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• NRA Day controversy highlights political divide

  April 1, 2013 8:32 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - El Paso County Commissioners will vote this week whether to declare Thursday as Friends of the National Rifle Association Day . The resolution of appreciation is entirely symbolic. "They're fabulous community partners," said commissioner Peggy Littleton, who doesn't mind people knowing that she carries a concealed... more »

• Council Set to Vote on Fracking in City Limits Play Video

  March 12, 2013 12:22 PM

  To drill or not to drill, that is the question facing Colorado Springs City Council Tuesday. Council members are voting on new regulations that would allow oil and gas drilling within city limits. In particular, the concern is over hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking. The process is already permitted... more »

• El Paso County voters set election record

  November 21, 2012 8:18 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - A record 292,698 voters cast ballots in El Paso County during in the 2012 General Election. The county election department finished the canvassing process Wednesday which officially certifies the results. The final vote tally beat the 2008 record by 17,991 votes. According to a news release... more »

• Pueblo voters say everyone should get out and vote!

  November 6, 2012 1:03 PM

  Everything seems to be going well here in Pueblo. You can tell there are a few volunteers who seem to be a little stressed out, but when you ask how things are going, they just smile and say "It's an election." Just remember all of the work they've put... more »

• Here's what Paul Ryan had to say during a campaign stop today in Pueblo West

  October 22, 2012 7:04 PM

  Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan rallied in Pueblo West today. Around 500 people showed up just one day after he spoke in Colorado Springs. He took the stage this morning at Vision Mechanical. Ryan used the location for his speech because it's a small business, and he says that's what... more »

• Democrats rally for President Obama in Pueblo

  October 22, 2012 6:56 PM

  Not far from the Paul Ryan rally in Pueblo West today, Democrats in Pueblo rallied at the Union Depot to challenge Ryan's remarks and promote President Obama. Many women were on hand at the rally to speak up about why they want Mr. Obama re-elected. They say he has consistently... more »

• Obama and Romney fight over suburban women's votes

  July 27, 2012 6:28 AM

  CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) - If President Barack Obama wins swing-voting Colorado, and a second term as president, voters like Paula Burky will probably be the reason. Burky, who has decided to vote for Obama, says, in her words, "He understands women." Both Obama and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, see... more »

• More than 80 people could have been registered to vote in Colorado

  July 13, 2012 7:43 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler is investigating 85 people who may have been illegally registered to vote. A spokesman for Gessler says jail records are being checked for people being detained as illegal immigrants to see if they match names in the state's voter database. According... more »

• Facebook wants your vote on privacy

  June 1, 2012 12:35 PM

  NEW YORK (AP) - Facebook is letting its nearly 1 billion users vote on changes to its privacy policy beginning on Friday. This is the second time Facebook Inc. is letting users vote on policy changes. The first time was in 2009 when Facebook was a much smaller, privately held... more »

• Hickenlooper ready to start signing bills

  May 19, 2012 9:07 AM

  DENVER (AP) - The Legislature has finished work and the bills have been passed. That means it's time for Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper to tour the state signing bills into law to highlight the news laws he wants to draw public attention to. The tour starts Saturday afternoon in Poncha... more »

• We could be voting with tablets

  April 30, 2012 8:41 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Secretary of State Scott Gessler and Denver Clerk and Recorder Debra Johnson are touting Denver County's plan to use tablet computers for voting. The iPad computer voting pilot project being discussed Monday is funded by the Help America Vote Act. Denver's pilot project uses new software that... more »

• Will you need an ID to vote?

  April 4, 2012 8:26 AM

  DENVER (AP) - Lawmakers are considering whether to ask voters to decide if people should provide their photo ID before casting ballots. The measure faces long odds Wednesday in a Senate committee controlled by Democrats. House Republicans have already passed the measure. Republicans say requiring photo IDs to vote would... more »

• Democrats to hold caucuses today

  March 6, 2012 7:37 AM

  DENVER (AP) - It's Super Tuesday, and Colorado isn't entirely left out of the action. Colorado Democrats hold precinct caucuses Tuesday night. Democrats are meeting four weeks after their Republican counterparts held precinct caucuses to choose presidential favorites. Democrats have no contested presidential contest, so their precinct caucuses have attracted... more »

• Many say there are serious problems in Russia vote

  March 5, 2012 6:50 AM

  MOSCOW (AP) - The head of the major international election observer mission in Russia says there were "serious problems" in the vote that returned Vladimir Putin to the presidency. Tonino Picula said in a statement Monday that "there was no real competition and abuse of government resources ensured that the... more »

• Vote for the News 5 Elephant! Play Video

  March 1, 2012 3:54 AM

  We need your help! The "News 5" elephant is campaigning for your votes to win a behind-the-scenes experience at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for some lucky viewers. The proud designers of this one-of-a-kind elephant... News 5 Today's Adam Atchison and Jennifer Horbelt. Believe it or not, they finished their... more »

