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Want a free shot? Then register to vote

Erica Robbie
The Aspen Times
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IF YOU GO...

What: Election event hosted by Aspen NextGen, Aspen Young Professionals Association and Aspen Skiing Co.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: The Limelight Hotel

Admission: Free and open to the public

For more information about this event, email Aspen NextGen chair Skippy Mesirow at aspennextgen@gmail.com.

There’s nothing standard about professional organizations encouraging civic participation by offering members of the community a shot of booze upon registering to vote.

But this is a part of what Aspen NextGen, the Aspen Young Professionals Association and Aspen Skiing Co. have planned for their upcoming election event at the Limelight Hotel on Oct. 5.

The free event is open to the public and is targeted at increasing civic participation and voter turnout in the local community, said Aspen NextGen Chairman Skippy Mesirow, while also engaging in a conversation about political discourse.



“It’s about getting to a place where we can speak to each other respectfully and constructively and that we can disagree with someone without impugning their motives,” he said. “We feel like Aspen should be an example to the nation of how do to politics properly.”

At the event, Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo will lead a discussion on how his office exemplifies this, Mesirow said.




The event will take over the Limelight’s main lounge, courtesy of Skico, which also is donating the free food and drink.

“Everyone who shows up gets a free beer,” said Michael Miracle, Skico’s director of community engagement. “Bring someone who isn’t registered to vote, and you both get a shot.”

Event attendees will be able to register to vote on site either electronically via iPads that will be provided or in person at a voter-registration table.

The event will feature stations dedicated to educating attendees on as many of the ballot issues as possible, Mesirow said, adding that a few brief speeches on some of the bigger ballot issues also will take place.

Pitkin County commissioner candidates Scott Writer and Greg Poschman will also engage in a three-question moderated debate, Mesirow said.

“We’re going to push them to be highly specific not only in their policy but also how they get there, what they would actually do to achieve it and how that ties into the long-term vision for the community as set forth in the Aspen Area Community Plan,” he said.

Other political candidates also were invited to the event, and “it’s possible that some state-level candidates will make it, as well,” Miracle said.

A raffle and prizes are some of the other perks that event attendees can expect.

“We are going to make this event fun, rowdy and interactive,” Mesirow said.

“Really, it has the potential to be a blast,” added Miracle.

erobbie@aspentimes.com