
KBUT is your source for election coverage in the Gunnison Valley.
The 2020 Election is already set up to be one of the most significant events of its kind in American history.
Here in Colorado, voters will decide on 11 ballot measures, a contentious Senate race, and Congressional District 3 race that’s garnered national attention.
Gunnison County voters will choose either to stay with incumbent Democrats, or elect a more conservative class of candidates born out of discontent with government overreach during the height of the COVID19 pandemic.
KBUT is the one place where you can find coverage on every issue and race. Whether its our partnerships with NPR and Capitol Coverage, our broadcasts of local debates, or our live conversations with local leaders on Community Matters, we’re here to keep you informed before November 3rd.
Below you’ll find…
- Voting guides
- A Debate Schedule
- All of our stories on the 2020 Election
Candidates, Issues, and more…
Evening Newscast: County Rolls Back Group Sizes, Colorado OKs Wolves, and Fires Burn in the West Elk Wilderness
Listen to the evening newscast for Thursday, Nov. 5
Wolves Poised To Make A Comeback In Colorado After Passage Of Prop 114
Colorado voters have decided to bring back a wild animal that was eradicated from the state in the 1940s because of the threats it posed to livestock and ranchers’ livelihoods.
Country Moves Closer To National Popular Vote System After Colorado Voters Narrowly Approve Prop 113
Colorado voters have narrowly endorsed a movement to change the way the United States picks its presidents.
Gunnison County Votes for Democrats Down the Ballot
So far, Gunnison County voters have again shown overwhelming support for Democratic candidates with about a sixty percent block of solid Democratic voters across all races.
Boebert Narrowly Defeats Mitsch Bush In Colorado CD3 Race
A Republican political newcomer who defied public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic and fully embraced President Trump will represent Colorado’s largest congressional district.
Hickenlooper Defeats Gardner In Heated U.S. Senate Race
Boosted by the state’s deep disapproval of President Donald Trump, former Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper defeated incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner and flipped a U.S. Senate seat in Colorado.
State To Create New Paid Family Leave Program Following Passage Of Prop 118
Colorado workers who need paid time off to care for a newborn or a sick relative are one step closer to having access to such a benefit after voters passed Proposition 118.
Colorado Voters Reject Proposal To Restrict Abortions, Keeping State Among Few With Easy Access
Colorado voters rejected a measure that would have prevented women from getting an abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy unless the procedure was needed to save the woman’s life.
Community Matters on Monday, Oct. 19: Elections reporters and a sleep specialist.
With the 2020 election just a few weeks away, we wanted to highlight two Colorado reporters that have worked hard to keep voters informed and ready to make confident decisions. AND…Having trouble getting enough sleep? A sleep specialist gives some tips.
5 Big Things We Learned About Gardner And Hickenlooper By Watching All The Debates
Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner and former Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper spent more than three hours together in recent weeks trading attacks and making their pitches to voters. If you didn’t watch all three of their debates, here are some of the main takeaways to catch up on.
Will Voters In Colorado’s CD3 Pick The Veteran Lawmaker, Or Political Newcomer?
Voters in Colorado’s sprawling 3rd Congressional District have the choice of two very different candidates to represent them in Congress. The race is a clash between a young, political newcomer aligned with President Trump and a veteran state lawmaker who believes in pragmatism over polarization.
Hickenlooper, Gardner Present Opposing Views In Colorado’s Final U.S. Senate Debate
In their final U.S. Senate debate, Republican Sen. Cory Gardner and former Gov. John Hickenlooper clashed again over ethics, health care and the nation’s response to the coronavirus. But the candidates did not cover too much new ground in Fort Collins....
2020 Crested Butte News Candidates Forum
The 2020 Crested Butte News Candidates Forum was recorded before a very small live audience at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.
Prop 115 Supporters Call For ‘Reasonable’ Abortion Restrictions in Colorado. Opponents Call Measure ‘Cruel’ For Women.
Giuliana Day says the 22nd week of a woman’s pregnancy is an important milestone. “That is over five months into the pregnancy when a baby is fully formed and is a fully alive human being, and we treat them like a human being,” Day said.
The 2020 Gunnison Country Times County Commissioners Debate – Full Audio.
If you missed the second debate with all four candidates running for County Commissioner, here is the entire audio available to listen and download.
Voting in Gunnison County – What You Need to Know

