The 2024 election is one week from today, and with it comes troubling warnings about threats to our democratic process. A recent bulletin outlines dangers to Colorado’s election system—insider threats, terrorism, and even arson targeting ballot boxes.
Such actions are deliberate assaults on the most fundamental pillar of our republic: the right to vote. It is imperative that we rise above these threats, exercising our right and responsibility to vote. After all, as John Adams warned, “Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”
The Heart of Democracy: Voting
The right to vote isn’t just a privilege—it is the cornerstone of democracy. Without it, the very foundation of our self-governance crumbles. Voting allows us to choose our leaders and steer the direction of our communities, state, and nation. Our founding fathers believed that for the republic to survive, citizens must be active participants in their governance. James Madison put it plainly: “The people are the only legitimate fountain of power.”
Unfortunately, modern threats seek to erode trust in elections and discourage participation. Insider actors, tampered ballots, and physical attacks—like setting ballot boxes on fire—aren’t just attacks on the mechanics of voting; they’re attacks on the soul of democracy. But when we vote, we assert that fear, intimidation, and manipulation will not prevail.
Every Vote Counts
It’s easy to feel like one vote is insignificant, but history shows that many elections are decided by the narrowest of margins. In 2000, the U.S. presidential election hinged on just 537 votes in Florida. On a more local level, Weld County has seen tight elections where individual votes carried real weight. In this year’s election, your vote could be the one that decides a close race for local offices, ballot measures, or school board initiatives. Democracy is not about massive gestures—it’s about many small voices coming together to make decisions that reflect the will of the people.
Even those who believe their vote doesn’t matter have a role to play. As George Washington said, “The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.” Voting ensures that power remains in the hands of the citizenry, where it belongs. And that is not just a right; it’s a responsibility.
Voting in Weld County: Easy and Accessible
Weld County provides multiple ways to vote, making it easy for every citizen to participate. If you prefer voting by mail, ballots were sent out to all active registered voters starting October 11, 2024. You can fill out your ballot and drop it off at any of the 24-hour secure drop-off locations throughout the county, which will remain open until 7 PM on Election Day, November 5, 2024 (Weld Apps).
Prefer to vote in person? Several Voter Service and Polling Centers are open starting October 21, with more locations opening on November 1. These centers allow you to vote, drop off ballots, replace a lost ballot, or update your voter registration. On Election Day, these centers will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM at locations including:
- Fort Lupton Aims Campus: 260 College Ave, Fort Lupton
- Trinity Lutheran Church: 3000 35th Ave, Greeley
- Windsor Recreation Center: 250 11th St, Windsor
For those needing convenience, Weld County offers 24-hour ballot drop-off boxes at sites like:
- UNC University Center: 2101 10th Ave, Greeley
- Carbon Valley Recreation Center: 701 5th St, Frederick
- Lochbuie Town Hall: 703 County Road 37, Lochbuie
There is no excuse not to vote when these options are available. For a full list of voting locations and drop-off sites, visit the Weld County elections website here.
Honor the Sacrifice
Voting isn’t just about civic duty; it’s about honoring the sacrifice of those who fought to protect this right. American soldiers, from the Revolutionary War to today, have defended our ability to govern ourselves through free elections. To dismiss the power of voting is to disregard the sacrifices of countless men and women who gave their lives believing in this principle. When you vote, you stand with them. When you vote, you honor them.
A Republic, If You Can Keep It
Benjamin Franklin’s famous warning—“A republic, if you can keep it”—remains just as relevant today. Our founders knew that self-governance would require vigilance and participation from every generation. Democracy is not something that just happens every four years—it is something we practice every time we engage with the political process. Voting is the most basic and essential way to engage. Without it, we relinquish our power, leaving decisions to be made by others.
This election season, ignore the noise and threats designed to sow doubt. Voting peacefully, regardless of outcome, reaffirms that our democracy is alive and well. Cast your vote not just for yourself, but for your neighbors, your children, and future generations.
Take Action: Vote!
The 2024 election is now just one week away. Make your plan to vote today. Whether you drop off your ballot at a secure location or vote in person, your participation matters.
- Mail-in ballots: Return them at any of the 24-hour drop boxes before 7 PM on November 5, 2024.
- In-person voting: Visit a polling center or service location early, or on Election Day from 7 AM to 7 PM.
- Need help? If you need to register or update your registration, you can do so at any Voter Service and Polling Center.
Don’t let the threats, distractions, or negativity keep you from exercising your most powerful right as an American. The future is shaped by those who show up. Be one of them. Vote.
For more information on voting locations in Weld County, visit the official elections page here.
