Calanthesrose
If you want something to replace soda and don’t want artificial sweeteners, flavored carbonated water can scratch that itch. There’s some that are low sugar and some that are no sugar. They have some really interesting flavors, too. La Croix is not a great brand, in my opinion.
I’m also in Colorado and unaffiliated. I ended up voting for Gabriel something on the democratic ballot. I’m probably more leftist than you are. I kinda wish that I had thought of what the other commenter said about voting for a Republican that’s not Trump.
If you go the route of voting for a Republican that’s not Trump, research the candidates and choose the lesser evil. Most of them should have websites for their campaigns. If they don’t have one, don’t vote for that person. They probably aren’t serious about it.