Democracy works best when all of our voices are heard.
YES on 2E
“When we all vote, we get new ideas and new energy. We get leaders who share our values and listen to our voices. That’s how we change America.”
- Michelle Obama
Boulder’s local elections are currently held in off-years.
We now know that off-year elections are the cause of low voter turnout.
“Low and uneven turnout is a serious problem for local democracy. Fortunately, one simple reform—shifting the timing of local elections so they are held on the same day as national contests—can substantially increase participation.”
-American Political Science Review
We can be the change we wish to see by voting YES on 2E
This fall, Boulder voters will have the power to enact a voting reform that will empower thousands of local voters.
Nearly TWICE as many Boulder residents vote in even years compared to off years. Boulder should hold its local elections in even years when the majority of people vote.
The GOP don’t want more people voting.
Democracy is under attack across the nation by MAGA Republicans and conservatives alike. Here in Boulder, we believe that democracy is stronger when we all vote. This Fall, Boulder has the chance to be a leader in protecting our democracy by moving our elections to even-years.
Why Vote YES on 2E
Nearly twice as many Boulder residents vote in even years compared to off years.
Even-year elections are more representative in terms of race, ethnicity, age, & income.
Democracy works best when all of our voices are heard.
Moving local elections to even years elevates the importance of local issues and candidates because more people participate in the discussions and process.
Every published study on election timing and voter turnout shows that shifting the timing of local elections so they are held on the same day as state and national contests is the single most effective change that can be made to substantially increase participation.
A skewed electorate due to low voter turnout undermines the integrity of our democracy and the chance for all communities to be fairly represented.
Low turnout in Boulder’s off-cycle elections means that important local issues, including decisions made on housing, transit, climate change, and public safety, to name a few, are determined by a limited group of voters.
Our city leaders should be chosen by the same broader electorate that chooses our state legislators, U.S. senators, representatives, and our president.
Many cities and states have already moved their off-year local elections to even years. For many of these cities, this reform resulted in a doubling or tripling of voter turnout.
When fewer people vote, it is easier for organized conservative groups to dominate an election. Shifting to even-year elections will increase turnout and will reduce the influence of such groups.
Endorsements
Community leaders, elected officials, and your friends and neighbors across Boulder proudly endorse YES on 2E
“More voters means a stronger democracy. Boulder should hold elections in even years when nearly twice as many people vote.”
- Boulder Mayor, Aaron Brockett
Matt Benjamin
City Council Member
Lauren Folkerts
City Council Member
Nicole Speer
City Council Member
Junie Joseph
City Council Member
Rachel Friend
City Council Member
“Let's move elections to even years and get more people participating in the process.”
State Representative for Boulder,
Judy Amabile
“By making this change to even-year elections we will make voting easier and more accessible for all members of our community. We need to move both our city council elections and our school board elections to even years.”
Vice President of BVSD Board of Education, Lisa Sweeney-Miran
“Our calculus for supporting this measure is quite simple: More people voting in local elections is a good thing, and the city should do everything in its power to make our democracy as robust and inclusive as possible.”
-Boulder Weekly
“The difference in voter turnout between even- and odd-year elections is stark… If we truly believe that democracy is a collective form of governance, then this — 30,000 unheard voices — should be enough to make ballot measure 2E a necessity.”
-The Boulder Daily Camera
“NAACP Boulder County supports this impactful measure and the positive shift in power it represents. More people, more people power”.
-NAACP Boulder County
Donate for Democracy
We are an all-volunteer campaign advocating everyone’s voices to be heard in our local elections.
Your generosity will help pass this measure to protect Boulder’s democracy.
This November you will have the opportunity to strengthen democracy by moving local elections to even years. This simple act will ensure that our elected leaders will more closely reflect the community they serve.
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