Denver, CO – Today is election day, and according to the Secretary of State’s office, 793,033 ballots were returned as of Monday. Republicans returned 64,351 more ballots than Democrats.
Statewide, Republicans were outvoting Democrats with 303,324 ballots against 238,973. The state’s unaffiliated voters had turned in 242,081 ballots.
From: El Paso County leads Colorado in early election returns, by Conrad Swanson
Though it is only a coordinated (or off-year) election in Colorado, voters face a number of contentious items. Local tax increases are on ballots across the state. Current law is now facing scrutiny after tax hike proponents who wrote both “yes” and “no” arguments for ballots.
However, the statewide assault on the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) is causing the biggest fuss. One of our contributors even wrote an opinion piece on the tax increase.
The tax hike, Proposition CC, permanently ends taxpayer refunds guaranteed by TABOR. The Democrat-controlled legislature put the proposition forward after they overspent during the last legislative session. What’s more, door-to-door tax hike proponents are possibly lying to voters about the true value of their future tax refunds.
Proposition CC is not the only controversial item in this election season. The Adams County Clerk and Recorder printed 17,000 ballots incorrectly in Aurora. As we mentioned before, multiple counties also printed ballots with potentially misleading language. In Jefferson County, GOP leadership refused to condemn the Ballot Issue 1A tax increase, frustrating party members.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold’s campaign is also tied to a complaint against the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder over Ballot Issue 1A. We are keeping an eye on this potential conflict of interest.
With all the controversies, the 2019 election is shaping up to be a wild one in Colorado. Voters will know where everything stands when the election closes tonight.
Please share!
Remember to check back with the Colorado Citizen Press. We’re always looking for good stories to write. Please use our “Citizen Tip Line” early and often. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@COCitizenPress)!
Why can’t the registered Republicans come out when they’re really needed?