|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
 One of the most important periods of our nation's history just came to a close. And with that closing, I think it's safe to say that we are now on the verge of a new era. A new era in not only what we call American politics, but in America itself. Our little square state of Colorado and our generation are at the forefront of that era.
We've been asked the question countless times already: "What now?" Our answer is simple: We get started. It's our turn now.
Young voters showed yesterday not only that we are ready for a new direction, but that we are more than willing to participate in it. Although we won't have exact numbers on young voter turnout for some time, we do know that young voters significantly increased their share of the electorate yesterday--it is higher than in 2004, a year of significant increase, and is much higher than it was in 2000 and 1996. We also voted for our president-elect more than any other age demographic (66%). This is by far the highest share of the youth vote obtained by any candidate since conducting exit polls began.
So, we have a lot to be proud of today. We have placed our confidence in a new set of leaders to help move our state and our country forward. We offer our congratulations to President-elect Obama, Senator-elect Udall, Congresswoman-elect Markey, and Congressman-elect Polis. You represent not just your constituency of Colorado, but a moment in history.
Over the past two years, we have been asked for our vote. Today, we are being asked to change the world. Are you on the bus?
|
|
|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
|
If you haven't heard, many have been pointing to Colorado as being the next Ohio or Florida in the 2008 Elections. Reports have shown that some election officials are not prepared for the huge turnout. Further, you may have heard about the "check box" issue. Secretary of State Mike Coffman (who is ironically also running for US Congress this Election) is interpreting a state law to designate thousands of Colorado voters as ineligible. You can read about it here in the New York Times where yours truly was quoted most intelligently. Below is a searchable list of over 22,000 voters who have a voter registration status as "incomplete". This information is public record and was acquired from the Secretary of State's office. Only about 6,500 of these are from the infamous "check box" issue. However, all of these individuals can correct their registration information at their County Clerk's office before Election Day. Don't freak out if you are on this list. Just simply contact your County Clerk and see what you need to do in order to fix your registration and vote a proper ballot. This database should be up to date as of Thursday, Oct. 16th. If you have already fixed you information and are still on this database, don't worry--you should be all set if you did what the County Clerk asked you to do.
Contact Secretary of State Mike Coffman's office and let him know that we won't stand for voter suppression tactics in Colorado! Elections Division Phone: 303-894-2200 x 6307 & 6302 Front Desk Email: dianna.butler@sos.state.co.us |
|
|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
|
The countdown has begun. If you want to make a difference this year, there isn't a whole lot of time left. Let us know where you think you fit in. Click here to sign up for an upcoming Bus Trip or to help us distribute NEC Voter Guides. We're also hiring Field Organizers for those of you who have extra time and want to really hit the streets with us over the next 4 weeks. Email Steve at Steve@neweracolorado.org to let us know if you are interested.
|
|
|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
|
So, you know who you're supporting for President. But, what about all that stuff below the Presidential line on your ballot? Ballot measures? State Candidates? US Congress? US Senate? Yeah...that's what I thought.  That's where our new Facebook Application comes in. Once you install the myBallot application, it will show you who and what is on your 2008 Ballot based on your zip code. You can check out the candidates' websites and learn about the ballot measures. Once you're ready, cast your votes in the application and you can show your friends who you are supporting and check out who they are supporting.
It's like a test where you can share answers and have a cheat sheet (and there is a local nonprofit helping you along the way...)
So, whether you are voting by mail, voting early, or voting old school style on November 4th, fill out your Whole Ballot! This message not approved by the Whole Foods Political Committee...or by anyone, for that matter...
|
|
|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
|
It's a been busy last couple of weeks. Real busy. We wanted to give you a quick recap about what we've been up to. And what better way to do it than with pictures? Well, ok, describing everything in detail would probably be better. But, you'll have to settle with the pictures for now. Oh, yea, and there was also this little thing called the DNC that we were at. We'll post photos and updates on what went down at our parties shortly.
New Era's 1st Bus Trip: The Christening
After all the anticipation, the craziness of the DNC, and a fresh oil change, we finally launched the first bus trip of 2008. We kicked off the New Era Bus Project by going to a little place called Centennial. You may have heard of it. We talked to over a thousand voters old school style: door to door. We're bringing back people-to-people politics one bus trip at a time. Oh, and we officially christened the Bus by breaking a bottle of champagne on her. It got messy...
We finished the day off right by taking everyone out for free happy hour at Hapa Sushi's new restaurant in South Denver. Sign up for the next bus trip here.
