By Jen Schumann | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Coloradans, on average, will pay $540,680 in taxes over their lifetime.
Many politicians promise to limit taxes once elected. President Trump believes there is a way the U.S. can abolish federal taxes.
Let’s say the second Trump Administration does fix the $36 trillion national debt crisis, growing by $268 million each hour, and cuts federal taxes. There will still be state and local taxes to pay.
Many local leaders elected through special district elections will set county and city tax rates. They make decisions on how to spend taxpayer dollars, having a huge impact on residents’ lives.
In Colorado, there are more than 3,000 special districts.
Special district elections in Colorado have low voter turnout. But, they greatly affect local policies and quality of life:
- Service Provision: Elected officials set the quality, cost and access to services like water, sewage and fire protection.
- Budget Allocation: They manage the district’s finances, deciding how funds are spent on services and projects.
- Infrastructure Development: These officials impact local infrastructure maintenance and development.
- Taxation: They can set tax rates or fees, directly affecting residents’ financial obligations.
- Long-term Planning: Elected officials guide the community’s future through their policy and planning decisions.
It’s crucial to engage in these elections. A strong voter turnout leads to a local government that reflects the community’s needs and values. Yet, a study by the University of Chicago found that turnout in some state special district elections averages only 8%. And the average turnout for mayoral elections nationwide is 20%.
When fewer voters take an interest and stay engaged, special interest groups may feel emboldened to disproportionately sway decision-making.
Special district elections will occur across Colorado this spring. This is a chance to participate in helping shape local outcomes that affect your community.
What are special districts?
Special districts are separate government entities. They address needs your city or county doesn’t. Examples include fire protection, water management and parks.
Examples of Special Districts:
- Metropolitan districts: Cover urban development and infrastructure.
- Fire protection districts: Ensure emergency response in rural areas.
- Water and sanitation districts: Manage vital utilities.
- Parks and recreation districts: Maintain community parks and recreational facilities.
- Health service districts: Operate hospitals and healthcare services.
Special districts provide essential, but often-overlooked, services we rely on daily.
Time is of the essence
This spring’s elections are a chance for residents to get involved. As a resident, you can advocate for change by putting these elections on your radar, along with the issues impacted by them. You can also help vet candidates or consider running for office yourself. And most importantly, you can make a plan to vote!
Some key dates to take note of:
- Dec. 7, 2024: County clerks must provide voter registration lists to districts. This ensures that districts can reach out to voters and potential candidates.
- Jan. 1, 2025: The self-nomination period starts. This is the perfect time to step forward if interested in running for a seat on a district’s board.
- Sixty-seven days before the election: The self-nomination window closes. Candidates must file their forms with the designated election official by this date to appear on the ballot. Check with your local district for scheduled election dates.
- Jan. 26 – Feb. 20, 2025: Districts issue their calls for nominations, letting residents know what positions are open and how to run.
- Election day: Check with your city or county website for special district election dates.
Ways to get involved:
Getting involved with special district elections is a way to improve your community. Here’s how you can take action:
- Find your special districts: Look at your property tax bill or county assessor’s website to identify the special districts affecting you.
- Attend a board meeting: Each special district has public board meetings. You can find out about them by visiting your city and/or county website. These meetings will help you learn about the issues, the entity’s history and how special district officials make decisions.
- Run for office: Make your voice heard where it counts. Take on the challenge of improving local services by running for a seat on a district board.
- Hold districts accountable: Reach out to a district you’re affected by or have an interest in. Find out how they’re connecting with voters and attracting potential candidates. Promote open-communication and transparency.
Special districts play an essential role in shaping Colorado’s communities, but their elections often go unnoticed. This spring you can help change that by engaging in the opportunity, considering service in a leadership role and making a plan to vote.
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.