Proposition 131 is not just another initiative; it’s a lifeline for Colorado’s political system, long hijacked by career politicians more focused on preserving their power than serving the people.

Kent Thiry is leading the charge to fix this broken system dominated by gatekeepers and entrenched elites. His bold advocacy for Proposition 131 is timely — and critical for Colorado’s future. It challenges a political class more concerned with maintaining control than fostering genuine competition and progress.

Proposition 131 introduces a top-four primary system, empowering voters by breaking the stranglehold political parties have on elections. All candidates, regardless of party, will compete on the same ballot, with the top-four advancing to the general election. This necessary change ensures candidates earn broad support from across the electorate, instead of relying on extreme factions to secure victory.

Here’s the truth: not all Democrats are wrong, and not all Republicans are right. During my service to this country, I’ve fought alongside people from all walks of life — Democrats, Republicans, men, women and people of every race and orientation. None of those differences mattered because we were aligned on a common mission: work together in order to increase our odds of coming back home to those we love. This is what Colorado needs to understand: we’re all on the same journey, trying to make it home to the people we love. The sooner we recognize that, the sooner we can make real progress.

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Even Gov. Jared Polis recognizes this. Though I don’t always agree with his policies, I give credit where it’s due. He understands unchecked power leads to tyranny. Unlike many Republicans, I commend him for standing as a check on his own party, which is a super-majority in this state. His support for Proposition 131 shows real leadership. It’s the kind of balance Colorado needs — leadership that sees the dangers of unchecked power and is willing to act as a safeguard.

But make no mistake, opposition to Proposition 131 isn’t about protecting the will of the people. Take Dave “The Shameless” Williams. In September 2023, he pushed to close the Republican primary (which I proudly voted against), claiming it would prevent Democrats from “invading” our ranks. Williams likes to position himself as a hero, defending the GOP like Hector at the gates of Troy. But let’s be real — this isn’t some Greek epic, and Williams is no hero. Under his leadership, the Colorado GOP has drifted into irrelevance. Closing the primary wasn’t about protecting the party; it was about closing the door on competition and keeping a small group of elites in control.

Proposition 131 terrifies these gatekeepers because it opens the door for real candidates with real ideas. That’s why you see bipartisan opposition to this reform. But when both parties unite against something, it’s time to ask: are they truly working for the people, or are they protecting their own power? The answer is clear. Opposition to Proposition 131 is driven by fear — fear of losing the cushy jobs they’ve built on partisanship and division. Proposition 131 makes them accountable to the people, forcing them to actually earn voters’ trust.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Look at Colorado Springs, a Republican stronghold that recently elected Yemi Mobolade, an independent moderate and legal immigrant from Nigeria, as mayor. This wasn’t a fluke. It’s a clear sign voters are tired of the same old red vs. blue and just want real leadership. People want leaders who can unite us around common goals — like addressing the water crisis, improving energy infrastructure, building generational wealth, and keeping our families safe. These are the solutions we need, not empty partisan loyalties.

Imagine what we could achieve if we focused on the issues that unite us: building a light rail from Pueblo to Fort Collins, eliminating state income tax, fighting food deserts and providing universal child and mental health care. These are real, tangible goals that can improve people’s lives. Proposition 131 creates a system where voters can prioritize solutions over party allegiance.

To my Democratic colleagues: stop increasing taxes for programs that don’t work. We all want better schools, better health care and better infrastructure, but throwing more money at broken systems won’t fix them. Focus on making these systems effective before you spend any more of our hard-earned money on them!

And to my fellow Republicans: stop engaging in culture wars. Let’s be clear — engaging in cultural battles only divides us. Instead, focus on policies that actually help people. Do that by putting money in their pockets, increasing aid for families who need childcare and strengthening consumer rights. Let’s also implement healthier food regulations — like those seen in Europe — that reduce the need for costly health care down the line.

As this election season winds down, we must look to the future — and that means the next governor and state legislature races. Colorado needs leaders who focus on innovative ideas, not extreme ideologies. Here are some priorities the next leaders should focus on:

• Mirror tax laws of Texas and Florida to drive economic growth.
• Include first responders and teachers with veterans in property-tax exemptions to honor their service.
• Provide free state childcare to support working families.
• Help teachers buy homes and better fund classrooms so they don’t have to use their own money.
• Fight urban food deserts by incentivizing fresh food access in underserved areas.
• Reduce regulations to lower housing costs for everyone.
• Exempt farmers and ranchers from all taxes to protect the people who feed Colorado.
• Better corporate tax laws, this will increase jobs and strengthen our economy.

Proposition 131 is about more than reforming the electoral process. It’s about restoring faith in our democracy and ensuring Colorado remains a place where ideas — not party allegiances — win the day. The people of this state are tired of being ruled by a select few. They’re demanding a system that reflects their will, their diversity and their needs. That system begins with Proposition 131.

Let’s embrace it and build a future that works for everyone, not just the political elites.

Joshua Griffin is a veteran advocate and former candidate for the GOP nomination for House District 21 in southern El Paso County. A U.S. Army veteran, his service included 14 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also played football for the Colorado State University Rams while continuing to serve active duty.