A commitment to democracy

The success of an election is often measured by turnout and participation, but its true success is measured by the people who make it possible.

During the June 30, 2026, Primary Election, El Paso County recorded a 32.61% voter turnout, with 163,611 ballots cast from more than 501,000 active registered voters, an increase of 31,693 ballots and nearly 5 percentage points in turnout compared to our 2024 Primary Election. More than 2,300 voters also visited our Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPCs).

These numbers reflect an engaged electorate, but they tell only part of the story.

Behind every ballot cast was a dedicated election judge who arrived before sunrise, worked long hours, answered questions with patience, assisted first-time voters and seasoned voters alike, and ensured every eligible voter could cast a ballot with confidence. These citizens served with professionalism, impartiality, and integrity while upholding the high standards that El Paso County voters expect.

Election judges are our neighbors, retirees, students, veterans, and working professionals who answer the call to public service. Their commitment strengthens public confidence in our elections and demonstrates that democracy works best when citizens serve one another.

As El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, I have the privilege of witnessing their dedication firsthand. Their efforts made this election secure, transparent, accurate, and accessible for every voter.

To every election judge who served our community: thank you. Your commitment to democracy deserves our appreciation and recognition.

Steve Schleiker, Clerk & Recorder

El Paso County

Getting out the vote

As the November elections approach, we are reminded that democracy depends on active participation. Voting is one of the most important ways citizens can make their voices heard and help shape the future of our country. But civic engagement should not stop at casting of our own ballots. Each of us can play an important role in motivating others to vote as well.

An effective way to do this is by sending postcards out to registered voters who don’t always participate in elections. An easy way to do this is by using Activate America to send postcards to prospective voters.

The Activate America website provides free of charge lists of names and addresses of prospective voters to send postcards to, and a short script to write on the postcards that encourages the receiver of the postcards to vote for candidates that will put the people of our country first, not corporations and the wealthy.

We all benefit when more citizens take part in the democratic process. Higher voter participation strengthens our communities and ensures that a broader range of voices are represented.

This November, let us encourage one another to stay informed, participate respectfully, and make voting a shared civic responsibility. Democracy works best when everyone has a chance to be heard.

John Miller

Colorado Springs

No security in Security

Last night marked another 4th of July where the communities of Widefield and Security were attacked by those individuals who have no respect for the law as they sent volley after volley of airborne fireworks over our homes.

Our county commissioners turned a blind eye expecting the community to respect the laws showing their lack of intelligence and naiveite. Our county law enforcement non- emergency number was suspiciously busy most of the night or actually busy with all the fireworks complaints (I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt).

When I finally got through, the deputy on the other end sarcastically asked, “well is anyone’s house on fire?” After giving them the location of the illegal fireworks display (not hard to find just look up in the sky and pick any of a hundred or more locations) he said that he would advise one of the patrols.

Here’s a question: out of all the patrols last night, how many citations were written, how many warnings were given and how many illegal fireworks were confiscated? I feel our public officials took the easy route, burying their heads in the sand until the problem goes away. Here’s a suggestion, actually write citations, confiscate illegal fireworks, hell, just one night of fines could balance the county’s budget or be used to benefit the county.

Dewayne Mayo

Security

Post office thefts

It is sad now that the post office can not be trusted to handle mail, without fear that they would steal it. Postmaster Supervisors look the other way and do nothing until many customers cry out in protest! All the colored birthday cards have been stolen by postal workers, all gift cards and packages are stolen by postal workers and carriers.

The security cameras are outdated or do not function at all! It is becoming dangerous to work at the Post Office because the gang of thieves who are postal workers will hurt you if you say anything; the Postal Union is helping the ones get caught and allows them to resign with no jail time. When I write to my senator or congresswoman, nothing is done, but they throw us under the bus! You can not trust the USPS anymore. It is so corrupt, and the federal government would rather fight with Iran than fight with the USPS corruption! Think about it: A national epidemic of stealing mail by postal workers!

There must be a 20-year prison sentence for stealing mail by a USPS Employee for the first offense. The way it is now, after a postal supervisor steals 2.5 million dollars of USPS mail he only gets a couple of years jail time and all his accomplices go scot-free; yeah. They are still working there!

Art Wilmoth

Colorado Springs

Until the recent concern brought by Covid 19, handshakes were the usual way to extend your willingness to communicate with another. With concern over disease spread, the fist bump became popular. Fist bumps transfer less possible contagion than handshakes. Why? Less contact time. Handshakes have been around a long time. They are open-handed; there is a grip–all positive. Fist bumps are closed fists. They do not induce camaraderie or openness. What do fists normally represent? Fighting?

Our human population has withstood handshakes for centuries. They have existed for nearly 3,000 years. The gesture first originated in the ancient world as a symbol of peaceful intentions—extending an empty hand proved you were unarmed.

In our world, we need actions that promote connectedness, not hostility. So a choice must be made. Are we afraid of some germs we might get from human contact? Do we need to be more isolated? Humans need human contact, physically and emotionally, to be healthy. So do you risk a handshake? I will, unless the other party is afraid of germ transfer. I will respect their concern over disease spread. Sometimes small, seemingly harmless actions can affect our sense of community and the respect of others. Consider going back to
handshakes.

Daryl Kuiper

Colorado Springs