Raise your hand if you’re already counting the days until the 2020 General Election.

With our sights often set on our representatives in Washington DC, it can be easy to lose focus on the elections happening in our own front yards that impact our everyday lives every bit as much as those who represent us in Congress. In the Spring and Fall of this year, ballots will mail for dozens of local Western Slope elections, containing within them pivotal local ballot issues and races from city council to county commissioner to school boards.

These elections are the most meaningful act a citizen can provide in service of our democracy. While local positions like county commissioner come with salaries that exceed those of our state legislators, many more like our school board and council candidates work at no cost or exceedingly little. Local elections are unique because local elections are about local people. The folks make big decisions for our hometowns and are also our neighbors who live and contribute to our local communities. There’s little chance for these candidates to hide behind big-money marketing schemes or far-away legislative schedules. It all comes down to community organizing and citizen power and we’re proud to see Western Colorado Alliance members answering the call.

Just as important as the candidates on our ballots are the issues referred to a citizen vote. With TABOR requiring many local governments to seek tax approval from residents, local ballot items determine the quality of the services we receive, the durability of the roads we drive on, the education our schools can provide for our children, and the ways we chart the future of our rural areas. A fantastic example of local ballot issues is the community center effort which will go to a vote in Grand Junction on April 2nd. This municipal ballot measure, involving several Western Colorado Alliance members, is a citizen-initiated and lead effort that is a direct result of grassroots organizing at it’s finest. Read more about it on page 6.
Aside from building a ballot measure from the ground up, consider running for office yourself and start building the foundational blocks you would need for success now. Join prominent local boards, run for a position on your local electric association board or possibly serve on a water board. Build name recognition and experience in local government, and then help us build a more just and sustainable, and self-reliant communities as a representative.

The biggest way to make a change right now? Stay informed about the local elections happening in your town, and vote. And whether your candidate of choice wins or not, show up and make your voice heard.