Making Democracy Work

Learn more about Ranked Choice Voting, how it's done, the benefits and how we can make this happen, in this Community Conversation hosted by NAACP Colorado Springs and the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region. It was recorded in front of a live audience at Stompin’ Grounds on September 20, 2025. At the mic: NAACP’s Angela Stevens and RCV4CO’s Linda Templin.

Donate Today! League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region: https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=301&club_id=750758 

NAACP - Colorado Springs Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NAACPColoradoSprings 

 RCV4CO: https://rcvforcolorado.org/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear from candidates running to represent District 6 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and Citizens Project. It was held on March 18, 2025 at the CSPD Stetson Hills Subdivision Community Room. All Colorado Springs City Council District 6 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and Citizens Project moderated.

 Candidates Present:

• Dr. Parth Melpakam
• Roland Rainey, Jr.
• Aaron Schick

Host: Shelly Roehrs for LWVPPR

Moderator: Chris Davis for Citizens Project

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews where all candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Any videotape or audio recording of the forum is the sole property of the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and may not be used in any way unless cleared through LWVPPR. For more information, visit https://lwvppr.org. YOU are welcome to join us in empowering voters and defending democracy!

Sponsors for the forum:

• Citizens Project - https://citizensproject.org/
• Studio 809 Podcasts – https://studio809podcasts.com

You can view video of this forum at https://www.youtube.com/live/7UxZYiiOMeE?feature=shared

Links:

League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region – https://lwvppr.org

Voter Information - https://www.vote411.org/

City of Colorado Springs election information - https://coloradosprings.gov/election

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear from candidates running to represent District 5 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and NAACP-Colorado Springs. It was held on March 13, 2025 at Temple Beit Torah. All Colorado Springs City Council District 5 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and NAACP-Colorado Springs moderated.

 Candidates Present:

• Christopher Burns
• Nancy Henjum
• Cass Melin
• Jim Miller

Host: Tammy Harold for LWVPPR

Moderator: Angela Stevens, President, NAACP-Colorado Springs

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews where all candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Any videotape or audio recording of the forum is the sole property of the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and may not be used in any way unless cleared through LWVPPR. For more information, visit https://lwvppr.org. YOU are welcome to join us in empowering voters and defending democracy!

Sponsors for the forum:

• NAACP-Colorado Springs – https://www.facebook.com/NAACPColoradoSprings/
• Studio 809 Podcasts – https://studio809podcasts.com

You can view video of this forum at https://www.youtube.com/live/__-o2GlLr1c?si=lteEoe5yXd0L3TeQ

Links:

League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region – https://lwvppr.org

Voter Information - https://www.vote411.org/

City of Colorado Springs election information - https://coloradosprings.gov/election

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear from candidates running to represent District 1 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and College of Public Service at UCCS. It was held on March 5, 2025 at Helen Keller Elementary School. All Colorado Springs City Council District 1 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and UCCS College of Public Service moderated.

Candidates:

• Dave Donelson
• Lee Lehmkuhl

Host: Tammy Harold for LWVPPR

Moderators:

Dr. Regina Winters, Associate Dean, UCCS College of Public Service

Diana Starkus, student, UCCS College of Public Service

Emily Champion, student, UCCS College of Public Service

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews where all candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Any videotape or audio recording of the forum is the sole property of the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and may not be used in any way unless cleared through LWVPPR. For more information, visit https://lwvppr.org. YOU are welcome to join us in empowering voters and defending democracy!

Sponsors for the forum:

• UCCS – College of Public Service - https://cps.uccs.edu/
• Studio 809 Podcasts – https://studio809podcasts.com

You can view video of this forum at https://www.youtube.com/live/v-OKDid2vTw?feature=shared

Links:

League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region – https://lwvppr.org

Voter Information - https://www.vote411.org/

City of Colorado Springs election information - https://coloradosprings.gov/election

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear from candidates running to represent District 4 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and RISE Southeast. It was held on March 4, 2025 at Stompin' Groundz coffee and community café. All Colorado Springs City Council District 4 candidates were invited. Representatives from LWVPPR and RISE Southeast moderated.

 Candidates Present:

• Kimberly Gold
• Chauncy Johnson

 Not Present:

•  Sherrea Elliott-Sterling
• Jeannie Orozco-Lira

Host: Shelly Roers, Spokesperson for LWVPPR

Moderator: Chineta Davis, RISE Southeast

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews where all candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Any videotape or audio recording of the forum is the sole property of the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and may not be used in any way unless cleared through LWVPPR. For more information, visit https://lwvppr.org. YOU are welcome to join us in empowering voters and defending democracy!

Sponsors for the forum:

• RISE Southeast - https://risesoutheast.com
• Studio 809 Podcasts – https://studio809podcasts.com

You can view video of this forum at https://www.youtube.com/live/pv_rAetjAKw?si=aWH6oTxWyFM5wfVk

Links:

League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region – https://lwvppr.org

Voter Information - https://www.vote411.org/

City of Colorado Springs election information - https://coloradosprings.gov/election

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

Hear from candidates running to represent District 3 on Colorado Springs City Council in this forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region & Hillside Advisory Team. 

