Bauer: Your vote does count, so please vote

By Shirley Bauer | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

If you received your ballot and haven’t turned it in yet because you think “It doesn’t matter,” believe me, it does! Every vote is important, and we know an election was decided by only three votes recently. This year, there are 14 ballot issues that are very important to each and every one of us. The results will decide whether you pay more taxes or your taxes stay the same, and also will impact TABOR in a negative way.

Your vote will make a difference and help settle these social issues as well. They are on the ballot because of laws passed by the majority party here in Colorado, which is Democrat. We have been under the rule of Democrats for over eight years, and our voices are not being heard, especially when it comes to our rights. The ruling class, which is Democrats in this state, has been after our gun rights, hunting rights, parental rights and even after every tax dollar they can get their hands on without regard to the well-being of taxpayers themselves. The mandated laws affecting our school system and children are out of control, and I believe they number over 18 now. The focus should be on education, not indoctrination of our children.

The reason the measures to protect children, protect hunting and other rights are on the ballot is because our rights are being legislated away. We have a chance this year to get them back! The anti-gun laws number over 21 now. Don’t be fooled by NN either. They will NOT be giving 50% of money to get teachers. That is false. Please don’t fall for it. Folks, these ballot issues are not Democrat or Republican issues. They are everyone’s issues. They are your rights. Logic and fairness matter, and everyone should be concerned enough to vote.

This year, grassroots citizens were able to get enough signatures to put these very important issues on the ballot, so we the people can decide what is best for us and our families, not what this state government decides. Vote NO on NN, Amendment 87 and Proposition 137. Vote YES on ALL the rest. The most important thing you can do is fill out your ballot and take it to a ballot drop box or voter center in your county. Please don’t mail your ballot now, as it may not get there in time to be counted.

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.