Election Day philosophy examined

Is it fair for southern Colorado citizens who don’t vote to have the same right to complain about issues as those who do vote?

It’s a question worth considering on this Election Day.

At the current rate, about two-thirds of registered voters will not cast ballots this year — despite the ease of mail-in ballots — on issues relating to raising the sales tax in Colorado Springs to pay for street improvements, how to spend excess tax revenue from marijuana sales, and parks and trails.

Tax increases historically have been unpopular and unsuccessful in the area, but frustration about crumbling streets and roads has raised interest in the issue.

Repairing infrastructure has been a constant theme in the campaign and first term of Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.

Robert and Madellen Spaete mailed in their ballots and voted yes on Measure 2C, the sales tax proposal.

“We want the roads fixed,” Robert Spaete said. “The tax implications are only for five years. They say they’re going to use it for public roads. If they don’t, (mayor) John Suthers is going to know about it.”

“If (non-voters) complain (about issues), it’s their fault,” Madellen Spaete said. “It’s an opportunity to have a chance to vote, and if you don’t do it, you shouldn’t complain.”

But Monique Maxa said she has never voted and doesn’t plan to.

“I don’t really believe in voting, just because I don’t take the time to educate myself on politics,” she said. “I’m not really into politics at all.”

Mary Malia, who voted Tuesday, said people should take time to educate themselves and realize every vote counts.

“The truth is if those two-thirds of the population voted, we’d have a really different government here,” she said.