Colorado Matters

As ballots go out in the mail this week, there may be more on voters' minds than just deciding the issues. In CPR's podcast, Colorado In Depth, reporter Matt Bloom takes you behind the scenes of Colorado’s elections to meet the people and systems designed to prevent fraud and count every vote. Then, the convergence of affordable housing and community art spaces.

Former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen says he often thinks about the protests following the murder of George Floyd. He spoke with CPR justice reporter Allison Sherry about the highs, the lows, and what's next. Then, Purplish explains the affordable housing measure voters will decide this election.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has laid out its plan for the next ten years, from completing the Central I-70 corridor project to re-thinking how people get around. Ryan Warner took a ride with CDOT's executive director, Shoshana Lew. Then, building an affordable home that's climate-friendly and withstands climate hazards like wildfires. Plus, restoring trust in science.

As Colorado's Secretary of State, Jena Griswold has been a persistent voice on issues ranging from ballot access to a woman’s right to choose. Today, we hear from the Democratic incumbent. We heard from her Republican challenger, Pam Anderson, yesterday. Then, author E.J. Levy, who won a Colorado Book Award for best historical fiction for "The Cape Doctor."

Colorado's Secretary of State wears a lot of hats, but the aspect of the job that gets the most attention these days is overseeing elections and voting. Today, we talk with Republican candidate Pam Anderson; tomorrow, Democratic incumbent Jena Griswold. Then, the impact of school threats on students' and teachers' mental health, even when they're hoaxes. And remembering the "First Lady of Recovery."

The Republican county clerk from conservative El Paso county says the “Big Lie” is making his job more challenging. He’s had to beef up security and, in an area where election denialism abounds, it’s his job to debunk it. Then, perspective on climate and weather.

One of the loudest voices, debunking The Big Lie, belongs to a Republican. Matt Crane is the head of the Colorado County Clerks Association. He talks about threats to clerks and efforts to educate election deniers.

Ballots drop in a week. The mid-term election, featuring big races for the U.S. Senate and the governor’s office, is November 8. Analysts Eric Sondermann and Sara Hagedorn on what’s happened so far and what’s ahead in this campaign season.

Students at Delta High School in Denver explore the importance of mental health, especially in communities of color. And, Rossina Schroeer-Santiago is working to break down barriers to mental health care access for the Latino community.

How does a city address its housing crisis at a time when more and more people are struggling to make ends meet? How about giving money directly to people experiencing homelessness? That's the idea behind the Denver Basic Income Project. Then, Hate Free Colorado talks with people about their experiences with hate crimes. And, Front Range Community College's new president.