Denver, Jefferson County clerks speak with Regis community ahead of election

With fewer than 50 days remaining until the general election, anticipation surged across the Regis campus. On Thursday, Sept. 19, Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Gonzalez and Denver County Clerk Paul D. López led a highly anticipated panel discussion at the Dayton Memorial Library, drawing attention from students and faculty alike. The speakers, who joined a conversation with students, faculty, staff and the community, sat framed by political and election memorabilia from the past century and half –– all parts of the I Approve This Message Exhibit –– complementing the event. 

County clerks wear many hats in their roles, as Amanda Gonzalez described. They not only process and record public documents and licensures, but they also conduct and manage both local and national elections by making decisions and striving to make voting accessible to all who are eligible. 

“When I was going to run for clerk several of my friends said, ‘but you're an attorney, why do you want to be a clerk? It sounds like somebody makes copies and files things,’” Gonzalez said. “But we are the people that are deciding where ballot boxes go, we are training election judges and testing the little things that help make our democracy work.” 

Unsurprisingly, Gonzalez and López’s dedication to serving their Colorado communities began at an early age. Paul D. López, growing up in West Denver, began his professional life working as a busboy and a waiter and sweeping the concourse of the Mile High Stadium before he ever became involved with civic work. 

“I started when I was 13 years old, going door to door, registering people to vote,” López said. “That’s where I realized that ‘hey, this is legit!’ I fell in love with the selflessness that is community organizing and being able to empower people. Real power is being able to change people's perception.” 

Gonzalez and López told the gathering of students, faculty, staff and community members it is never too late to become civically engaged. For many young people, however, a perceived need for selflessness, community and civic work has caused apathy and political burnout, they said. Ongoing national and international conflict and the tenuous strain politics put on family relationships often make young adults feel they are in a standstill. In the face of fear and burnout, the clerks suggested taking a step back to focus on self-care. 

“No one expects martyrdom from you,” López said, “Our job is to ignite, to unlock the beauty in these streets. We want to be able to enjoy and nurture our better selves. But don’t ignore what that is to you; music, going out or dancing. The cause that you're dedicating yourself to is only one piece of it.”  

López said becoming dedicated to a cause is a great way to become engaged in government. Many feel lost when trying to figure out how they can apply themselves. The world of civic engagement is vast and has historically excluded many groups of people in the United States.  

 The world of politics can feel like walking into a room where you know you don’t belong, Gonzalez said. For many Americans, working a campaign or becoming involved with local government is the only civic engagement they are aware of. However, the world of organizing and problem solving is available to anyone –– and everyone –– who wants to be involved, she said. 

“You are the experts in your own life,” Gonzalez said. “If something isn't working about our health care system, if something isn't working about our election system or if something isn't working about your sidewalk in front of your house, you are the one that's the expert on that. The government needs that kind of expertise as well.” 

As a university, Regis prides itself on the members of its diverse student body, who bring their experiences and “expertise” to the community, as Gonzalez put it. The wealth of knowledge and the willingness to engage envelops the Jesuit value of “magis,” the Latin word meaning “more,” on campus. As the event ended, Gonzalez and López emphasized one important thing: the power of your vote. 

For this upcoming election, Gonzalez and López made one thing clear: It doesn’t matter how a person votes, what matters is that they’re able to.  

At Regis, ballot drop-off boxes will be available at the Ranger Station Bookstore starting Oct. 11. Additionally, in-person voter services and polling center will be available in Claver Hall, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 5, Election Day.  

For more voter information and to find other locations to vote in Denver County, learn more here.