Rocky Mountain Voice - Rocky Mountain Voice

Mesa County launches Ballot Verifier, giving voters unprecedented access to ballots

Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Local, Top Stories / April 23, 2025 / Ballots, Election Integrity, Mesa County, voter integrity, Voter turnout

Mesa County launched a first-of-its-kind ballot transparency tool last month, allowing residents to view redacted ballot images and corresponding cast vote records online—without filing a CORA request. Supporters say it could reshape public trust in elections. Others say it doesn’t go far enough.

But one thing is certain: Mesa County is at the heart of a national battle over election integrity, and the Ballot Verifier came to fruition out of demand — and the innovation of an election stats company that wanted to answer to it.

Mesa County launches Ballot Verifier, giving voters unprecedented access to ballots Read More »

Cole: Denver’s dangerous dance with low cash bail and ICE detainer policies puts public safety at risk

Commentary, Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice, Top Stories / April 23, 2025 / Denver, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, ICE, Illegal Immigrants, Low cash bail, Public safety, Sanctuary cities

Denver prides itself on progressive values and compassion for its diverse communities. But recent events have exposed a troubling reality: the city’s criminal justice policies—specifically low cash bail for serious felony offenses and short notification windows for ICE detainers—are creating a revolving door for dangerous criminals, putting our neighborhoods at risk.

The case of Bayron Turcios-Murillo, a confirmed Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member, is a stark example of how these policies fail to protect the public while allowing violent offenders to slip through the cracks.

Cole: Denver’s dangerous dance with low cash bail and ICE detainer policies puts public safety at risk Read More »

Not political theater: Montrose federal intervention request grounded in Constitutional oath

Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, National, State, Top Stories / April 22, 2025 / 75th Colorado Legislature, Colorado Constitution, Constitutional rights, Democrat Lawmakers, Government overreach, Local Government, Montrose County, SB25-003

What does it mean to defend the Constitution? Two commissioners say this is what it looks like. On April 16, the Montrose County Board of County Commissioners voted 2–1 to send a formal Request for Federal Intervention to former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Not political theater: Montrose federal intervention request grounded in Constitutional oath Read More »

Colorado Democrats ram through radical immigration bill with last-minute amendments

State, Approved, Rocky Mountain Voice, Top Stories / April 22, 2025 / Immigration

In a move that’s drawing outrage from conservatives and constitutional advocates alike, Colorado Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 25-276, a sweeping immigration “protection” bill, after rushing through five major amendments on third reading—sidestepping standard legislative norms and undermining federal immigration enforcement in the name of “civil rights.”

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Cole: Bureaucracy is crushing the people SSDI was meant to help

Commentary, Approved, National, Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories / April 22, 2025 / Bureaucracy, Government Efficiency, Social Security Disability Insurance

When my mom applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in the ‘90s, it was a grueling multi-year ordeal that left her feeling invisible. She was sick, unable to work, and the wait for help stretched across years, each one heavier than the last.

Now, a loved one who applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in August 2024 is still waiting for an initial decision, caught in the same slow grind. The SSDI system, meant to be a lifeline, feels like a treadmill you can’t step off—exhausting, endless, and indifferent to the people it’s supposed to lift up.

Cole: Bureaucracy is crushing the people SSDI was meant to help Read More »

El Paso Commissioner Applegate: America’s space advantage depends on keeping command in Colorado

Commentary, Approved, Local, National, Rocky Mountain Voice, State, Top Stories / April 22, 2025 / COLORADO SPRINGS, El Paso county, National security, U.S. Space Command

As El Paso County’s Commissioner for District 4, I am committed to advancing our community’s interests, security, and prosperity. Among our top priorities is ensuring that U.S. Space Command remains headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.

This is not just a local issue—it’s a matter of national security and global leadership in space.

El Paso Commissioner Applegate: America’s space advantage depends on keeping command in Colorado Read More »

Polis Vetoes Open Records Bill—But Conservatives Say It’s Too Little, Too Late

Governor Jared Polis vetoed a controversial bill last Thursday that would have made it more difficult—and more expensive—for Coloradans to access public records.

Polis Vetoes Open Records Bill—But Conservatives Say It’s Too Little, Too Late Read More »

Treta: Denver’s broken permitting system is driving up housing costs—and it’s time to fix it

Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice, Top Stories / April 21, 2025 / Affordable housing, City permits, Denver, Government Efficiency, Local Government, small business

I’ve been designing and building homes in Denver for 28 years. I pulled my first permit in 1997—for a small room addition on a house. It took one day. One.

That kind of efficiency used to be the norm. Permitting was straightforward, business-friendly, and a basic example of how local government should work. But over the past two decades, I’ve watched the city’s permit approval process become increasingly bloated, inefficient, and damaging—not just to builders like me, but to every Denverite who rents or buys a home.

Treta: Denver’s broken permitting system is driving up housing costs—and it’s time to fix it Read More »

Home Rule Charter Commission candidates must file by April 24 in Douglas County

Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Local, Top Stories / April 18, 2025 / Civic engagement, Douglas County, Home Rule, Local Government, Special Election

Writing the rules that will shape Douglas County’s future might sound like a job you’d rely on lawmakers to handle. But in this case, it could be your neighbor, your coworker – or you.

Anyone interested in serving on the proposed Home Rule Charter Commission has until 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24 to turn in a nominating petition (https://www.douglas.co.us/june-2025-special-election-asks-douglas-county-voters-about-home-rule-charter-commission/).

Home Rule Charter Commission candidates must file by April 24 in Douglas County Read More »

“Boomers at heart,” Gen Z and Gays Against Groomers: Adams Co. GOP kickoff focuses on unity, youth and shared mission

The Adams County Republican Party held its first general meeting under newly elected leadership on April 17 at the Crossroads Community Center in Northglenn. Approximately 50 attendees gathered to hear updates from party officials, engage in discussions on party involvement, and hear from guest speakers on youth engagement and legislative advocacy.

“Boomers at heart,” Gen Z and Gays Against Groomers: Adams Co. GOP kickoff focuses on unity, youth and shared mission Read More »