by Chelsea Castellano

In the heart of Colorado Springs, the race to represent House District 16 in the state legislature reminded us of something that’s often said but rarely felt so viscerally: Every vote counts. Out of 41,279 ballots cast, our endorsed Youth Agenda Champion, former state Rep. Stephanie Vigil, lost by only three votes. That razor-thin margin isn’t just a statistic – it is a reminder of the power that each of us holds and the transformative potential of our collective action. 

Vigil, a champion for young people’s priorities, came heartbreakingly close to victory. Her campaign wasn’t just about winning a seat; it was about building a better future for all of us. As a gig worker herself, Vigil understood firsthand the challenges that working people face, from stagnant wages to rising costs of living. Her vision included policies that addressed these struggles by advocating for economic justice, climate action, affordable housing, reproductive rights, and a government that actually works to make people’s lives better. 

Vigil lost by 0.007%. When the margins are this close, it’s impossible not to wonder what might have tipped the scales. But the story here isn’t about what could have been. It’s about how we dust ourselves off, learn from the loss, and continue to build power to make progress on Youth Agenda issues. 

The issues that Vigil championed remain urgent to address, and while the state legislature is one arena for progress, local elected officials like mayors and city councilors have immense power to shape our communities and our futures. That is why it is so important to use your power, your voice, and your vote in the upcoming Colorado Springs city council election on April 1. 

The executive branch of our U.S. government won’t save us. The inauguration and immediate attempts to take away our rights have made it clear that we need representatives at the state and local levels who will defend our freedoms against an authoritarian regime. 

City council members are the people who hold the power to do things like to raise your minimum wage, increase supply and access to affordable housing, improve transportation infrastructure, prepare for natural disasters, take action on climate change, and the list goes on. 

With stakes this high, participating in this local election is one of the most effective ways to create the change we want to see. All six district City Council seats are up for reelection on April 1 (find yours here!), and it will be up to each of us to exercise our power and vote for the leaders who will fight for a future where everyone can thrive. Learn more about the Colorado Springs April 1 election here, and stay tuned as New Era Colorado prepares to endorse candidates and mobilize young people to vote for those youth agenda champions. Until then, register to vote or update your voter registration so you never miss an election!