By Lauren Freemire, Cohort 10
As the seasoned advocates of the BECLN know, one of the most important things about being a champion for children and families is leveraging the opportunities presented to us to speak up. This year we have a big opportunity to elevate the importance of early childhood – the 2026 election occurs in November. For the first time since Governor Jared Polis was elected in 2018, Colorado voters will be electing a new governor. Gubernatorial shifts often bring other changes to key leadership positions that impact our work, including state agency heads, representatives on boards and commissions, and unofficial advisors an administration will rely on.
And the potential changes to state leadership don’t end there – this fall’s ballot will also include races for federal and statewide offices including congressional seats, state legislative seats, and statewide elected roles like the State Board of Education, attorney general, and state treasurer. Beyond elected positions, we’ll also have the chance to cast our votes on a growing list of statewide and local ballot measures on funding and policy issues, some of which are likely to include specific provisions about early childhood services and dollars in our communities.
Though the November election may feel far away, opportunities to ensure early childhood is a priority for candidates and voters are already springing up across the state. In a time when politics can feel overwhelming, l know it can seem like there are too many things to focus on and it’s easy to doubt your impact on the process. To make it feel more approachable, here are three bite-sized ways you can engage this election season that are both doable and meaningful:
- Update your voter registration and make your voting plan. BECLN members are always on the move, so be sure to check your voter registration to make sure your information is updated at GoVoteColorado.com. From there make your voting plan both for the primary on June 30th as well as the general election on November 3rd – think about whether you plan to vote early, if you’ll vote via mail-in ballot or in-person, and what resources you’ll need to inform your vote.
- Attend a candidate event in person or virtually. Many organizations and causes are starting to host candidate events, from in-person candidate forums to virtual townhalls. Use these events as a way to learn about the candidates and the issues, and consider speaking up and asking questions on where early childhood falls on their priority list. The best way to find out about events is to sign up for organizational newsletters, check online newspapers for event calendars, or use additional resources like https://www.mobilize.us/.
- Talk about the elections with a friend, coworker, or neighbor. As part of the BECLN, we all have the skills and ability to lead by example to create the kind of political future we hope for. One easy way to start is to have an open and respectful conversation about the upcoming elections with someone you’re connecting with on a regular basis, whether it’s a friend, coworker, or neighbor. Lead with your values and curiosity to learn more about the other person and their approach to voting this year to help create the kind of political conversations you actually want to be a part of.
In the coming months, you’ll hear more about opportunities to help amplify both the BECLN and early childhood as a priority issue for the next governor of Colorado so keep an eye out for updates.
If you’d like to get more involved in policy and advocacy on behalf of kids and families in your community, please also consider joining the Policy and Advocacy Affinity Group. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at noon to connect on current policy happenings and plan opportunities for BECLN members to build their policy and advocacy knowledge and skillset. Click here for the Zoom meeting information. We’d love to have you!