Kathy Simillion (left) is the Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder, and Diane Folowell (right) is the Director of Elections. In this interview, they talk about mail-ballots, voter safety and security, and holding an election during a pandemic. They also talk about polling places, and what to do if you lose your ballot or make a mistake. Everything you need to know about making your vote counted in 2020!
Listen to the whole interview here.
What goes into counting your vote?
What's a VSPC?
What happens if I lose or make a mistake on my ballot?
I want to vote in person. Will it be safe?
What's up with voter fraud? Should we be worried? What have you seen?

Ballots will be mailed out beginning the week of October 9, 2020. We encourage you to vote your mail ballot and drop off at one of our secure 24 hour secure drop boxes. All drop boxes are under 24 hour video surveillance.
Voter Service and Polling Center Information
BLACKSTOCK GOVERNMENT CENTER
221 N. Wisconsin St., Gunnison
2 boxes located at the south end of parking lot
Monday through Friday Oct. 19 – Oct. 23 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday Oct. 24 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Monday through Friday Oct. 26 – Oct. 30 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday Oct. 31 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Monday Nov. 2 – 8:00AM to 5:30PM
Tuesday Nov. 3 (ELECTION DAY) 7:00AM to 7:00PM
24 HOUR DROP BOX AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTH END OF THE PARKING LOT
QUEEN OF ALL SAINTS PARISH HALL, 405 Sopris Ave., Crested Butte
Friday Oct. 30 – 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Saturday Oct. 31 – 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Monday Nov. 2 – 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Tuesday Nov. 3 (ELECTION DAY) 7:00AM to 7:00PM
24 HOUR DROP AVAILABLE AT CRANK’S PLAZA, 507 Maroon Ave., Crested Butte
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY 1 Western Way, Gunnison
Student Service Center, south entrance on lawn
Monday Nov. 2 – 8:00AM to 5:30PM
Tuesday Nov. 3 (ELECTION DAY) 7:00AM to 7:00PM
24 HOUR DROP BOX AVAILABLE AT STUDENT SERVICES CENTER, SOUTH LAWN
ADA accessible voting machines are available at any VSPC listed above.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Anyone wishing to register or change their voter registration information may do so by coming into the Clerk & Recorder’s office located at 221 N. Wisconsin St. in Gunnison during the business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by phone at 970-641-7927 or at the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.
County Commissioner Debate Schedule
Candidates, Issues, and more…
The local election season kicks into high gear this week as the four candidates for County Commissioner will have three of four debates. KBUT’s Christopher Biddle speaks with Community Matters co-host Chris Rourke for a rundown on debate schedules, candidates, and likely issues.
Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors County Commissioners Candidate Forum
Wednesday, October 7 at 6pm.
Virtual event only. Register with the Chamber.

Thursday, October 8 at 6pm.


Live at the Center for the Arts Crested Butte on Sunday, October 11 at 6pm.
Rebroadcast Monday, October 12 at 6pm on…

Western Colorado University Politics Club Candidate’s Forum
Thursday, October 15 at 6pm
Virtual event.
Evening Newscast: County Rolls Back Group Sizes, Colorado OKs Wolves, and Fires Burn in the West Elk Wilderness
Listen to the evening newscast for Thursday, Nov. 5
Wolves Poised To Make A Comeback In Colorado After Passage Of Prop 114
Colorado voters have decided to bring back a wild animal that was eradicated from the state in the 1940s because of the threats it posed to livestock and ranchers’ livelihoods.
Country Moves Closer To National Popular Vote System After Colorado Voters Narrowly Approve Prop 113
Colorado voters have narrowly endorsed a movement to change the way the United States picks its presidents.
Gunnison County Votes for Democrats Down the Ballot
So far, Gunnison County voters have again shown overwhelming support for Democratic candidates with about a sixty percent block of solid Democratic voters across all races.
Share This
Share this post with your friends!