Week 31: Being Available to Meet Everyone

Dear Colorado Voter,

You’ve probably heard by now that Colorado’s mail ballots may proceed as usual. The Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Postal Service may NOT change mail-ballot procedures this year. Justices Alito and Thomas dissented, while Justice Kavanaugh thought the USPS argument had merit but concurred with the majority that “officials do not have sufficient time to reasonably implement the rule before” the November 2026 election.

As a candidate, my life continues to proceed unusually. As I said in the Sept 10th Meet the Forwardists online event with Chuck Todd, a statewide candidate has a special pass to meet VIPs, and that has been fun!

Brian Bengs called my home, and we chatted about our respective campaigns. Bengs is an independent U.S. Senate candidate in South Dakota giving the incumbent a run for his money! Bengs had to collect 3,502 signatures, the Republican 2,171, the Democrat 1,232 and any Libertarian 741. If I had not gotten ballot access via the Forward Party, I would have had to collect more than 8,000 signatures – at least 1,000 from each congressional district – but any major-party Secretary of State candidate petitioning onto the Colorado ballot would have had the same signature requirements. (You can read on my website’s Priorities page about the lowered signature requirements for county offices that my friend Britta and I got into the 2019 omnibus elections bill, HB19-1278.)

During this campaign, I’ve enjoyed going to events which span the political spectrum. I’ve long appreciated hearing differing opinions and believe people in public service have a duty to try to show up when invited.

(By the way, I won’t be at the Club 20 debate in Grand Junction this coming weekend because only the Democrat and Republican were invited.) “Holding regular constituent engagement sessions” is part of the Forward Party candidate pledge. My weekly online Ask Me Anything sessions are on different days and times for better accessibility – see my website. As Secretary of State, I’d like to continue holding weekly online public sessions.

I believe that regular communication is an antidote to polarization. Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill were fierce opponents during the day, but famously on friendly terms after 6pm. These days tribalism in the U.S. means opponents are enemies 24/7. How can a government function if it’s always one side versus the other instead of working for what’s best for all of us? Let’s come together!

With enthusiasm and purpose,

Celeste