Capitol Coverage & State

2020 Election

The Aspen Public Radio Newsroom has chosen to focus on four specific issues for our election coverage: the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice/representation, climate change and land use/management.These issues were among the most important to voters, according to a Pew Research poll in August 2020. We also chose them because they are important to people who live in the Roaring Fork Valley. That’s especially true as many have seen the economy, and their livelihoods, take a hit because of the pandemic, the growing Latino population in the region hasn’t had someone from their community holding a countywide governmental office, wildfires have been ferocious this season in the state, and the oil and gas industry employs many people.Our central question while reporting this series was “What Can I Expect From My Government?” We set out to find a diverse group of people who could tell us their answers to that question.Our election series is scheduled for Oct. 20-23. You'll be able to hear the stories during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. All our content will also be available here. Many of the other stories you’ll find here are from our reporting partners. We wanted to provide information about Colorado's key ballot initiatives and races, and also share details about how you can take part in this historic election year.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking To Hold Up Blue Book Printing

Aspen Public Radio | By Scott Franz,

Ariel Van Cleave

Published September 11, 2020 at 12:07 PM MDT

A Denver judge has rejected a lawsuit that tried to delay the distribution of the state voting guide known as the blue book.

A group trying to defend the state’s Gallagher Amendment - which limits residential property taxes - accused state lawmakers of changing the language to mislead voters and make them think repealing it would lead to tax CUTS. So they tried to get a restraining order to stop the blue book from being sent to the printers on schedule this week.

But after a quick court hearing Friday, a judge declined to intervene. House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, a Denver Democrat, served on the committee that wrote the entry for the Gallagher question. He called the lawsuit “frivolous” and says lawmakers made it easier to understand the ballot measure. He also noted the write up was bipartisan.

The Gallagher Amendment was approved by voters in 1982 and is the complicated system that governs property tax rates in the state. Republican and Democrats have both taken issue with how it causes financial strain for school districts, police and fire departments. Voters have an opportunity during the November election to decide if it stays or goes.

Ballots will be mailed out throughout Colorado beginning Oct. 9.