Today on Colorado Edition: We get a look behind the scenes of how ballot counting technology is tested and we'll learn more about election watchers in Colorado. We also begin our four-part series on gun suicides in our region with a trip to rural Idaho. Lastly, we talk with a local author about her new book.
How Our Ballots Are Counted
Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters in Colorado starting this weekend. As the November 3rd election gets closer, unsubstantiated claims and misinformation about voter fraud in election systems like Colorado's continue to spread. Residents can mail back their ballots, put them in drop boxes or they can vote in person at vote centers up to and on Election Day. But as KUNC’s Adam Rayes reports, they all get counted the same.
Who Watches The Election Watchers?
If you have concerns about your ballot or about the election in general, you could become an election watcher. John Frank from the Colorado Sun recently reported on Colorado’s election watchers and joined us to discuss. You can read John Frank’s reporting on election watchers here.
“In Their Own Hands” Part One – Rural Idahoans Step In To Help
Every year, tens of thousands of Americans die by suicide, most of them with a gun. And some of the hardest-hit areas spend the least on prevention. This week we are going to examine the issues and possible solutions in our region. For the Guns And America series “In Their Own Hands”, Heath Druzin traveled to rural Idaho and met with some of the small town residents stepping in to help. He has more for KUNC. And a warning for our listeners: this story discusses suicide and it may not be appropriate for everyone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
An Interview With R.L. Maizes
R.L. Maizes, an author based in Boulder County, has released her second book, Other People’s Pets. The novel follows La La, an animal empath and a burglar. She recently joined us to discuss her newest work.
Colorado Edition is made possible with support from our KUNC members. Thank you!
Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions:
- “Vienna Beat” by RadioPink
- "Come As You Are" by Cauldron
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and Henry Zimmerman, and produced by Lily Tyson. The web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai. KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. We get production help from Rae Solomon.
KUNC's Colorado Edition is a news magazine taking an in-depth look at the issues and culture of Northern Colorado. It's available on our website, as well as on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can hear the show on KUNC's air, Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.