• Voters could be required to show ID's

  February 22, 2012 6:14 AM

  DENVER (AP) - A long-debated requirement that voters show photo IDs when they cast ballots is back before the Colorado Legislature. A state House committee planned to hear testimony Wednesday on requiring voters to show photo ID. Republicans generally support the idea, including Colorado's top elections official, Secretary of State... more »

• CU to consider voter registration change

  November 5, 2011 12:09 PM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Students at the University of Colorado are used to registering for classes online. School regents are considering a new option for students to register to vote at the same time. The Daily Camera newspaper reports that CU Regent Joe Neguse of Boulder will propose giving students... more »

• Romney, Perry strongly differ on Social Security

  September 10, 2011 11:57 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Social Security has become a major divide in the contest between Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination. The votes of seniors - in aging Iowa, the retiree haven of Florida and elsewhere - could be at stake. Perry... more »

• As talks go on, Senate rejects Democratic plan

  July 31, 2011 3:12 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans have blocked action on a Democratic approach to resolving the debt-ceiling crisis. It was a test vote largely unrelated to the talks between the White House and congressional leaders on a compromise that can clear both the House and Senate. The Senate voted 50-49... more »

• President sends message to Congress to reach a deal

  July 30, 2011 10:43 AM

  In a weekly radio address President Barack Obama made reference to a ticking clock counting down to a Tuesday deadline proclaiming that the disagreements are not that great in urging Democratic and Republican lawmakers to work together in reaching a deal that would avoid a default in the US government... more »

• Vote postponed in House over debt plan

  July 26, 2011 8:45 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - House GOP leaders are postponing a vote on a plan to trade more than $1 trillion in spending cuts for an increase in the government's borrowing cap that would be nearly as large. Rep. David Dreier of California says the postponement is because congressional scorekeepers said... more »

• Glenwood Springs sends Xcel back to drawing board

  July 23, 2011 3:04 PM

  GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The Glenwood Springs City Council has voted to overturn the city planning commission's after-the-fact approval of electric towers that Xcel Energy Inc. installed. At issue are four towers Xcel put up in October as part of a transmission line upgrade project. City leaders say... more »

• Voter info cards to be mailed

  July 18, 2011 8:19 PM

  The El Paso County Clerk and Recorders Office will be mailing voter information cards to citizens in the county over the next few days. The card gives voters the opportunity to update and reactivate their registration if they did not cast a ballot in the 2010 election. Voters who... more »

• Would-be pot shops face stringent rules in Arizona

  May 21, 2011 1:36 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's rules for medical marijuana dispensaries - approved by voters in November with a bare 51 percent of the vote - are among the most stringent in the country. Among other rules for the licenses: The pot shops must employ a licensed physician as a medical... more »

• Vote to help Florrisant Fossil Beds help our military

  May 12, 2011 7:37 PM

  Rangers at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument are asking for your help so they can do more for military families serving in Colorado. There is an on-line voting competition between national parks and right now, the Fossil Beds National Monument is head to head with the Gateway Arch in St.... more »

• Colorado union workers authorize strike

  January 31, 2011 7:30 AM

  PEORIA, Ill.-Union members at Caterpillar Inc. facilities in Colorado and three other states have authorized the United Auto Workers to strike if necessary. The UAW says the vote is not a reflection of how negotiations are going, and it expects to reach a deal by the time the current... more »

• Memorial issue to be taken off April ballot

  January 24, 2011 2:01 PM

  It seems a controversial ballot measure that would have made Memorial Health Systems a non-profit will not show up on this April's ballot. This morning a Mayor's Task Force agreed to ask city council to suspend plans to put the ballot measure to an April vote. One of the biggest... more »

• Proposed Memorial ballot language released

  January 12, 2011 11:36 PM

  The proposed ballot language on whether or not Memorial Health Systems should become a non-profit has been made public. The language, as it's written, says the hospital will become a non-profit entity which would be independent and not under city control, which it currently is. Voters would have final say... more »

• In Congress, a harder line on illegal immigrants

  December 26, 2010 12:22 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The end of the year means a turnover of House control from Democrats to Republicans and, with it, a likely shift in Congress' approach to immigration. A tougher approach to immigration issues should resonate with the GOP faithful who helped swing the House in Republicans' favor.... more »

• Water board President recalled

  December 7, 2010 9:37 PM

  Residents of the embattled Cherokee Water District in Colorado Springs have voted overwhelmingly to recall the board President. By a margin of 82%, voters decided to oust Robert Lovato as water board President. Among other things, they initiated the recall effort following claims his position on two local water... more »