The event was held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Hillside Community Center. 

The League is non-partisan and does not endorse, support or oppose candidates or political parties. We work to educate voters in every election via candidate forums (not debates), our candidate survey (VOTE411.org), candidate meet and greets and podcast interviews where all candidates on the ballot are invited to participate. Any videotape or audio recording of the forum is the sole property of the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region and may not be used in any way unless cleared through LWVPPR. For more information, visit https://lwvppr.org. YOU are welcome to join us in empowering voters and defending democracy!

 Moderator: Chris Rudnick, President of Hillside Advisory Team

Candidates:

• Richard Gillit
• Maryah Lauer
• Greg Thornton
• Brandy Williams
• Christopher Metzgar did not attend

Links:

League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region – https://lwvppr.org

Hillside Advisory Team - https://www.hillsideadvisoryteam.org/

Voter Information - https://www.vote411.org/

City of Colorado Springs election information - https://coloradosprings.gov/election

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

The League of Women Voters is celebrating 105 years of Empowering Voters & Defending Democracy. On February 16, 2025 we gathered for Love the League 2025, Honoring Women Making A Difference! This is our annual fundraising event. We’re proud to share a replay in this episode.

League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers voters and defends democracy! Your donation helps League pay for our efforts, including candidate forums, voter registration drives, and more! Donate at https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Please become a member: https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=750758&module_id=304192

Our 105th Birthday/Anniversary celebration includes honoring nine women who make a difference! 2025 Honorees Include: Beth Alessio - RMHC Southern Colorado, Linda Alvarado - Alvarado Construction, BJ Campbell - Academy School District 20, Sallie Clark - City of Colorado Springs, Phyllis Dunn - Accompaniment and Sanctuary Coalition of Colorado Springs, Rochelle Kimbrell - Kimbrell Enterprise, USAF Shirley Martinez - Pikes Peak Diversity Council, Jayme McConnellogue - Colorado Springs Fire Department, Angie Stevens - NAACP-Colorado Springs, LWVPPR.

Sponsors:

AAUW - https://www.aauw.org/

All Souls Unitarian Church - https://www.asuuc.net/

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - https://aka1908.com/

Alvarado Construction - http://www.alvaradoconstruction.com/

COS Labor Council - https://coaflcio.org/csalc

Ms. Jerima King

Ms. June Waller

Dayon Mock Photography - https://www.mockdayonstudio.com/

Longmire Audio Engineering - https://www.longmireaudio.com/

Shelly Roehrs, Real Estate Broker with Blue Picket Realty - https://bluepicketrealty.com/agent/shelly-roehrs/

Studio 809 Podcasts - https://studio809podcasts.com/

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

We chat with BJ Campbell, Love the League 2025 Honoree, Retired Educator & Administrator from Academy District 20 and passionate advocate for our unhoused neighbors.

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

BJ Campbell - Our People - Academy District 20 - https://fb.watch/xL88aCsAb3/

Salvation Army Friends of Christ Homelessness program - https://coloradosprings.salvationarmy.org/colorado_springs_corps/our-services/ 

Former Helen Hunt Elementary converting to apartments for the homeless - https://gazette.com/news/el-paso-countys-mission-impossible-collective-for-families-in-deep-trouble/article_f05f7538-6178-11ef-8a07-ff06a0d5badc.html

Love the League 2024 Tickets

https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=750758&item_id=2391384

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

We chat with Chief Jayme McConnellogue, Love the League 2025 Honoree and Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the City of Colorado Springs Fire Department. 

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Jayme McConnellogue - 

Colorado Spring Fire Department Key Staff - Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services - https://coloradosprings.gov/fire-department/page/key-fire-department-staff 

Ambulance Transition - Emergency Medical Services Enterprise - https://coloradosprings.gov/EMSTransport 

Love the League 2024 Tickets - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=750758&item_id=2391384

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.

We chat with Angela Stevens, Love the League 2025 Honoree, Colorado Springs NAACP President, LWVPPR Admin Team Member & Events Team Chair and Business Owner. 

Donate Today! Love the League 2025 - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=305&club_id=750758&item_id=12658

Angela Stevens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-stevens-ma-ed-lpc-43668532/ 

NAACP - Colorado Springs Branch - https://www.facebook.com/NAACPColoradoSprings/ 

Thinking It Through Counseling Services - http://www.thinkingitc.com/ 

Love the League 2024 Tickets - https://lwvppr.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=750758&item_id=2391384

Making Democracy Work asks questions and provides information to help voters and community members be more active and engaged citizens. Join us as we look for better ways to make democracy work.

This podcast is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Pikes Peak Region (LWVPPR). The mission of the League of Women Voters is: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. LWVPPR members actively promote voter and civic education for the public and themselves. Learn more at https://lwvppr.org/

Making Democracy Work is one of many Studio 809 Podcasts, building community in the Pikes Peak Region. Find your new favorite local podcast at https://studio809podcasts.com

Don't miss an episode, follow Making Democracy Work wherever you get your podcasts.