Your vote this November matters, specifically for the future of our schools and our students.  

Voting is especially easy in our state. If you are new to Colorado and not yet registered to vote, you can request a mail ballot through October 29, and register as late as Election Day at a polling center, and cast your vote while you’re there. Have you been to the DMV recently? Colorado automatically registers eligible citizens to vote when they visit a government agency, including the DMV.

If you are already registered, you should find your ballot in the mail in the coming days. You can conveniently check your registration status as well as the status of your ballot online. Once you receive the ballot, cast your vote and drop it off at any of the voting centers across the city. There are even 24 hour ballot boxes where you can drop off your ballot.  If you enjoy the tradition and socializing opportunities at the polling center, in person voting is still an option on November 6, 7 AMthrough 7 PM. Check out this informative map that illustrates all of the different ways you can vote. Remember to bring identification.

Keep in mind, the Denver ballot is about 12 pages long!  If there is one amendment to look out for, it’s Amendment 73, a proposed tax increase to specifically fund education. This tax hike will only affect households with a combined income of over $150,000 (taxes will increase incrementally with income) as well as incur a 1.73% increase to corporate tax rates.

All in all, only the top 10% of households in Colorado will see a tax increase. However, it will bring about $150 million more in funding to Denver Public Schools alone. A similar amendment was rejected back in 2013 (Amendment 66), arguably because it was a proposed tax increase for all households, which is a stark contrast to Amendment 73. We are hopeful that this Fall, given the teacher walkouts last spring and the continued lack of education funding statewide, the public will see the benefits of Amendment 73 for their children, their community, and beyond.

With a statewide teacher shortage and some of the lowest per-pupil revenue nationwide, Colorado public education would certainly see an immediate positive impact from this boost in funding. And it’s why your vote on Amendment 73 hits especially close to home this Fall.

The math is quite simple- more funding for our schools, our teachers and and our students means a sound investment in the future of our children, and our democracy.  You can spread the word on Amendment 73 with some concise messaging provided by the Yes to Amendment 73 organization.  So don’t wait- get your vote out over the next two weeks, and encourage your friends to do the same!

Do you have your own DSST voting stories and pictures to share? Send them to mac@scienceandtech.org.

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