articles

🗳️ Jeffco Families: It’s Time to Vote!

School Board Elections & State Ballot Measures You’ll See This November

By Jo Melzer, Guest Contributor October 27, 2025

It’s election season in Jefferson County — and this one has big implications for our kids and schools. Whether you vote by mail or in person, make sure your ballot is turned in by Tuesday, November 4 at 7 p.m. (Postmarks don’t count!)

In-person voting is already open across Jeffco, and ballot drop boxes are available 24/7 until 7pm on Election Night.


🍎 Two Statewide Ballot Measures Focus on Kids & Healthy Schools

You’ll see two statewide questions on your ballot this year: Propositions LL and MM.

Both support the Healthy School Meals for All program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to Colorado students — a huge help for busy families and hungry learners.

Proposition LL – Lets the state keep using funds already collected under existing tax limits to continue the program.

Proposition MM – Adds new funding by adjusting deductions for people earning more than $300,000, helping ensure the program can grow and serve every student.

✅ Why this matters: These measures make sure every child in Colorado can count on healthy meals at school, no matter their family’s income.

My take: I recommend voting YES on both Proposition LL and Proposition MM to keep the program strong for all kids.


🏫 Jeffco Board of Education: Three Seats Up for Election

Jeffco voters will also choose new members for three of five school board seats — Districts 1, 2, and 5. Even though the seats represent specific regions, every registered voter in Jeffco can vote in each race.

Here’s a quick overview of who’s running and what they’ve shared:

District 1

  • Michael Yocum – a parent and community volunteer who emphasizes academic excellence and fiscal accountability.
  • Denine Echevarria – a longtime educator focused on bilingual learning, special education, and strengthening student support systems.

District 2

  • Peter Gibbins – emphasizes mental health, safety, and community connection.
  • Samuel Myrant – highlights fiscal responsibility and district transparency.

District 5

  • Mary Parker (incumbent board president) – points to experience and stability.
  • Tina Moeinian – mediator focused on collaboration and teacher support.
  • Gloria Rascon – veteran and volunteer advocating for school safety and family engagement.

💬 My Recommendation

After reviewing candidate responses and local forums, Parker, Echevarria, and Gibbins appear to be the most well-versed on the various issues facing our district and offer a more holistic, student-centered approach to governance.

If you have specific concerns — whether about budgets, school safety, or classroom priorities — take a few minutes to read where all the candidates stand in Chalkbeat Colorado’s Voter Guide. It’s a helpful, non-partisan resource that covers each candidate’s answers in their own words.


🕖 Voting Made Easy

  • Ballot drop boxes are open 24/7 across Jeffco — find locations at jeffco.us/elections. Locally, there is a drive-up drop box at Buchanan Park Recreation Center and a walk-up at Evergreen Library. In Conifer there is a drop by at Conifer Marketplace by Liks Ice Cream

  • In-person voting is available now through Election Day at Voter Service and Polling Centers. Evergreen Library is a VSPC center where you can vote in person, update your record and drop off your ballot.  They do have stickers, even some for Future Voters!

  • Deadline: All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4.

💬 Why Your Vote Matters

From keeping our kids well-fed and ready to learn, to choosing the leaders who guide our local schools — this election truly shapes our community. Let’s show up for Jeffco’s students, teachers, and families!

Don’t wait — vote today, and make sure your voice counts!

📮 Drop off your ballot before 7 p.m. on November 4.