Colorado has always been known for its independent streak—it’s something we’re proud of. We are independent in so many ways, including our party affiliations. As a matter of fact, unaffiliated, or independent, voters make up the largest voting group in the state (37 percent) and Colorado holds the top spot in the nation for growth in unaffiliated voters (67 percent of new voter registrations in 2014).
Three years ago, our members identified top priorities for the Chamber, and engaging independent voters in the primary process was one of those key priorities. For two years, we have tried to get approval at the state legislature to create a primary system that would send a Democratic ballot to registered Democrats, a Republican ballot to registered Republicans and a third ballot with a Democratic column and a Republican column to unaffiliated voters. In this system, the unaffiliated voter would choose which column to vote in but would not have to affiliate with either party in advance to have his or her voice heard. Because we were unsuccessful at the legislature (and our research shows that the majority of Coloradans agree with us), we are going to the ballot in November.
Let Colorado Vote! is working on two ballot issues:
- Creating semi-open primary elections allowing our state’s 1.3 million unaffiliated voters to vote (as I described above).
- Bringing back the presidential primary election—which Colorado last held in 2000—and opening it to unaffiliated voters.
Our members support this effort because:
It’s fair. All taxpayers fund our elections, and it’s not right to exclude more than 1 million Coloradans from primary elections because they have chosen not to affiliate with a party.
It engages more people. We have numerous examples of how decisions were improved in our history because more people with differing views got involved. And, these 1.3 million unaffiliated voters in Colorado are very interested in participating in their democracy when we allow them. As a matter of fact, we have some of the highest turnout in the nation for our general elections in November, but only one in five Colorado voters engaged in the primary elections in 2014—and we all saw how this year’s caucuses went. (Oofda, as my grandmother would say.)
It will help us solve problems. We know that when it comes to doing business in Colorado, compromise and problem-solving are valued and rewarded. That’s why you don’t see the gridlock in Colorado business that you see in public policy. We should ensure our political process rewards elected officials who solve problems, too.
Now, to be successful in November, we need your help:
- Sign the petition to help us get on the ballot. We have petitions in the Chamber offices at our fourth floor front desk
- Donate to ensure voters know about these initiatives.
- Let us use your name or your company’s name to show the diversity of the coalition that supports this work.
- Tell your friends and family about the initiatives and encourage them to vote yes.
- And, of course, vote yes in November.
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.