CSU Pueblo to Host Series of Townhalls and Events ahead of November Election

Pueblo, COLO – Colorado State University Pueblo’s Political Science program and Southern Colorado Center for Politics and Public Affairs are set to host a series of Townhalls and events this fall, featuring elected officials for local and national office. The series aims to foster engagement between the university, the community, students, and political candidates during the 2024 election cycle.

The inaugural event, scheduled for Sept. 3 at 3 PM in GCB 201 will feature State Representative Tisha Mauro (D-Pueblo). This Townhall, along with others in the series, is open to the public, encouraging community participation alongside students.

“It is an honor and privilege to participate in the democratic process and welcome political candidates to the CSU Pueblo campus for a Townhall about the most important issues affecting our region and country,” said Eddie Lucero, assistant professor of political science. “We believe in an honest interchange of ideas and perspectives is the bedrock of an informed electorate, which is why we are enthusiastically and impartially hosting political events to educate not just our students and campus community but the wider constituency as well.”

The series includes:

1. Townhall with Rep. Tisha Mauro: Sept. 3 at 3 PM in GCB 201
2. Townhall with Kim Swearingen, Republican candidate for District 46: Sept 19 at 3 PM in GCB 201.
3. Townhall with Adam Frisch Democratic candidate for 3^rd Congressional District: Sept. 26 at 2 PM at CSU Pueblo.

Additional events, primarily for students, include:

• Constitution Day featuring Professor Joel Johnson: Sept. 17 in LARC 108.
• Selected CSU Pueblo POLS Students @ Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo Candidate Luncheon: Sept 27
• Presidential Election Watch Party: Nov. 5 from 1 to 3 PM in LARC 109

The Townhall series is designed to bring candidates directly to students while also welcoming community members to engage with their potential representatives. Constitution Day will feature faculty addressing topics related to the Constitution and purpose of the Electoral College. 

CSU Pueblo recognizes the crucial role higher education institutions play in nurturing active and engaged citizens. Research indicates that democratic participation is a habit strengthened over time, with a high percentage of young voters who participated in recent elections expressing a strong likelihood to vote in 2024. By providing these civic engagement opportunities, CSU Pueblo aims to contribute to the development of lifelong voting habits among its students.

"These events are more than just educational experiences," Professor Lucero added. "They're about empowering our students to become active participants in our democracy, both at the ballot box and in their communities."

For more information about the Townhall series and other events, please contact Eddie Lucero or department assistant Kayla Parker.

Members of the media interested in being credentialed for the Townhalls should reach Public Information Officer Gena Alfonso at (719) 671-0929. 

About Colorado State University Pueblo

Colorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive state university with an enrollment of nearly 4,000 students. With 34 percent of its students Hispanic, it is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), and a military friendly university. The university is dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship that elevates its people and community, creates educational opportunities, fosters unique collaborations, and supports inclusion, access, and affordability as a gateway to the world.