We The People
Bottom Line Up Front: At every turn, our policies will ask: Does this return power to the people? We favor decentralizing decisions to the lowest practical level – local government or the individuals themselves – because that’s where We the People have the strongest voice. In education, in budgeting, in regulations, the more input from citizens, the better the outcome. We stand for government that listens and responds. Through town halls, referendums, and an open-door ethos, we will make Colorado’s governance a partnership with its citizens. We the People built Colorado and America, and we must always ultimately steer its course.
a. Biblical & Historical Foundations: The U.S. Constitution’s very first words are “We the People.” This affirms that sovereignty rests with the people, not a monarch or oligarchy. This idea is rooted in biblical notions of covenant – just as the Hebrew people consented to God’s law (Exodus 19:8, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do”), Americans covenanted together to form a government. Our Founders believed that legitimate authority flows from the people upward. Thomas Jefferson wrote that “the just powers of government are derived from the consent of the governed.” This is why elections, representation, and the right to petition are cornerstones of our system. We the People built this Republic, and the government exists to serve us, not rule us.
b. Constitutional Justification: The Preamble’s words guide interpretation of the whole Constitution – government’s purpose is to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure tranquility, provide common defense, promote general welfare, and secure liberty for ourselves and our posterity. The people collectively defined those goals, and through elected representatives, we make laws to achieve them. The Republican Form of Government guarantee means policy decisions are made by officials accountable to voters. We stand to empower citizens in Colorado: protecting voting rights (for citizens only), encouraging civic engagement, and decentralizing power so that local voices are heard. Additionally, We the People implies that when government no longer secures our rights, the people have the authority – peacefully via elections and amendments – to alter it. This is enshrined in Article V (amendment process) and by the precedent of our Declaration itself.
c. Colorado Policy Conflicts: In Colorado, we must strengthen the voice of We the People:
1. Election Integrity: We insist on fair, transparent elections so the people’s will is accurately reflected. Colorado’s mail-in voting system must continue to be secure; we support voter ID requirements for the sake of confidence and integrity (just as a check on process, not to suppress votes). Every legal citizen’s vote must count, and illegal voting must be prevented. We note that Colorado’s Constitution now explicitly says “Only a citizen…shall be entitled to vote” (Amendment 76, passed 2020) – we will enforce that.
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2. Ballot Initiatives: Colorado’s initiative and referendum process is a direct exercise of people power. However, the legislature in 2016 via Referendum (Amendment 71) made it harder to amend the state constitution by requiring 55% approval (except for repeals). While protecting the constitution from frivolous change is important, we will ensure the process remains accessible for grassroots movements. We oppose any further burdens on citizen initiatives. When the people do pass measures, the government must implement them faithfully. Too often, if the political class dislikes a voter-approved measure, they slow-roll or litigate it. For example, after Colorado voters legalized cannabis (Amendment 64, 2012), implementation succeeded largely because it aligned with political will, but other measures like term limits or tax limitations have seen resistance. We commit to honor all voter decisions. See my initiative for a State Constitutional change to mandate a ratification system for Constitutional Amendments and Statutes.
3. Ignoring Public Will: Instances like the recent Prop HH (2023) showed a disconnect – politicians placed a complicated measure that voters saw as undermining their TABOR refunds, and it was decisively rejected. We take that message to heart. We will not try end-runs around voter-imposed restraints. Instead, if reforms are needed, we will trust the people and make our case to them honestly.