Buerger: This November, democracy is on the ballot, and not just at the federal level

With Election Day fast approaching and the contrast between the candidates for president in full view, we are reminded in stark terms that the success of our democracy is on the ballot. 

But not just at the federal level — democracy and good governance are also critical issues in state and local elections across the nation, including our local race for Senate.

Early in my career, I worked with the International Republican Institute, chaired by the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, to advocate for freedom abroad. In this role, I helped strengthen democracies, reduce corruption and improve government transparency in Asia and elsewhere around the globe. I know that the American example of freedom sends a powerful and important message to those in other countries with fewer liberties who yearn to be free. And I know what it looks like when democracies are at risk, often when government can’t (or won’t) get good things done for people.

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At this critical moment for our country, we need leadership that’s dedicated to doing the hard work of making state government work for the Western Slope.

That’s why I’m running for Senate. I’m sick and tired of the same old politicians playing the same old political games instead of working for us. My opponent voted for legislation thanking the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and against tax cuts for middle-class families, teachers and care workers. He voted for making abortion a Class 1 felony and against holding corporations that pollute our water accountable. It’s no wonder that so many people I talk to across the Western Slope have given up on the idea that government is trying to do anything for them at all. 

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If I’m fortunate enough to be elected to the Senate, I will bring a much different approach: I will work to rebuild trust in our institutions by protecting them and making sure they work for everyday people — not sowing doubt and disorder and opposing common sense legislation that helps working class, rural families. 

Here’s my plan:

Priority No. 1: Prioritize working Coloradans 

In the senate, I’ll focus on working Coloradans, not corporate donors and special interests. My campaign is supported by working families and small businesses from throughout the district because of my commitment to driving down the cost of housing, childcare, and groceries for all of us, fully funding our school system and paying our teachers what they deserve, strengthening our social safety net for working families and seniors, and fixing our broken healthcare system.

Priority No. 2: Protect and expand our rights

From the right to vote to the right to be in charge of your own body, I will fight to protect and expand our fundamental rights in Colorado. I will work to make voting easier than ever by expanding access to ballot drop boxes and protecting the ability of Colorado’s unaffiliated voters to participate in the primary process. I strongly support Proposition 89, enshrining the reproductive freedom amendment in our state constitution and further protecting healthcare professionals who provide accessible services to patients.

Priority No. 3: Protect our election process

Democracy works when legislators are elected by the people, not political insiders or special interest groups — from either side of the aisle. My plan will end vacancy appointments, giving voters the only say in who their legislators are. I’ll also support anti-corruption legislation to keep legislators honest and push for more transparency in campaign financing. And I support ranked-choice voting to break the grip of the two-party system. 

Simply put, our next state senator must come prepared to strengthen our democracy, defend freedom, and make sure our government works for everyone. There is no room for equivocation, and the choice for Senate is clear. I hope to earn your vote by Nov. 5.

Cole Buerger is the Democratic nominee for state Senate in Colorado District 5.