All Voters Granted “Colorado Native” Status in 2024 Election: Locals React to Controversial New Measure
A surprising and somewhat controversial decision by state officials has sent waves through Colorado communities this election season. In a move that’s part satire and part shake-up, officials have announced that every registered voter in the upcoming 2024 Colorado elections will now qualify as a “Colorado Native”—even if they moved here just last month. Previously, the esteemed “Native” status was a distinction held mostly by those who owned a Subaru or Toyota Tacoma and had the credentials of living here pre-boom, but now, it’s a title up for grabs by all voters.
What does this new “Native-ship” entail? New “Natives” will reportedly receive a coveted “Colorado Native” bumper sticker, along with the “right” to remind future transplants about the challenges of high elevation living, snow-driving, and navigating housing prices. One proud, newly-minted “Native” joked, “It’s all in good humor—I’ll probably just use my bumper sticker to flex at my California friends back home.”
However, not everyone is thrilled about the change. For many Coloradans, “Native” status has been a cultural marker, a badge of pride symbolizing deep-rooted connection to the Centennial State. Long-time resident Sierra Thompson shared her frustration, saying, “True Natives were here before the marijuana rush in 2014. This decision just waters down our culture. It’s like they’re handing out membership cards to anyone with an address.”
Whether embraced or rejected, the new policy is sparking conversation across the state. Election officials are encouraging all registered voters to head to the polls, cast their ballots, and, if they choose, collect their new “Colorado Native” status at select locations. This election season, it seems everyone will have a little piece of Colorado to call their own—or at least a bumper sticker to show for it.
