For our readers in Colorado, I want to pass along a message from Colorado Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Ken Gordon, discussing two important issues: protesting the war and election reform. Ken Gordon is urging your participation in January 27th protests against the war and is asking your input regarding all-mailed voting. I urge you to contact him regarding these issues. If you do, tell him you heard about it from Culture Kitchen!

Iraq War Demonstration: On Saturday, January 27th at noon on the West Steps of the Capitol there will be a demonstration in favor of peace in Iraq, diplomatic solutions to the current conflict, and the safe return of American troops. For those who favor a change in the policy that our administration has been pursuing, and has proposed, this would be a good place to express your position. Bring signs. The demonstration is being sponsored by The Interfaith Alliance Policy Committee and I'm sure by the 27th by many other organizations. It is our intent to have speakers from the faith community, Iraq Veterans and military families. There is also going to be a demonstration in Washington D.C. on that day in response to the proposal to send additional troops to Iraq, for people who are unable to get to the main demonstration in Denver.

Please forward this notice to any list you might have and ask organizations with whom you are associated to publicize this event as well. The press will focus on the numbers of people present to judge the feelings of the community. If you have ideas for speakers, email Nelson Bock of The Interfaith Alliance at nbock6552@aol.com

Mailed Ballots: On Martin Luther King Day Mike Coffman, the new Secretary of State, and I co-chaired a meeting on elections. The first witness was the Elections Director from Oregon where they do all-mailed ballot elections. This is an option we are discussing in Colorado and I would like to know your thoughts on this.

Currently we conduct election day elections at precincts or vote centers but about half of Coloradans choose to exercise the option of voting by mail. Under a vote by mail system people would automatically get ballots in the mail and only disabled people or those who failed to get a ballot would vote at a polling place on election day. Please respond to the poll by indicating whether you think we should move to all-mailed ballots or continue to have election day elections in vote centers or precincts. I would appreciate your input. To participate in the poll click here.

Sincerely,

Ken Gordon
Colorado Senate Majority Leader

You can contact Ken Gordon here: ken@kengordon.com

or through his website.