It can be hard for even politically experienced voters to explain the duties of the various officials we elect. Consider this your “cheat sheet” for the roles of elected officials, from the very local level to the national. Click on the + symbol to the right of an official title to see a brief description of that official’s role in government:
Rural Electric Association Board Member
Many Western Colorado residents receive their electricity from a rural electric association, consumer-owned utilities where power customers elect their own board of directors.
School Board Member
Public schools are governed by a public body. We elect our school board members to oversee our school district and its administration. Among other things, our school board has the authority to approve finances and programs made available to schools.
City Council Member
If you live within the limits of a city, your city council members make a lot of decisions that impact you. From property zoning to public safety needs, and road improvements to community services, your city council directs funding to projects they deem most important to the community. They oversee the spending of city tax dollars.
County Commissioner
No matter where you live in Colorado, you live within a county governed by elected leaders. Your county commissioners create ordinances to protect the welfare of community members and their property. They oversee the spending of county tax dollars which go to programs like the sheriff’s department, fire departments, trash collection services and much more.
Clerk & Recorder
The Clerk & Recorder has many responsibilities ranging from overseeing the local Department of Motor Vehicles to issuing marriage certificates and running local elections. They are responsible for collecting, holding, and filing vital records for the county and for individual community members.
Treasurer
The Treasurer deals in all things finance. They are responsible for property tax collection and distribution to the County and other local governments and public entities including your school district.
Sheriff
The Sheriff is responsible for overseeing law enforcement in your county. Creating a community that is safe for residents is the Sheriff’s top responsibility.
Surveyor
This position oversees land development policies, plans, and changes. They record property boundaries, handle disputes, review subdivision plans, and more.
Coroner
Coroners investigate and determine the cause of a person’s death. They focus more on deaths considered to be suspicious or unusual.
Judge
Judges are elected to be impartial and non-partisan in order to fairly oversee court cases by interpreting the meaning of our laws and administer appropriate sentences.
Governor
The Governor is the executive head of state government and has the power to appoint people to state positions, veto legislation, and generally oversee state operations.
State Representative
State representatives are elected every two years to represent citizens in districts where they themselves reside. They create legislation for Colorado and direct state spending.
State Senator
State senators are elected every four years to represent citizens in districts where they themselves reside. They create legislation for Colorado and direct state spending.
Attorney General
The Attorney General is the top legal officer in the state. They advise the state legislature (the House of Representatives, Senate, and Governorship) as well as state agencies and citizens. This position represents, defends and enforces the legal interests of the state and its citizens.
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State holds numerous responsibilities including management of state elections and voting, issuing business licenses and tradenames, oversight of charities and fundraisers, lobbying, and much more.
Treasurer
The state treasurer oversees all things finance. From loan programs, to state budgeting appropriation and taxes, to open records requests, the treasurer directs state spending.
U.S. Senator
Elected every four years, our Senators represent Colorado’s interests in Washington DC and contribute to federal lawmaking.
U.S. Representative
Elected every two years, our Congress members represent Colorado’s interests in Washington DC and contribute to federal lawmaking.
President
The president is the elected leader of the United States of America. They direct the executive branch of the federal government and act as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.