The Colorado State Open Thread sometimes has news, views and commentary about our lovely state of Colorado. At other times, it has a number of photos that show off just how pretty this state can be. The photo above was taken on a drive we took last Saturday, and I’m sure there are many people who have seen this building before. It’s along one of the state’s scenic highways.
Last week’s picture was correctly identified by a few posters — those mounds are indeed to try and do something with the dead and downed timber that would otherwise make for fire fuel throughout the National Park and National Forests. By stacking the wood into those mounds, it does isolate the burnable fuel somewhat and, during winter or other very limited occasions, it also allows for easier controlled burns to try and get combustible materials reduced. It’s somewhat alarming to smell burning wood smoke when you know it’s not coming from a campground and you haven’t seen the “Controlled Burn” signs that are put out to warn the public. Even with those signs, we all have heard when “controlled burns” escape — most recently this past spring in New Mexico.
With the arrival of October, we are now in the home stretch for all things political. I know you likely have your plans ready for how and when you’re going to vote, but being prepared is not something to ever take for granted. You can find plenty of resources at the Colorado Secretary of State’s website www.coloradosos.gov/… to verify your voter registration, check the status of your ballot, make sure you don’t have any issues with what you submitted (like an issue with your signature) and for heaven’s sake, if you still haven’t received your ballot by about the 20th of October (you should get it in the mail) be sure and check where it is and find out what it might take to get your vote submitted and counted.
Also remember, there have been a number of changes due to the district boundaries being adjusted by the 2020 census, so if you plan to vote in person (and I’ve had to do that recently because I lost my mail ballot), use the website to make sure where you need to vote. It may have changed location or precinct number from the last time you voted in person. That website also has links to the rules for how much you can help someone else vote (by giving them a stamp, or a ride to drop off their ballot, or even helping someone fill out a ballot because of translation issues, physical impairment or other reason).
Please help make sure your friends, neighbors, co-workers (except for the MAGAts in the office) all check and are prepared to vote. Even if you’re not volunteering for any sort of get out the vote efforts, you can still remind a few people to get out and vote. You never know when every vote matters, and this election, every vote is likely to matter, since the races are going to be close.
One of the comments from John in Denver from last week’s diary had a couple of ideas that I am going to repost —
John in Denver
Sep 26, 2022 at 08:10:15 PM
One possible topic — figuring out if there is interest and a place & post-election time for a DKos Colorado confabulation.
Another — I attended a Dem House district meeting, and the state representative and senators at the meeting said now was the time to recommend topics for legislation. Not much would be done until after the election, but the 7 weeks between election and the new session are prime times to offer ideas.
For the poll, I realize there are multiple possible answers for people. Please put your thoughts down below in the comments section, to help clarify your wishes. The floor is yours...