Good morning, Boulder.
Before we dive into Election Day coverage and outline our plans to keep you informed tomorrow night and throughout the week, Por Jaijongkit reports on a pressing issue involving oil and gas drilling near some of your backyards.
Extraction Oil & Gas has proposed the Draco Pad project, which would drill 26 horizontal wells under Erie, extending up to 2.5 miles into Boulder County. This would mark the first drilling in Boulder County in over a decade. Since the well pad would be just outside Erie’s borders in unincorporated Weld County, permitting is handled by Weld County, which has already approved the project, and by the state energy commission, which will hold a hearing next week.
Residents have raised concerns about air and water pollution, as studies link proximity to fracking sites with health risks such as asthma, respiratory issues, preterm births and elevated cancer risks in children. A public meeting on the project last week drew over 100 attendees.
Now, on to Election Day. Here’s how we’ll keep you informed, locally and nationally:
Tuesday: We’ll post live updates on Boulder ballot measures and key races as results roll in on boulderreportinglab.org, X and Threads.
Plus: Through our partnership with the AP, we’ll publish real-time national and statewide results on boulderreportinglab.org as soon as polls close. Stay updated on the presidential election, statewide races and statewide ballot measures on BRL — all for free, no paywalls. Bookmark and refresh often.
Tuesday night: Expect a comprehensive story covering all available results.
Wednesday morning: Catch a detailed report right here in BRL Today, summarizing all results.
Quick access: Boulder County election results will be posted here, and statewide results will be posted on the Colorado Secretary of State website.
Haven’t voted yet? Explore our election guide for an overview of Boulder’s local measures and races.
Love,
– The BRL Team
P.S. Not a subscriber to BRL Today yet? Sign up here.
Featured stories
Fracking to come to Boulder County if Erie oil and gas proposal gets approved
Although the wellbores would extend into Boulder County, the Draco Pad’s location in unincorporated Weld County places approval and oversight outside the jurisdiction of both Boulder County and the Town of Erie. Continue reading…
Boulder’s 2024 election mini voter guide: What to know before Election Day on Nov. 5
Many races for the state legislature were decided in the Democratic primary. But City of Boulder voters will decide on three ballot measures that could reshape how the city council operates. Continue reading…
In other news
Boulder’s first snow and cold snap of season
After a mild start to fall, we’re in for our first taste of winter this week, with chilly air and winter storms. Depending on your location in Boulder, snow may have already arrived this morning, with skies clearing later and a high in the low 40s. Tonight will be chilly, dipping into the mid-20s — perfect weather for hot cocoa by the fireplace.
On Election Day, there’s a slight chance of morning rain and snow showers, with temperatures reaching near 50 degrees. By election night, snow chances pick up yet again.
County’s election night ballot counting and results schedule
Ahead of the Nov. 5 general election, Boulder County Clerk and Recorder Molly Fitzpatrick outlined ballot processing and results posting plan:
Ballots due: Your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. tomorrow, Election Day, with counting starting that night and continuing up to three days. Final scanning is set for Nov. 13, which is also the deadline for overseas ballots and curing signature issues.
Results schedule: Initial results will post on election night at 7:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., with updates on Nov. 6, Nov. 7 and a final update on Nov. 14.
Tracking ballots: Daily updates on ballot totals received will post at 7 a.m. so voters can track how many ballots remain to be counted.
Special handling: Nov. 13 will also include processing ballots needing privacy protections, curing or additional checks.
If you haven’t voted yet, check out our rundown of local ballot measures and candidates to get informed before dropping off your ballot.
County confirms first human case of tularemia in 2024
Boulder County has confirmed its first human case of tularemia this year. The person, who lives near Boulder, developed a fever on Oct. 2 that led to respiratory issues and was later diagnosed with pneumonic tularemia — a rare and serious respiratory form of the disease. Known as “rabbit fever,” tularemia is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis and can spread through tick and insect bites, handling infected animals or inhaling contaminated particles.
Health officials said the person had contact with a cat and dog, though neither pet showed any signs of illness. While the person didn’t recall any recent insect bites, this is still considered a possible source. Officials are posting warnings in the area to alert residents to tularemia risks and encourage safety precautions.
“It’s essential to take precautions around wild animals and avoid contact, as tularemia, while rare, poses serious health risks,” said Carly Wilson, Boulder County’s public health vector epidemiologist.
