Voter Registration Month: Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez on Reimagining Politics Through Equity and Inclusion

This is the last episode in our series celebrating National Voter Registration Month. For the past three weeks we've covered a range of topics, from threats to our elections system to how to remove barriers to voter participation, and shed light on the leaders who are helping to restore our democracy. In this episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Jefferson County, CO, Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez, who, after being elected in 2022, is now the first Latina and first openly bisexual Leader to hold the office in Jefferson County. They talk about Gonzalez's leadership in Jefferson County's recent redistricting process, her experience running for office against an election denier, and her trailblazing role inspiring marginalized groups to run for elected office. Gonzalez and Cox Bultan discuss the need for elected officials who care more about their constituents than their political parties, and Gonzalez shares her reasons for cautious optimism for 2024. Tune into this engaging conversation on local leadership in the democracy space, and be sure to join us next week as we celebrate our 200th episode with a special guest.

IN THIS EPISODE

(0:01:05) Introducing the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, Amanda Gonzalez.

(0:02:45) Gonzalez’s history in civil engagement, and why this work is important for her. 

(0:04:23) What drew her to the democracy space; how she landed in this work. 

(0:06:22) Clerk and Recorder Gonzalez details her experience of running for office.

(0:09:30) Why we need more elected officials who care more about the people than they do political party. 

(0:12:57) The intricacies of redrawing state lines.

(0:13:38) Host Debbie Cox Bultan revisits one of this podcast’s best moments with Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell as we gear up for our 200th episode.

(0:21:07) Gonzalez’s role in engaging more previously underrepresented groups to take up public office.

(0:26:26) Why election work happens all year round, every single year.

(0:29:47) What Amanda Gonzalez is most cautious and most optimistic about heading into 2024.