South Side Leads takes voter education to Colorado Springs residents

A community group in southeast Colorado Springs is trying to make voting more meaningful for residents by explaining what candidates do and how elected offices can affect daily life. South Side Leads interviews candidates and posts question-and-answer sessions on its social media platforms.

Organizer Michael Williams, who grew up in the area, said the project aims to help southeast Colorado Springs move from last in voting to leading the state in voter turnout. The group’s approach combines candidate information with efforts to make voting resources accessible in the community and online.

Williams said the project is meant to help residents understand who they are voting for, what each office does and how to connect with the legislators who represent them. The group also wants elected officials to remain accountable after winning office, rather than engage with residents only during an election.

What residents can learn

South Side Leads reaches out to candidates directly and interviews them about their roles and priorities. Williams said the group contacted nearly every candidate. It shares the interviews on social media so residents can hear from candidates, ask questions and provide feedback.

The interviews focus on three questions: what the office does, how its responsibilities can affect residents’ day-to-day lives and how people can connect with the officials who hold those positions. The group’s stated aim is to give residents information about both the candidates and the work of the offices they seek.

Ballot events and ongoing work

South Side Leads is partnering with Hey Neighbor and Men of Influence on ballot drop-off events at the Citadel Mall over the next two Tuesdays. The events are planned to include food and music, and the group says their goal is to encourage people to turn in their ballots.

The group says it plans to keep sharing voter resources and connecting residents with the people representing them beyond Election Day. It has not announced further details about the candidate interviews or the events, including their specific times.

This report draws on information from KOAA News 5.