A lot of Coloradans are worried about our democracy. And they want candidates to pay attention to it too.

That is the message that comes through loud and clear from thousands of responses to the Voter Voices survey that [publishing outlet] and dozens of other newsrooms around Colorado are circulating through this election year with the help of the Colorado News Collaborative.

‘Democracy / Good government’ was the top issue for voters who identified as moderate or liberal. For conservatives it comes further down, a distant third after immigration and cost of living. 

But that simple selection covers a wide array of concerns, from money in politics to threats to personal liberties to politicians more worried about their careers than their constituents.

Many voters expressed frustration that the current, uncompromising tone of politics has made it increasingly impossible for the government — especially the federal government — to tackle what they see as the country’s biggest problems. They said they want candidates to focus on the issues, instead of attacks, and to show they’re willing to work with the other side.

Deborah Shaffer of Cedaredge wrote that she wants candidates to talk about “how they will move our country back to a centrist democracy and return to a spirit of compromise and cooperation so that the important issues of reasonable immigration, healthcare, fiscal responsibility, and the climate can be addressed.”

In an interview, Shaffer said she’s disheartened; it’s been a while since she felt like her federal votes were for a candidate she liked, instead of against one she fears. 

“I’m going to be very honest and say, if I had my way, I would not vote for a single incumbent,” Shaffer said. “Not because I don’t think there are good people. I just think it isn’t working.”