Rise And Shine
Attention All Voters: It’s Caucus Time!
Staff Report
For the GPHN
It’s no secret that voting rights have been under attack. In this critical election year, make a plan to participate in democracy. First stop: attend your caucus on Thursday, March 7.
When it comes to politics, Greater Park Hill consistently tallies some of the highest voter turnout in Denver. But, that turnout isn’t always consistent — in Northeast Park Hill, for example, turnout is often lower than in the wealthier neighborhoods to the south. All of Park Hill is also deep blue — meaning heavily Democratic. But there are some Republicans out there. There are also plenty of independent voters in Park Hill, but if you want to participate in the caucuses and assemblies you must be registered with a political party.
And no matter which political party you support, the caucus is a crucial grassroots event that many believe defines the democratic process.
As local Democratic District 8 precinct organizer Sharon Kermiet notes, “Whether your passion is to end income inequality, fight climate change, protect our democracy, end gun violence or bring down the high cost of health care, the caucus process is where you and your neighbors unite to ensure that meaningful legislation is enacted.”
At the caucuses, neighbors discuss and define issues most critical to them, and elect delegates to represent them at the county assemblies and conventions — which are held later in March.
Democrats can find their caucus site at denverdemocrats.org/caucus. For most of the neighborhood, Democratic caucuses will be at East High School, at Colfax and Josephine Street. Republicans can find their exact caucus locations at denvergop.org/caucus-locations. Most area GOP caucus sites will be at Westerly Creek Elementary School in the Central Park neighborhood.
To get fired up and in the mood, Kermiet recommends everyone listen to a recent segment on NPR’s Fresh Air regarding recent and ongoing attacks on voting rights: “Give Us the Ballot with Ari Berman.” The link is tinyurl.com/NPRStoryBallot.
Save These Dates
March 7: Party Caucuses
March 16: Denver Democratic Assembly
March 23: Denver Republican Assembly
June 25: Primary Election
November 5: General Election
Meet The Candidates
Forums Set For Feb. 3 and 17
Four people are running to represent Park Hill in House District 8: Kwon Atlas, Victor Bencomo, Lindsay Gilchrist and Sharron Pettiford. Democrats are hosting a forum on Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Park Hill United Methodist Church, 5209 Montview Blvd. Come meet the candidates and learn their positions on the issues.
Three candidates are running to become Denver’s next District Attorney: Leora Joseph, Lisi Owen and John Walsh. House District 9 Democrats are hosting a DA candidates forum on Saturday Feb. 3 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ross-University Hills Library, 4310 E. Amherst Ave.
Check these pages in coming months for additional public forums and news about these races.