An energetic individual running for office for the first time from the San Luis Valley wants to be Colorado’s next Secretary of State. Given the ideas he has for heightening civic awareness and increasing voter participation, he should have the opportunity.

Anthony Martinez is about 30, a fifth-generation native of Antonito, served five years’ active duty after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and is now an officer in the reserves. He faults the current Secretary of State, Donetta Davidson, for not doing all she can to improve Colorado’s voter turnout rate.

Martinez, a Democrat, points to the increasing number of unaffiliated voters in the state, more than the number of Democrats and slightly more than the number of Republicans, and would work to bring them into the process. He’d strengthen the faltering state caucuses, work to change the law to allow the unaffiliated to vote in the state primary, and eliminate the 30 day registration period (other states allow voting on the same day as registering).

He’d also establish a state-wide voter education project and travel the state to promote it, at the same time urging youth to consider careers in public service. "Too many career decisions are driven by money," Martinez, says, instead "it’s about giving back." He’d also more vigorously defend the fair campaign practices act which requires full and timely campaign finance reporting; Davidson isn’t doing that, he says.

Citing his degree in general engineering and experience as a logistics officer (with a budget larger than the Secretary of State’s office and more subordinates, he claims, and experience in meeting federal audit requirements), Martinez said he can improve the running of the office. Technology has been his specialty, he says, and the office needs that.

Martinez is tactful in his criticism of Davidson, who’s running for her first full term after being named to the position after her predecessor died. She’s from Kansas, he says.

We like Martinez‚ energy and enthusiasm. He describes a more active and involved Secretary of State’s office than we’ve had in years. Given the number of unaffiliated voters, polarizing ballot initiatives and the strength of third party candidates, it’s time to create a more inclusive political process. Martinez might be able to help do that.