City unveils three newly upgraded, safety-focused crosswalks
Boulder has completed upgrades to three crosswalks designed to make crossing safer for walkers, bikers and others, funded by a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments. The upgraded crosswalks — located at Aurora & Evans, Colorado Ave east of 33rd, and 15th & Iris — feature new flashing lights, curb ramps and signs to boost driver awareness and pedestrian safety on these low-traffic streets.
“Crosswalks are more than paint on pavement,” said Gerrit Slatter, Boulder’s principal transportation projects engineer. “They provide better visibility for people driving to see our most vulnerable travelers cross, making travel around Boulder safer for all who can’t drive or choose not to.”
Each location was selected based on community requests and Boulder’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate severe crashes.
11 days left to take survey on Boulder Valley’s future
The City of Boulder and Boulder County are encouraging community feedback for the upcoming update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP), which guides growth, mobility and environmental planning in the region. Residents who missed the Oct. 19 kickoff event can still share their thoughts by completing a brief survey at ABoulderFuture.org, open through Nov. 15. First adopted in 1977, the BVCP is updated every 10 years. This latest update, starting in 2025, will shape Boulder Valley’s future for the next two decades.
CU Boulder biologist’s research spurs ‘critically endangered’ status for giant clams
The giant clam, Tridacna gigas, has been declared “critically endangered” following an over 80% population decline in the past century, according to a new assessment by CU Boulder biologist Ruiqi Li and collaborators. This new assessment led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to update the species’ status. Found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, giant clams — the world’s largest marine bivalves — play a key role in reef ecosystems but are now severely threatened by overfishing and climate change. The IUCN also revised the statuses of 11 related species as 175 countries gathered last month at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference to tackle mass extinction driven by human activity.
Star Party at Eldorado Canyon State Park set for Nov. 9
Boulder-area stargazers are invited to a “Star Party” at Eldorado Canyon State Park on Nov. 9 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Standley Lake Stargazing, the event will offer telescopes and guided views of constellations, stars and planets. Attendees should meet at the Visitor Center at 9 Kneale Road in Eldorado Springs. A $10 day pass or annual park pass is required, but the event is free; registration is on Eventbrite.
A pre-event mixer from 4 to 5 p.m. will also be held, in collaboration with Outdoor Asian, a group supporting diversity in outdoor spaces. The mixer is open to all for community connection before the evening stargazing begins. For more information, email Eldorado.park@state.co.us.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week and weekend
☀️ Explore more events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on this list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Guardian Storage Annual Coat and Sock Drive at Guardian Storage: Monday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 4900 Broadway. Additional dates: Nov. 5-7. Read more.
JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic from Etown: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-9:30 p.m., originating from 1535 Spruce St. Additional dates: Nov. 7-9. Read more.
Daytime Revolution from Dairy Arts Center: Thursday, Nov. 7, 4:30-5 p.m., originating from 2590 Walnut St. Additional dates: Nov. 6, 8-9. Read more.
Fracking the System Screening (In-Person) at Boulder Public Library: Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-8:15 p.m., 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read more.
Stage Party: An Open Stages Variety Show at Junkyard Social Club: Thursday, Nov. 7, 7-9 p.m., 2525 Frontier Ave, Suite A. Read more.
Face It (Drawing Portraits) 3-Day Workshop at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1750 13th St. Read more.
Sample Sale 2024 at Boulder Furniture Arts: Friday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2055 26th St. Additional date: Nov. 9. Read more.
Truth, Restoration, & Education Commission Report with Richard Williams at Museum of Boulder: Friday, Nov. 8, 5:30-7 p.m., 2205 Broadway. Read more.
Viva Theater: The Man Who Came to Dinner at Dairy Arts Center: Friday, Nov. 8, 7-9 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Additional dates: Nov. 9-10. Read more.
Dead Floyd at The Fox Theatre: Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m., 1135 13th St. Read more.
Boulder Mountain Handmade Market at Boulder Elks Lodge: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 3975 28th St. Additional date: Nov. 10. Read more.
2024 Children’s Book Festival at Boulder Public Library: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read more.
Fall Colors Photography Hike at Chautauqua Park: Saturday, Nov. 9, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 900 Baseline Rd. Read more.
Get your brand in front of Boulder’s most engaged residents, directly in their inboxes. Contact BRL’s publisher, Stacy Feldman, to learn more.