While several municipalities are holding elections this week, 2009 is generally considered an off year for elections. The big elections at the state and federal levels only happen on even years.

What’s nice about this set up is that as a debate producer, I routinely spend the odd-years coming down off an election high and planning for the next year. I can usually get back to my real job and relax from the 24/7 politics stuff for a while.

I thought I still had 2 months left in 2009 to relax, but my shopping trip on Sunday gave me two reminders of how fast 2009 has passed me by. 

One, Christmas decorations quickly pushed the Halloween candy and décor off the shelves, which as an aside, is one of my pet peeves. I realize Christmas is a mere 7 weeks away, but can’t stores at least wait until I come off the sugar high from leftover Halloween candy to start putting up Christmas lights? But, I digress.

The second reminder that 2009 is quickly passing me by was the person soliciting petition signatures in front of the store where I shopped. I realize that some folks behind potential ballot measures for 2010 started this summer, but I never saw their efforts, so I was able to put 2010 ballot measures out of my mind. I no longer have that option.

The person procuring signatures also reminded me that while many stories will be written about the big races for Senate and for Governor, the ballot issues on the 2010 ballot will take on a very formidable life of their own. Their effect on the candidate races should not be underestimated either.

There will likely be some populist tax cutting or tax restriction measures on the 2010 ballot. It won’t surprise me if many Republican candidates are asked their stances on these measures as litmus tests by certain groups. And even with Democratic majorities in power, don’t think some Progressive groups won’t try to put certain Democratic candidates to their own litmus tests.

Speaking of certain groups, don’t look now, but minor political parties are getting a real boost from the current mood in America, and it’s not just the middle ground folks. There are groups from both wings of the traditional parties that are successfully pushing their own candidates in big 2009 special elections across the country. It’s very likely some of that energy will find its way to Colorado in 2010.

Combine the fact that Colorado enjoys putting as many measures as possible on its ballot every election with a fractionalized political party system and add a dash of civic unrest over the economy and health care and you have a recipe for a very interesting 2010.

And while we’re officially a full year away from the 2010 madness, trust me, it’s a lot closer than you think.