• Proposed mmj center ban fails in El Paso County

  November 17, 2010 11:04 PM

  The past two weeks have been a rough go for medical marijuana center owner Jeff Sveinsson. "It's been very stressful not knowing." he says. With a proposed mmj shop ban voted down in El Paso County, he's happy to see that his business will be allowed to stay up and... more »

• Nearly third of voters in Pueblo, El Paso counties voted early

  November 1, 2010 8:27 PM

  Election workers are gearing up for a busy day at the polls Tuesday, although new numbers show nearly a third of voters in El Paso and Pueblo Counties have already made up their minds. In El Paso County, 106,905 people or 29% of registered voters either voted early or by... more »

• Candidates Trick or Treating For Votes This Weekend

  October 31, 2010 12:46 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Having tried to win over undecided voters, Colorado's candidates spent yesterday trying to run up their numbers in places where they're already popular. Senate candidate Ken Buck and other Republicans were focusing on GOP-friendly turf along the Western Slope, around Colorado Springs and in Denver's southern suburbs.... more »

• What influences your vote?

  October 26, 2010 7:26 PM

  The reason people vote is generally the same, they think it's important and want their voice heard. But why do people vote for what they vote for? Do campaign signs and advertisements really make a difference? When voters head to the polls to cast their ballot, it's a vote... more »

• Early voting continues

  October 20, 2010 6:16 PM

  Those who would rather not stand in line to vote on election day can cast their ballot early at several locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Early voting runs through Friday, October 29, except for Sunday in Colorado Springs. In Colorado Springs go to: Centennial Hall... more »

• Early voting starts Monday

  October 14, 2010 7:17 PM

  Those who would rather not stand in line to vote on election day can cast their ballot early at several locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Early voting begins Monday, October 18 and runs through Friday, October 29. In Colorado Springs go to: Centennial Hall ... more »

• Half-cent sales tax question before Pueblo voters

  October 14, 2010 2:14 PM

  This election, voters in Pueblo will decide whether to extend the city's half-cent sales tax. News First 5 is taking a closer look at Question No. 2C on the Pueblo ballot. Here's how it works right now: When you make a purchase in Pueblo the city collects an extra half-cent... more »

• Negative Ads Frustrate Voters

  October 11, 2010 6:02 PM

  There's less than a month to go before the elections and campaigns are trotting out the attack ads in larger numbers. Colorado Springs voters say their tone is unmistakable. "It seems like people are pretty vicious and pretty competitive in what they are trying to say," said David Zazzaro.... more »

• County Question 1A

  September 30, 2010 8:09 PM

  Supporters of the medical marijuana industry met in downtown Colorado Springs on Thursday to kick off their "No on 1A" campaign. The opposition group calls itself Citizens for Safer Communities. They hope to encourage voters to vote against County Question 1A, which will appear on November's ballot. If... more »

• United, Continental shareholders vote on deal

  September 17, 2010 8:29 AM

  Shareholders of United's parent company and Continental Airlines are voting on a deal that would create the world's biggest airline. Results of the voting will be announced Friday. If shareholders approve, the deal is expected to close in the next two weeks. Then the real work begins, including... more »

• Party leaders speak about bizarre governor's race

  September 16, 2010 7:35 PM

  It's one of the most unusual governor's races in Colorado history: three candidates vying for the top spot and a series of twists and turns shaking up the race. Democrats think they have the advantage, Republicans are trying to recover from a rift within their party and the American Constitution... more »

• Clerk clears up confusion about voter cards

  September 15, 2010 1:36 PM

  The Pueblo County Clerk wants to clear up some confusion about a card all registered voters should receive in the mail. It's called a voter information card. The card lists your precinct location, party affiliation and whether you're a permanent mail-in voter. Registered voters who want to change their address,... more »

• Tancredo answers critics

  July 27, 2010 9:39 PM

  The path has been cleared for former republican congressman Tom Tancredo to head the American Constitution Party, as candidate for governor. Benjamin Goss resigned his candidacy on Tuesday morning, paving the way for Tancredo, who submitted the proper paperwork Tuesday. "This is it! It's all I can do!" he told... more »

• Additional jobless benefits hinge on House vote

  July 22, 2010 8:27 AM

  A House vote today is expected to send President Barack Obama a long-sought measure to resume unemployment payments to millions of people whose benefits have lapsed. Obama is set to sign the bill as soon as Congress can ship it to him. The Senate broke through months of stalemate... more »

• Judiciary panel OKs Elena Kagan for Supreme Court

  July 20, 2010 12:56 PM

  The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to approve Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court. The 13-6 vote sends the nomination to the full Senate, where she's expected to be confirmed as early as next week to succeed retiring Justice John Paul Stevens. Just one Republican, Lindsey Graham... more »

