
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…
Gardner, Hickenlooper Clash Over Pandemic Response, Supreme Court Pick In First Debate
Colorado voters got their first chance to see their U.S. Senate candidates face off in a debate Friday night, and the attacks started flying seconds after it started.
Fight Over Gallagher Amendment Could Impact Your Checkbook, And Your Fire Department’s Budget
Of the 11 ballot questions Colorado voters will decide in November, Amendment B is by far the most complicated. It seeks to repeal a 38-year-old state law affecting how much residents must pay in property taxes.
County Commissioner Debates on KBUT
KBUT is your source for local election coverage. We will broadcast two of three debates between the four candidates running for two seats on the Board of County Commissioners.
Colorado’s Paid Family Leave Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Cost, But Advocates Say Benefit Is Overdue
Democrats at the state Capitol have tried for several years to create a paid family and medical leave program, but concerns from small businesses and Gov. Jared Polis have kept it from becoming law.
Now the political battle is moving from the state Capitol to the ballot box, where voters will have the final say.
Community Matters: Three Ballot Initiatives on the November Ballot
KBUT’s Community Matters presents three interviews on three ballot initiatives going before Colorado voters in November. We’re looking at attempts to strengthen Colorado’s taxpayer bill of rights, cut income taxes, and re-introduce gray wolves to Colorado’s wild.
Undecided On Wolves? Hear From A Wyoming Wolf Expert Who Has Seen Them At Their Best, And Worst
As the big carnivore supervisor for Wyoming Fish and Game, Thompson has gotten to step within a few feet of a wolf after biologists prepared to tranquilize the animal in a trap.
Community Matters Presents: Gunnison County’s Top Elected Officials
This show was originally broadcast on Monday, September 7th, Labor 2020. It was hosted by KBUT’s Christopher Biddle and Chris Rourke
Colorado Considering Legal Action To Protect Mail-In Voting
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said Monday he is considering taking legal action against the Trump administration to prevent cuts to the U.S. Postal Service that might threaten mail-in voting in November.
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.
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.
Share This
Share this post with your friends!