Kristen Higginbotham
Special to The Courier

In every election, there are the names on the ballot, and the many dedicated hands behind the scenes who help make democracy work.

For years, one familiar face has been part of that quiet, steady effort in Woodland Park, helping guide elections with care, patience and a deep sense of community. As we prepare for another municipal election, we also take a moment to reflect on the people and stories that have shaped past elections, and to recognize the lasting impact of those who have served along the way.

When Shirley Douthit and her husband moved to Woodland Park from Texas, she never imagined she would help shape the future of municipal elections in Woodland Park. In fact, Douthit had no prior experience serving in local government or with elections. Like many who move to the community, they felt called to volunteer and serve as a means to meet new friends and neighbors, and find their niche in their new community. It was in 2008 that Douthit began her service journey, starting with assisting with elections for Teller County before switching gears to serving with the city in 2012.

Douthit’s most notable contribution during her time as an election judge was initiating and implementing a behind-the-scenes digital process. Douthit was instrumental in refining the organization, processes, and modernizing how Woodland Park conducts its elections. A tremendous collaborative effort is required to host elections, and efficiency makes all the difference. Douthit recognized the opportunity for improvement and put a plan into action. With the evolution of digital assets also comes the possibility for digital disruption, and Douthit recalled a year when this possibility came to fruition.

The year was 2022, and, as often it does, that spring brought a storm to our community. This storm wasn’t a quiet one and had an untimely presence on Election Day, disrupting regular processes due to the loss of power. City Hall and many other portions of Woodland Park were without power much of that day. While most can get by for an afternoon without modern conveniences, imagine the challenge of screening and counting electoral ballots by flashlights from cell phones! While Douthit and her fellow judges lost a day’s time, they did not allow unfortunate circumstances to cloud their duties in conducting a fair and equitable election.

The 2026 election cycle brings some changes to Woodland Park. This is Douthit’s last year serving as an election judge. After 14 years of service, she is ready to pass the ballot-counting baton to her colleague, Gerry Holcroft. There’s also a new clerk leading the election process in the City Above the Clouds. Monica Mendoza was sworn in as city clerk in January, marking this as her first election in our community.

Election day is approaching quickly! On Tuesday, April 7, the city kicks into high gear as residents drop off their ballots in the boxes, helping shape Woodland Park’s future. There are three ways residents can submit their signed ballots:

First, drop them off at City Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, leading up to the election.

Work late? Busy during business hours? The city also has a convenient 24/7 curbside ballot box located outside City Council chambers. Residents should note that only city of Woodland Park ballots are accepted at this box; any ballots for Teller County elections must be returned to county-specific boxes.

Lastly, residents are welcome to join the spirit of Election Day by dropping off their ballots at City Hall by 7 p.m. on April 7, and this option includes the official “I voted” sticker!

What qualifies an individual to be eligible to vote? There are three distinct benchmarks that must be met to be eligible to vote in the 2026 Woodland Park municipal election. These benchmarks include:

1. You must be a U.S. citizen
2. You must be at least 18 years old
3. You must have held residence in the city of Woodland Park for at least 22 days prior to April 7.

While the election is right around the corner, there is still time to complete voter registration. For fast and convenient registration from the comfort of your own home, residents can complete the voter registration process by visiting the Colorado State Secretary’s Office at sos.state.co.us/voter/pages/pub/home.xhtml.

Residents living within city limits are eligible to vote and receive ballots. It is important to note that addresses assigned by the U.S. Post Office do not always correlate with city zoning boundaries. If you’re uncertain whether or not your home is located inside the city of Woodland Park limits, you can access the city zoning map online at city-woodlandpark.org/234/Plans-Maps.

If you are a Woodland Park resident concerned about not receiving a ballot, contact City Clerk Monica Mendoza for assistance before April 7. You can reach the clerk’s office by emailing mmendoza@woodlandpark.gov or by calling 719-687-5295 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Still seeking additional resources? Check out the city’s Election Headquarters! Learn more about the five individuals seeking your vote for a City Council seat: Don Dezellem, Catherine Nakai, Seth Bryant, Mary Sekowski and Jeffrey Geer, along with George Jones, running unopposed for mayor, by visiting woodlandpark.gov/166/Elections.

With the next municipal election on the horizon, now is the time to get ready — check registration, watch for ballots and plan to participate.