By Terri Lynn Oldham House
Lately, we have been thankful for the fast-forward feature on our television remote control. Skipping over the endless, repetitive and highly negative political ads is a true blessing.
Information is important, but the mudslinging has gotten to be a bit much this year.
You might call this edition of The Pagosa Springs SUN our local election coverage issue.
You will find pages of advertising from candidates and parties, and you will find multiple pages of the Archuleta County Commissioner Election Tracker where candidates have answered questions focusing on important issues facing our community.
We believe that who leads our county for the next four years is a huge decision and will no doubt have major impact for years to come.
There are three candidates running for the open District 1 seat and two candidates running for the District 2 position.
Ballots will start being mailed out tomorrow to active voters registered in Archuleta County.
Are you registered to vote? You can make sure at www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
According to Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder Kristy Archuleta, there has been an increase in voters registering in the county, with 600 added since the presidential primary in June.
You can register up to and on Election Day, but Oct. 26 is the last day a ballot can be mailed to you, so time is of the essence.
This week also features the General Election Notice published by the Archuleta County clerk and recorder. The ballot is a hefty one in size and voting content.
For your ballot to count, it must be returned to and in the hands of the Archuleta County clerk and recorderno later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. It can’t just be postmarked by that day.
We’ve heard that many people want to vote in person.
Due to the pandemic, we are being asked by the county clerk to return our ballot via mail or a drop box to help make the election safe.
Of course, if you still like to cast your ballot at the polls, you still have options and you will be asked to wear a face covering.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, the election’s office located at 449 San Juan St. (behind the courthouse), will serve as the official Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC). The VSPC hours will be 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3.
Need a replacement ballot? Have questions? You can call the Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder’s Office at 264-8331.
An article on page one of this week’s paper offers more information on the election.
Next week, The SUN will print the 2020 statewide ballot issues. There are 11 of them up for consideration.
You should have received your 2020 State Ballot Information Booklet, also known as the Blue Book, in the mail. This year’s book may be the thickest one you’ve ever received. If you didn’t receive one in the mail, you can get a digital version online at leg.colorado.gov/bluebook.
The Blue Book provides analysis and a description of the measure with major arguments for and against.
You will also find a section on judicial performance evaluations of the Colorado Supreme Court justices, the Colorado Court of Appeals judges, and district and county court judges who are on the ballot.
We hope the tools provided in The SUN will help you make these important decisions.
