The 2020 presidential election caught high school students at a time characterized by the misery of online school and an interestingly different political climate; yet, Colorado had one of the highest rates of youth voter turnout in the country. I argue that this observed turnout was not by happenstance, but rather the fact that hot-button issues such as gun control, drug decriminalization, and abortion affect Colorado teenagers considerably.
Since the election of President Joe Biden, the lives of American citizens have been transformed by federal and state-level reforms. In particular, issues of abortion and gun control have struck the country, again and again, placing state governments’ in a position to decide whether or not they will protect their citizens.
The gubernatorial and senatorial elections in Colorado will be intrinsic to the establishment of Colorado as a state safe haven for those around the country seeking asylum from atmospheres of control and oppression. It is vital that Colorado residents participate in these elections, executing their duty as citizens to decide who will represent them.
But perhaps even more importantly, there are several statewide ballot measures necessitating support from voters.
The Colorado Decriminalization, Regulated Distribution, and Therapy Program for Certain Hallucinogenic Plants and Fungi Initiative seeks to further the decriminalization of certain hallucinogens, a movement that has gained traction in Colorado in the past several years. The measure would also establish a therapy program to aid in the supervised administration of such drugs, and create a framework for the distribution and regulation of these drugs. By supporting measures that provide support to drug users, Coloradoans can substantiate the principles of wellness we so often preach.
Also on the ballot will be the Colorado Reduce Income Tax Deduction Amounts to Fund School Meals Program Measure. The measure perhaps most affecting teens, the funds derived from this measure would be used to “create and fund the Healthy School Meals for All Program under the Department of Education to provide free school meals to all students in Colorado public schools, provide local food purchasing grants, and increase wages for employees that prepare and serve food.” (Ballotpedia)
Many students solicited the cafeteria when meals were free during the pandemic. But the reinstatement of the previous prices of these meals has reduced their popularity. Furthermore, the measure seeks to increase wages for cafeteria workers. These staff members are some of the most undervalued in our school, so supporting them through the creation of legislature ensures that their wages are reflective of their importance in our school.
Regardless of whether or not these measures personally impact your daily life, there are many more people who these (and other) issues impact than can be at the polls in November. Furthermore, voting is easier than ever, with every registered voter in Colorado receiving a ballot in the mail before October 31st.
So host a voting party for your friends. Talk about what this election means in your social studies classes. Implore those in your community to make their voices heard. We are not a state that backs down from what we are afraid of; it is our drive to make a difference that has built reform movements from the ground up. Together, we can build a place that helps us all.