• No more debating in your underwear in Boulder

  July 16, 2010 12:49 PM

  The days when a citizen could address the Boulder City Council wearing only underwear may be over. The council will vote on new decorum rules in September, seven months after a resident stepped up to a microphone in his boxers. The rules were already under review, but that incident led... more »

• Pueblo council may vote on marijuana ballot questions

  July 12, 2010 3:05 PM

  The Pueblo city council should decide tonight--July 12, on whether to put two questions on the November ballot regarding medical marijuana centers. Right now there is a moratorium in place, which means medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed to operate within city limits. The first ballot question would ask voters... more »

• Pueblo City Council to vote on Black Hills plant

  June 14, 2010 2:26 PM

  Tonight-June 14, city council is expected to vote on a deal that could bring a $450 million power complex to Pueblo. Last month the project almost came to a halt--but now it appears a compromise has been made. Black Hills Energy has selected Pueblo as its preferred site to build... more »

• Pueblo charter schools facing probation

  May 12, 2010 8:28 PM

  Wednesday afternoon, the Pueblo City Schools board voted to put Cesar Chavez Academy and Dolores Huerta High on probation. The reason goes back to a state audit which criticized the school's former leaders, Lawrence and Annette Hernandez for wasting taxpayer dollars. Once the schools are served with the probation notice,... more »

• Pueblo West election today; polls open until 7 pm

  May 4, 2010 12:18 PM

  There's a special election in Pueblo West today--May 4, 2010. Four candidates are running for seats on the Metro District Board of Directors. Voters will elect three of them to serve on the board for a four year term. The candidates are Mike French, John Lisi, James Maggard and Christine... more »

• Battle over redistricting begins

  April 22, 2010 2:56 PM

  Redistricting--the redrawing of boundaries for political races--happens after each census. And in Colorado, the battle is off to a heated start. Republicans are opposing an attempt by Democrats to strip out limits that were placed on the role of the courts after a Denver District Court judge drew congressional... more »

• D-70 outsources bus service, despite protests

  April 21, 2010 12:22 AM

  School District 70 has decided to stop operating its school buses. The decision was made at a school board meeting Tuesday night at Pueblo West High School. By a vote of 4-0, the board unanimously passed a measure to contract bus transportation out to a private company. School board member... more »

• Zebulon Pike trail idea gains steam

  March 30, 2010 4:11 PM

  San Luis County commissioners are endorsing a proposal to establish a national historical trail honoring the route Zebulon Pike took across the Midwest and into Colorado in 1807. Pike National Historic Trail Association President Harv Hisgen is trying to convince Colorado's congressional delegation that the proposal is worthy. ... more »

• Abortion ban proposal to be on Colorado ballot

  March 27, 2010 9:00 AM

  A proposal to ban abortion in Colorado will be on state ballots this fall. The Secretary of State's Office said Friday that Colorado-based Personhood USA submitted enough valid signatures to put an abortion-ending proposal to a statewide vote this fall. The proposal would give unborn fetuses human rights in the... more »

• Health care reform bill passes

  March 21, 2010 10:51 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic-controlled Congress has approved historic legislation extending health care to tens of millions of Americans who lack it and cracking down on insurance company abuses. The vote in the House was 219-212. Republicans were unanimously opposed. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama for... more »

• Health care vote will be a landmark decision

  March 21, 2010 10:02 PM

  No matter the outcome of the upcoming health care bill vote in Congress Sunday night, the impact will be significant. "This literally is the first time in the 46 years with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that I've seen a bill attract as much attention as it is... more »

• Ugly build-up to House health care vote

  March 21, 2010 11:28 AM

  House Democrats heard it all Saturday - words of inspiration from President Barack Obama and raucous chants of protests from demonstrators. And at times it was flat-out ugly, including some racial epithets aimed at black members of Congress. Most of the day's important work leading up to Sunday's historic... more »

• Lawsuit challenges new Colorado petition laws

  March 16, 2010 4:41 PM

  A group of activists and advocates has filed a lawsuit challenging new Colorado laws that toughened requirements for people gathering signatures for ballot measures. The lawsuit was filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Denver against Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher. The new laws were aimed at... more »

• Committee passes bill to block Trinidad nursing home sale

  March 2, 2010 2:02 PM

  A bill to block the sale of a state-run nursing home in Trinidad got past its first hurdle this week. House Bill 12-17 would repeal the state's authority to sell the Trinidad State Nursing home. On Monday, a Health and Human Services committee in the Colorado House of Representatives passed... more »

• CSU board votes to ban concealed weapons

  February 23, 2010 11:28 AM

  The Colorado State University Board of Governors voted to ban concealed weapons at CSU-Pueblo and CSU Ft. Collins campuses, effective Aug. 1. This goes against the wishes of students. Last month, student governments at both universities voted to oppose the ban. However, faculty members voted in favor of the ban.... more »