It’s election time! Here are a few things to know for everyone in the Jaguar community who is 18 or older and is planning to cast a ballot for the Presidential Election.
Even if you are not eligible to vote due to your age, learning about the process now can still be beneficial.
“Firstly, you will be able to vote soon, and when you are voting in the future, I think it is important to have a longer history of politics you can draw upon,” Olivia Brewer ‘25 said. “For many of us, if you missed the cut-off for this election, like that applies to me, we still have elections that occur every year. So there are a lot of ways where your ability to have a direct influence in the voting process can be a lot sooner than it may initially appear.”
Voting on the State and Local Scale
Voting during the presidential election does not just impact who will become president it also impacts local communities. For example, a major item on the ballot that impacts the Jaguars is the Mill Levy Override Bond 5A.
“I believe that it is important to vote in the election because the votes that the people cast are the determining factor in who will lead our country and overall be who we believe will be the best fit for us during the next 4 years,” Payton Shank ‘25 said.
Did you know there is a 300 million-dollar backlog of capital investments that are necessary for maintaining the needs of our school buildings and other buildings in the district?
So what exactly would 5A provide for us if passed?
According to Douglas County School District, for our school specifically, passing the bond would help increase safety and security, update student and staff technology, replace the HVAC, repair tennis courts and other benefits.
In addition, according to the state ballot information booklet, Amendment 80 directly affects people living in Colorado attending K-12 school. This amendment is focused on the right to school choice. It states, “A “yes” vote on Amendment 80 creates a constitutionally protected right to school choice for K-12 children and their parents, and specifies that school choice includes public, private, homeschool, and any future innovations in education.”
Voting no means the school system maintains the same as before. This amendment could impact K-12 students and their education, but these are not the only items on the ballot that impact Colorado and our community. Other items include Amendments G, H, I, J, and others, which you can find on the Colorado Secretary of State Amendments and Propositions information and contacts page. These amendments may add or remove language from the state constitution, so you may find importance in researching their contents before voting.
“Overall, when people say your vote matters, it really does, and that is why you should vote in the election,” Shank said.
Don’t Know Who or What to Vote for? Use Voting Guides and Sample Ballots to Find Information.
If you are unsure about the information on the ballot, using a voting guide is a simple and efficient way to find out about your different choices. Voter guides provide information about candidates and different ballot measures.
They list information on candidates’ experience and background and the specific issues or questions you can approve or reject.
“… you can look up any of the ballot measures and get more information on them,” English teacher Peter DeFilippo said. “They also send all voters a book that has a lot of information, and it does a great job clarifying the language on the ballot.”
Visit this link to find your personalized voting guide and information for Douglas County and others, https://www.ballotready.org/ this source will help provide you with unbiased voting information.
“I think it’s important to voice your beliefs and I think the research behind voting is almost as important as the vote itself,” Carson Adams ‘25 said.
Ballot Drop Box Location and Facts
According to the Douglas County News-Press, 21 ballot drop boxes opened Oct. 11 at multiple locations in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Larkspur, Park and Lone Tree.
These locations opened in three phases that began on Oct. 21, and more locations have continued to become available. The final phase will open at 8 a.m. on Nov. 4.
Here is the complete list of where you can drop off your ballot.
Castle Rock Library, 100 S Wilcox St.
Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 S Ridgeline Blvd.
Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road
Westridge Recreation Center, 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.
Lone Tree Library, 10055 Library Way
Parker Water and Sanitation District, 13939 Ancestry Drive
Parker Recreation Center, 17301 Lincoln Ave.
Franktown Fire – Pradera Station, 6120 Bridle Path Lane
When Do Polls Close?
Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day. On Election Day polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. at all polling centers and drop box locations. So make sure you turn in your ballot before then. An exception to this is if you are in line when the time hits 7 p.m. stay in line as you will still be able to vote.
Having Trouble Finding Your Polling Center?
If you are unsure of where to find your Polling Center follow the following steps.
- Enter www.GoVoteColorado.gov. into your search bar.
- Look for the grey box that reads “Find out where to return your mail ballot or where to vote in person.”
- Click on the box.
- In the polling location and drop box lookup, enter your address.
- The results will then tell you the nearest site, polling hours and early vote dates.
