The Theater Problem in Colorado Politics
When we asked Colorado voters what they want from 2026 candidates, one phrase came up repeatedly: "tired of theater."
"If it doesn't touch my rent, my kids, or my back pain, I don't care. I'm tired of theater."
This sentiment captures a fundamental disconnect between how campaigns communicate and what voters actually need.
The Real Priority List
Voters gave us a clear hierarchy of what matters:
Healthcare they can actually use - not policy promises, real access
Housing costs and rent stability
School funding that shows up in their kid's classroom
Grid reliability - the cold weather is making infrastructure very real
Transit and local services they interact with daily
What's notably absent from their priority list: national political drama, party politics, or ideological battles.
The Caucus Problem
We specifically asked about caucus participation and becoming delegates. The response was illuminating.
Most said caucuses feel like "a lot of meetings for not much pull." The barrier isn't awareness or interest in local politics - it's perceived impact. Voters want clear levers with measurable output, not participation theater.
How Voters Want to Engage
When asked about their preferred involvement with state politics, the answers were practical:
Low-drama, on their schedule
Clear connection between their action and an outcome
Not standing in lines or canvassing in brutal weather
Measurable results, not vibes
What This Means for Colorado Democrats
The research suggests a messaging pivot from mobilization rhetoric to governance proof. Voters want to see:
What specific policy changed their situation
How much it cost and who paid
When they felt the impact
What happens next
The campaigns that win Colorado in 2026 may be the ones that look least like campaigns and most like local government progress reports.
