students, regardless of family income. Due to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights, the state of Colorado must ask for approval in order to keep and spend tax revenue that has already been collected. If voters do not approve LL, households that paid the state income tax will have the tax revenue reimbursed to them. With the additional funds from LL, the Healthy School Meals for All Program would be able to further support the purchasing and use of Colorado grown products, increase wages for cafeteria employees, and offer training and technical assistance to schools.
Food is necessary for growing and learning brains. For any number of reasons, many children do not have access to quality nutrition. Free and nutritious meals can help support students from all economic and social backgrounds in becoming empowered learners and leaders.

Proposition LL asks if the state should be allowed to keep and spend the revenue collected from Proposition FF. Prop FF established the Healthy School Meals for All Program and has accrued $12.4 million in revenue since its original voter approval in 2022. The Healthy School Meals for All Program is funded through state income taxes and supports free school meals for all students, regardless of family income. Due to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights, the state of Colorado must ask for approval in order to keep and spend tax revenue that has already been collected. If voters do not approve LL, households that paid the state income tax will have the tax revenue reimbursed to them. With the additional funds from LL, the Healthy School Meals for All Program would be able to further support the purchasing and use of Colorado grown products, increase wages for cafeteria employees, and offer training and technical assistance to schools.
Food is necessary for growing and learning brains. For any number of reasons, many children do not have access to quality nutrition. Free and nutritious meals can help support students from all economic and social backgrounds in becoming empowered learners and leaders.

Proposition MM

VOTE YES

Vote YES on Proposition MM

Website

Proposition MM asks if the state income tax should be increased. The tax increase would go towards free school meals to all public school students and food assistance and education to low-income families through the Healthy School Meals for All and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). In tandem with Proposition LL, MM will increase the state’s funding capacity for food and nutrition programming by building the funding reservoir for such programming. Ultimately, programs like this support countless children and families and do a great deal to curb hunger in Colorado. All children need and deserve access to quality nutrition. Proposition MM helps provide government support for pathways to success among school age children of all backgrounds and identities.

Proposition MM asks if the state income tax should be increased. The tax increase would go towards free school meals to all public school students and food assistance and education to low-income families through the Healthy School Meals for All and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). In tandem with Proposition LL, MM will increase the state’s funding capacity for food and nutrition programming by building the funding reservoir for such programming. Ultimately, programs like this support countless children and families and do a great deal to curb hunger in Colorado. All children need and deserve access to quality nutrition. Proposition MM helps provide government support for pathways to success among school age children of all backgrounds and identities.

Boulder City Ballot Measures

Referral 2025-036

VOTE YES

Vote YES on Boulder Ballot Item 1

Website

Ballot Item 1 proposes the extension of the existing Open Space Sales and Use Tax in perpetuity. The 0.15% tax was originally approved by the citizens of Boulder in 2010 and is set to expire in 2030. By extending the tax, the City of Boulder will continue to be able to acquire, maintain, and improve public and agricultural open space.

Ballot Item 1 proposes the extension of the existing Open Space Sales and Use Tax in perpetuity. The 0.15% tax was originally approved by the citizens of Boulder in 2010 and is set to expire in 2030. By extending the tax, the City of Boulder will continue to be able to acquire, maintain, and improve public and agricultural open space.

Referral 2025-39

VOTE YES

Vote YES on Boulder Ballot Item 2

Website

Ballot Item 2 requests the installation of a 0.15% sales and use tax to be put towards the mental health and substance abuse challenges present in Boulder. The revenue would benefit all ages and economic backgrounds with increased access to services, programs, and intervention/recovery for mental health crisis, suicide risk, and substance use. This tax would allow for better implementation of Boulder County Behavioral Health’s Strategic Plan to address unmet behavioral and mental health needs. Locally funded and community centered approaches have been proven to be most successful in improving behavioral health at large as well as the efficiency of the workforce and economy. The tax would not apply to machinery, food, renewable energy development, or sales that benefit schools or parent/teacher associations.

Ballot Item 2 requests the installation of a 0.15% sales and use tax to be put towards the mental health and substance abuse challenges present in Boulder. The revenue would benefit all ages and economic backgrounds with increased access to services, programs, and intervention/recovery for mental health crisis, suicide risk, and substance use. This tax would allow for better implementation of Boulder County Behavioral Health’s Strategic Plan to address unmet behavioral and mental health needs. Locally funded and community centered approaches have been proven to be most successful in improving behavioral health at large as well as the efficiency of the workforce and economy. The tax would not apply to machinery, food, renewable energy development, or sales that benefit schools or parent/teacher associations.