ABOUT THE VACANCY
Representative Ruby Dickson resigned effective December 11, 2023 citing concern for the vitrol in politics that created an unsafe workplace for her in the state Capitol.
Ruby is a hard worker and I was very impressed with her grit as a legislator - she was a rockstar, taking on big fights in her first term and winning them.
It takes strength to know when to stop and her ability to make tough decisions and act quickly on them is commendable - and I hope that we see her remain engaged as a leader in our party. Rep. Dickson's resignation created a vacancy in the seat for House District 37, that will now be filled by a Vacancy Committee.
Ruby is doing well, and she is remaining engaged to support the turnover of issues from constituents in our district.
V A C A N C Y C O M M I T T E E
Colorado is one of 5 states that fill vacancies in elected offices quickly, including appointments, vacancy elections, and political party vacancy committees.
The process is part of our Constitution and is designed to fill vacant offices as quickly as possible and to save enormous costs for special elections (which statistically are ill attended by an electorate.)
The process really works - persons designated for Vacancy Committees serve year round and have the opportunity to get to know candidates first-hand, giving committee members the opportunity to be well-informed electors.
The speed of the process also allows for an elected office to continue without interruption to serve the people of their respected offices. For instance, the process often allows for current staff in that office to remain in place, and constituents issues remain being served by a continuity of government. Offices in states that elect vacancies by Special Election often require the office to start from scratch - requiring an expensive (for the candidate) petition process, followed by an expensive (for the taxpayers) election. Once elected, the office must be built newly: hiring new staff, re-engaging constituents, starting over on issues, etc.
H D 3 7 V A C A N C Y 2 0 2 3
House District Vacancies are filled by a Vacancy Committee made up of persons elected or appointed to the Committee by the political party of the vacating member. In this case, the Arapahoe County Democratic Party will hold a formal Vacancy Election preceded by a Candidate Forum.
When: January 3rd 2024 at 6pm
Where: Zoom and Broadcast on YouTube (link below)
AGENDA
Log In (6:00pm)
Candidate Forum (6:15pm)
Call to Order (7:15pm)
Announcements
Establish Quorum
Nomination of Candidates (3 minutes)
Candidate Acceptance of Nomination (4 minutes)
Vote
Adjournment
HOW TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATE FORUM:
Public input is an important part of this process, and we’d like to hear from HD37 residents. To submit a question that may be asked during the candidate forum, please submit your questions by clicking here.
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VOTING PROCESS
Voting will be conducted by electronic ballot during the meeting. No proxies are allowed. The eventual winner must receive a majority of the vote of the vacancy committee members present.
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Several rounds of voting may be required. If no single candidate receives a majority on the first round of voting, then the candidate with the lowest vote total shall be removed from the ballot for the next round of voting. This process shall continue until one candidate reaches a majority and is declared the winner.
Tie votes that impact results will be determined by lot. The online tool https://onlinetoolz.net/draw-lots will decide ties between three or more people.
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COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND PRESS
Members of the Community and Press are invited to observe the candidate forum and the vacancy committee’s work, via live stream on YouTube. The Press should email any questions to karin@coloradodems.org.