The midterm elections have been front and center on every news outlet in the country. Which party will control the Senate and the House? Of course, local voters will be casting ballots on the national questions, and there are some issues that are just as important locally.

The League of Women Voters (LWV) and the American Association of University Women have paired up to sponsor a free issues forum on October 10.

According to LWV’s Voter Services Chairperson Robyn Parker, the forum begins with speakers giving arguments both for and against each issue for about six minutes each. After each speaker finishes, the audience will be given a chance to ask questions.

Issues include Ballot Issue 1A, which would allow Mesa County to receive and keep any state grant revenue without being penalized under the Tax Payers’ Bill of Rights, resulting in more funds for county projects.

Amendments Y and Z are efforts to restrict gerrymandering, the practice of drawing political maps for political purposes. Y would appoint a commission to redraw congressional boundaries after the 2020 census. Amendment Z would do the same for the legislative boundaries.

Every 10 years, after the national census, Colorado lawmakers create congressional districts while a politically appointed commission draws legislative maps, supposedly to reflect shifts in population. However, the majority party can then skew votes to mostly assure their candidates will win in those districts. This gives larger districts more power than smaller ones. Colorado’s effort to end gerrymandering may be the most extensive of any state.

“Bernie Buescher will be talking about Y and Z, the redistricting initiative, and Rose Pugliese will address the exemption to the TABOR amendment that would allow Mesa County to accept state grants without those funds being counted as taxable income,” Parker said.

You can still register to vote. Eligible Colorado residents can register up to and including the day of the elections, November 6. Voters can register ahead of time at the Mesa County Elections office, 200 S. Spruce St. in Grand Junction. Voters can also register on election day by showing a Colorado drivers license or Social Security card at the polls. They can also register at www.govotecolorado.com.

The forum takes place at 6 p.m. at the Whitman Educational Center. For more information on the issues and candidates, visit www.vote411.org or visit the Elections Office.

LWV is deeply involved in local political processes and hosts monthly educational programs to bring you information on community resources. Membership is open to men and women who are American citizens and at least 18 years old. To learn more, visit www.lwvmesa.org.

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