NEC voter registration breaks 7,000 young voters It's been a long time coming. We broke 7,000 new young voters registered to vote by New Era. We're on the home stretch to our goal for this election season of 10,000.
If you need to register or update your registration, click here. Or, better yet, volunteer and help us register the remaining of those 3,000 young voters.
Trick or Vote Denver details announced
We're closing in on what will be our biggest Trick or Vote Halloween canvass ever. This year's big event will be in Denver staged out of the Gothic Theater with 3oh!3. The first 125 volunteer canvassers get into the 3oh!3 Halloween afterparty concert for free. We also have the Falcon (next door) reserved where Meniskus and SoundRabbit will be a'rockin'.  We'll be announcing the rest of the nitty gritty about Trick or Vote Denver soon...stay tuned for a spooky election season. For now, check out the awkward interview we got with Katie Couric on the floor of the DNC about Trick or Vote:
|
|
|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
|
Here's an update on our events for the week of DNC. 
Sunday, August 24th
DNC Kickoff BBQ
At "The Red Building"
The New Era Bus is leaving Boulder to go down to the BBQ in Denver. Meet us at 11am at the New Era offices to get on the bus. The bus will return to Boulder in the early evening for those who aren't staying in Denver. Meet at:
New Era (world headquarters)
2025 16th Street (Pearl and 16th)
Boulder, CO 80302
Meet the bus at 11am for a VIP ride to Denver. If you're already in Denver, things are getting started at 1pm. There will be free food and drinks and live music at the Red Building: 2930 Larimer St.
Monday, August 25th
The Natural Selection, Abbey Martins, and others
The Larimer Lounge, 8pm
2721 Larimer St, Denver
Tuesday, August 26th
Trick or Vote VIP Happy Hour
w/ the Oregon Bus Project, Rock the Vote, and the Bus Fed Groups
3-6pm, David Cook Fine Art Gallery
Ari Hest and Hearts of Palm
The Meadowlark, 8pm
2701 Larimer St, Denver
Wednesday, August 27th
"Get On The Bus" Party
9:00pm -- wee hours of the morning
"The Red Building"
2930 Larimer Street, Denver, CO
Music from Ari Hest, Ginger Ninjas, and more.
On-site screen printing, tattoo artist, live art and mural painting, interactive videos, drinks, and plenty of bloggers and politicos to go around.
The Bus Federation is an innovative vehicle for hands-on democracy (and yes, we have buses). Check out www.busfederation.com for a list of the charter organizations that will be joining New Era Colorado at the Convention.
The "Red Building" is in the North Larimer Creative District and shares a wall with the Manifest Hope art gallery installed by Shepard Fairey for the DNC.
|
|
|
Written by Steve Fenberg
|
|
We got the bus and we're ready for the road! We just announced the very first New Era Bus Trip and it's right around the bend on September 6th. We've only got one more thing to say about that: GET ON THE BUS!
"What's a bus trip?" Glad you asked. It's a day for democracy. It's a party. It's a damn good time.
A New Era Bus Trip is mobile democracy at its best. We fill the bus with volunteer riders, go to a swing district in Colorado, and talk to thousands of voters in one afternoon--having more of an impact on Colorado elections than any tv ad or mail piece could dream of. We're bringing back people-to-people politics one Bus Trip at a time.
...And then we throw a post-trip party with all the typical tomfoolery. The first trip will have a volunteer pickup in both Boulder and Denver and we'll be heading to a swing district near you. Sign up now to make sure you get a seat.
|
|
|
Written by Jess Steinitz
|
|
 Vote naked and send in your mail-in ballot! As of Thursday, 15,094 people have already returned their mail ballot.
Or, if you didn't request a mail-in ballot, you have yet another chance
at voting with ease and pleasure because early voting began today, August 2nd, at 10am! For a list of early voting places, dates, and times,
go to your County Clerk's website (click here if you're in Boulder County).
And for all you unaffiliated folks...
If you're concerned because, when you registered, you thought it was
too much work to choose a party, and since then you've chosen one and
subsequently found out that you need to be affiliated to vote in the
primaries, then you're in luck. While the deadline for changing
affiliation has passed, unaffiliated registered voters may affiliate to
vote in a primary at early
voting and precinct polling places.
So head to your early polling place and vote before the rush, or get
naked and mail in your ballot before it's too late and you're already
clothed.
|
|
|
