For real, though.  You better be voting on Tuesday, November 8.  Make sure you are registered, make sure you are educated, and MAKE SURE YOU VOTE!

Registration Deadline (for CO)

The registration deadline for the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election is Monday, October 31, 2016 if you wish to receive your ballot by mail. You may register to vote at the polling place on Election Day.

You can register to vote:

– Anytime in person at a county voter registration office or Voter Service and Polling Center, including Election Day (NOTE: If you register in person after the 8th day before an election you must visit one of the Voter Service and Polling Centers in order to vote your ballot. You will not receive a mail ballot).
– No later than 8 days before an election by mail or online at http://www.govotecolorado.com
– No later than 22 days before an election or through a Voter Registration Drive

Your state’s deadline may be sooner.  Register TODAY to make sure you don’t miss the deadline!  Here is where you can start to find out how to register in your state.

What’s On Your Ballot?

You can visit vote411 and enter your address to see what exactly will be on your ballot!  Make sure you read up on each ballot issue and each candidate that will be on your ballot.  This isn’t just voting for the next President – there are a LOT more items and candidates on the ballot that will most like affect your life exponentially more than the next president will.

Local Issues

For those in Larimer County, I respectfully request you consider voting “YES” for  1A, 200, 3B, 3C, and 5F.  Here’s some more details on these five ballot issues:

Mental Health Detox/Substance Abuse Facility and Services, Ballot Issue 1A

Our County does not have adequate inpatient and outpatient behavioral health treatment facilities to meet the needs of current residents.  We are a growing community and our jail is FULL of people who don’t need to be in a jail cell, they need mental and behavioral treatment help.  This would involve a sales and use tax increase of 0.25% (twenty-five cents on every $100).  While this is a bigger tax increase, I firmly believe this facility is desperately needed in our community and therefore worth every penny.  Data shows that for every dollar we invest in behavioral health treatment, we will save $4 in criminal justice and hospital costs. Emergency room visits decline by over 45% when patients receive needed ongoing behavioral health care.

Establishment of Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Ballot Issue 200

This would establish a Science and Cultural Facilities District in Larimer County, creating a dedicated fund based on a tenth of a percent sales tax (ten cents on every $100), to support and enhance science and cultural programming in Larimer County.  I love the arts, that’s no secret.  And the tax increase is minuscule.  Totally a no-brainer!

Poudre School District Mill Levy Ballot Issue 3B

The school district is asking for their mill levy to continue for their services.  Does not affect current taxes.  Easy vote!

Poudre School District Bond Ballot Issue 3C

The school district is asking for a bond for capital improvements and to build three new schools (one elementary and two middle schools).  Does not affect current taxes.  Makes sense, we are a growing community!

Poudre River Library District Ballot Issue 5F

Laws have changed since they passed a mill levy in 2006.  The Library is just asking voters to reaffirm that they did indeed mean the Library could have that money.  Does not affect current taxes.  Easy vote!