Now that Colorado offers mail ballots for all elections, it is easier than ever to weigh in on candidates and issues. The turnout rate thus far in the lead-up to Election Day on Tuesday, though, suggests that ease in voting is not inspiring La Plata County electors to participate in our democracy. With just one week remaining before voting closes, only 13 percent of La Plata County voters had returned their ballots to the county clerk’s office. Considering this election’s high stakes, that is an abysmal turnout rate. It is not too late to correct it.
La Plata County voters are being asked to approve the county’s first mill levy increase in institutional memory. The request comes after declining gas and oil revenue has left the county’s road and bridge budget devoid of needed funding. The county proposes to increase property taxes by 2.4 mills to generate roughly $5.6 million in 2016, and enough money through 2025 – when the tax hike would sunset – to pay for desperately needed road and bridge construction and maintenance projects. This is a critical funding issue that requires voter input in deciding whether to invest in public infrastructure. The decision should not be left to 13 percent of county voters.
Nor should a narrow slice of voters determine whether the city of Durango takes on $68 million in debt to build a new wastewater treatment plant at Santa Rita Park. This is a significant investment that will affect the city for generations and should absolutely draw voters’ attention.
The same is true for electing members of the District 9-R school board. This decision-making body will have challenging questions in the years to come – likely including a mill levy increase to fund K-12 education in a climate of dwindling state resources. Choosing leaders who will shape 9-R’s future is an important job and voters should commit to the role.
County voters, too, need to weigh in on the state’s question of whether to return to taxpayers $66 million in excess revenue that resulted from taxing recreational marijuana sales. While the impact on individuals is not particularly compelling, the state can put the money to effective use.
Though just four business days remain until polls close, there are many ways to cast a ballot before then. There are 24-hour drop boxes at the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office in Durango, Bayfield Town Hall and the La Plata County Administration Building. Ignacio Town Hall will accept ballots from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. All four locations will be open to accept ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Vote.
