A recent Colorado Politics article noted how Americans worry about the country's future, driven, in part, by narratives that describe this year's presidential elections in apocalyptic terms.

Such framing inevitably misses the fact that politics, at its core, is local. Yes, federal policy shapes the contours of the country, often with global ramifications. But what often truly matters is the action of local government officials and the laws passed at the ballot box.

Local policy directly affects people's wallets and livelihood. Notably, local officials decide how and where to allocate taxpayer dollars. If their decision is sound, the benefits that accrue for communities are real and often exponential.

We hope that this voter guide will help you sort through this year's electoral contests.

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October 4, 2024

Counties begin issuing mail ballots to voters who request one in person at the clerk's office

October 11, 2024

First day that ballots are mailed to voters

October 21, 2024

The minimum number of required voting service and polling centers open

October 28, 2024

Last day for individuals to submit a voter registration application and get a ballot in the mail

November 5, 2024

Election Day — polls close at 7 p.m.