Conservation Colorado’s
2021 Voter Guide
Vote by November 2 to elect local pro-conservation leaders and advance or defend our conservation values.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our fight to secure our climate future, promote environmental justice, and conserve public lands and water. Here in Colorado, we can see the threats we face more clearly than ever. After a summer of historic wildfire smoke, heat waves, and terrible air quality, it’s time to take action. We need your voice to help make this moment count.
That’s why we encourage every Conservation Colorado member who enjoys the privilege to vote by November 2! There are several pressing statewide ballot measures on every Coloradan’s ballot, and many critical local races across the state where we have the opportunity to elect leaders who will stand up for our environment and the health of their communities.
Conservation Colorado has endorsed an exciting slate of candidates running for local office and taken positions on three ballot measures. Click here for more information on how to register to vote and make sure you can receive and drop off your ballot in Colorado.
Ballot Measures
VOTE NO on Amendment 78, “Custodial Fund Appropriations Initiative”
With President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, we’re on the verge of seeing historic investments in climate-friendly infrastructure projects that support racial equity and justice. When these funds come, Conservation Colorado is ready to work with Governor Polis’ administration and the state legislature to respond to the climate crisis with the urgency it demands.
Amendment 78 threatens to undermine Colorado’s ability to tackle climate change and a host of other issues, by requiring more legislative oversight over certain funds from the federal government. If Amendment 78 is passed, funds like those from the infrastructure bill currently being debated in Congress would have to go through a formal budgetary process in the Colorado General Assembly, creating unnecessary red tape and sowing dysfunction in our government.
Vote No to protect Colorado’s ability to invest in climate, land, water, air, and communities.
VOTE NO on Initiative 304, “Limit Denver Sales and Use Tax Rate to 4.5%”
Last year, we worked hard to help fund environmental and climate-related programs through the Denver sales tax, specifically targeted to help communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This critical work is under threat from Initiative #304.
This measure would lower Denver’s sales and use tax from 4.81% to 4.5% and cap it there, triggering an immediate loss of $80 million and limiting the city’s revenue for years to come. This would threaten critical services and programs, including Parks and Recreation and the city’s new Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency.
Vote No to ensure that vital progress isn’t undone.
VOTE YES on 1A, “Parks and Trails Sales Tax Extension”
Since 2003, Arapahoe County has built and improved 71 miles of trails, supported 168 park projects, and conserved 31,000 acres of open space, funded by its Open Space Sales and Use Tax. The program has increased equity in access to the outdoors, linking neighborhoods that have historically been neglected to open spaces that respond to community needs.
But there’s still so much more work to do. If voters don’t approve this bipartisan ballot measure, this important source of funding will expire in 2023.
Vote Yes to make this sales tax permanent and ensure this important conservation work can continue into the future.
Municipal Elections
Aurora
Aurora is the most racially diverse city in Colorado, and residents face environmental threats ranging from access to transportation, air pollution, encroaching oil and gas development, and a lack of open space. Our endorsed candidates will fight for racial, environmental, and economic justice to make Aurora a place where all people can safely live, work, and play.
Commerce City
Commerce City residents face severe threats from industrial pollution, disproportionately impacting Latinx communities. These pro-conservation candidates will hold polluters accountable and fight for a healthy environment for all residents.
Pueblo
Pueblo has a long history of Chicano, Latinx, and Indigenous activists fighting for environmental justice, and that continues today as residents organize to close the state’s largest coal-fired power plant and fight for a vibrant city center and sustainable economy. Our endorsed candidates will help establish a stronger pro-conservation voice in the city council and representation that reflects the makeup of the community.
Thornton
Thornton is experiencing rapid growth of both population and oil and gas development. Environmental issues are central to local politics here, which is why we need to elect a pro-conservation majority that will stand up to industry and protect the health of residents.
Westminster
Westminster has a long history of conservation leadership, but it is now under threat. Our endorsed candidates will continue to push for progressive policies to tackle climate change, conserve open space for the benefit of the community, and promote climate resilience.
Voting is one of the most important things you can do to protect our environment and our communities. Thank you for making your voice heard!
