As an expert in politics and a resident of Littleton, Colorado, I have witnessed firsthand the political activity that takes place in this bustling city during national elections. With a population of over 47,000 people, Littleton is a diverse suburban community with a wide range of political views and beliefs. Located in Arapahoe County, Littleton is considered a swing county in Colorado. This means that it has an almost equal number of registered Democrats and Republicans, making it a crucial battleground for both parties during elections. In fact, in the 2016 presidential election, Arapahoe County voted for Hillary Clinton with a margin of just 2.5%, closely aligning with the state's overall vote for Clinton with a margin of 4.9%.
This shows that Littleton's political views are closely aligned with the rest of the state.
The Political Landscape in Littleton
According to the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder's office, there are currently 33,000 registered voters in Littleton. Of these, 12,000 are registered as Democrats, 11,000 as Republicans, and 10,000 as unaffiliated. This breakdown reflects the overall political landscape of the county. However, what is worth noting is that the number of unaffiliated voters has been steadily increasing in recent years. In fact, unaffiliated voters now make up the largest voting bloc in Colorado, surpassing both Democrats and Republicans.The Impact of Unaffiliated Voters
With such a large number of unaffiliated voters in Littleton and across Colorado, it's clear that they play a significant role in national elections.These voters are not bound to any particular party and tend to vote based on the issues and candidates rather than party affiliation. This makes Littleton a crucial city for candidates to target during their campaigns, as they must appeal to both Democrats and Republicans as well as unaffiliated voters in order to secure victory in the state.
Political Engagement in Littleton
One thing that sets Littleton apart from other cities in Colorado is its high level of political engagement. The city has a strong tradition of civic involvement, with many residents volunteering for local campaigns and participating in political events. In addition, Littleton has a high voter turnout rate compared to other cities in Colorado. In the 2016 presidential election, 85% of registered voters in Littleton cast their ballots, which is significantly higher than the state average of 75%.Local Political Issues
While national politics may dominate the headlines, Littleton residents are also passionate about local issues that directly affect their community.These include topics such as education, transportation, and affordable housing. For example, in the 2018 midterm elections, Littleton voters approved a ballot measure that increased funding for public schools in the city. This shows that residents are not only engaged in national politics but also care deeply about the well-being of their own community.
The Role of Social Media
In today's digital age, social media has become an important tool for political campaigns to reach voters. Littleton residents are no exception when it comes to using social media to stay informed and engaged in politics. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow candidates to connect with voters on a more personal level and share their views and policies. This has made it easier for residents to stay up-to-date on political news and events, and has also given them a platform to voice their opinions and engage in political discussions.The Future of Politics in Littleton
As Littleton continues to grow and evolve, so too will its political landscape.With the 2020 presidential election fast approaching, it's clear that the city will once again play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election in Colorado. As more young people move to Littleton and become eligible to vote, it's likely that the city's political views will continue to shift. Additionally, with the rise of social media and other digital platforms, the way in which residents engage with politics may also change.
