Colorado’s election system can seem complex, especially with mail-in ballots and in-person voting options. This guide answers frequently asked questions to ensure you’re prepared for Election Day in Colorado. Understanding the deadlines, ID requirements, and your rights as a voter will empower you to participate confidently in the democratic process.
Voting In-Person & Mail Ballots
Q: If I want to vote in-person, what should I do with my mail ballot?
If you prefer to vote in person, you have two options. You can surrender your mail ballot and vote in-person at a Voter Service and Polling Center. Or, even without returning your mail ballot, you can still vote in person. Once you cast your vote in person, your county clerk will invalidate any mail ballot previously sent to you. The deadline for in-person voting is 7:00 PM on Election Day.
Q: If I am voting by mail, when must the county clerk and recorder receive my ballot?
Mail ballots must be received by the county clerk and recorder no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day. Don’t rely on postmarks! To ensure your vote counts, drop off your ballot at designated drop-off sites, official drop boxes, or mail it early enough to arrive before the deadline.
Identification Requirements
Q: Do I need identification if I vote in person?
Yes. All in-person voters must present identification. While many forms of ID are acceptable, a Colorado driver’s license or Colorado ID is often the most convenient. Eligible individuals can obtain a Colorado ID at no cost. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue for details.
Q: When I vote and show an ID like my Colorado driver’s license, does the address on my ID need to match my voter registration?
If your ID displays an address, it must be a Colorado address. However, the address doesn’t need to match your voter registration.
Q: If I am a new citizen, do I need to show proof of citizenship when I vote?
No. You aren’t required to provide proof of citizenship when voting. By affirming your citizenship during voter registration, you’ve already fulfilled this requirement.
However, remember that all voters need to show ID when voting in person, and sometimes when voting by mail. Refer to the list of acceptable forms of identification to avoid any voting issues.
Time Off to Vote & Polling Locations
Q: Can I get time off from my job to vote?
Possibly. Colorado law allows voters time off work without loss of pay if they don’t have sufficient time to vote outside of their regular work hours. See Section 1-7-102 of the Colorado Revised Statutes for specific details.
Q: How can I find my polling location?
Almost all elections in Colorado (general, primary, odd-year, coordinated, recall, and congressional vacancy elections) are conducted via mail ballot. If you do want to vote at a physical polling location, you can find it by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
Q: Will I still be able to vote if I am in line past 7:00 PM on Election Day?
Yes! If you are in line at your designated polling location by 7:00 PM, you’re legally entitled to vote, regardless of how long it takes.
Provisional Ballots, Undervotes & Accessibility
Q: How do provisional ballots work?
If you attempt to register to vote on Election Day but lack verifiable identification, you can vote using a provisional ballot. Election officials will then review your provisional ballot after Election Day to verify your eligibility. If confirmed, your ballot will be counted. See Provisional Ballot FAQs for more information.
Q: Will my ballot be counted if I don’t vote every race on it? What if I leave some races blank?
Absolutely. You’re not obligated to vote in every race. Some voters only vote for President, while others vote in all races. Only the races you choose to vote on will be counted.
Q: What should I do if I do not receive my mail ballot, make a mistake, damage, or lose my mail ballot?
You have two choices:
- Request a replacement mail ballot from your county clerk.
- Vote in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center.
Q: Are accessible voting machines available in every polling location?
Yes. Accessible voting machines are available for all voters at every polling location. These machines enable voters with disabilities, including visual impairments, to vote privately and independently. Voters using touch screen machines or machines with wheels should carefully review their selections both on the screen and on the paper printout to prevent accidental selections. See Voters with Disabilities FAQs for more information.
Election Integrity & Transparency
Q: How are election judges assigned to polling locations?
Major political parties provide lists of election judges to election officials. The election official then assigns bipartisan teams of election judges to specific polling locations from these lists.
Q: Can people observe the voting process?
Yes. Many polling places have poll watchers observing the voting process. These poll watchers are certified by political parties, unaffiliated candidates, and proponents and opponents of ballot questions. They can observe from before the polls open until after the election results are posted, but they aren’t allowed to see how individual voters cast their ballots. See our Watchers FAQ for more information.
Your Vote Matters: Be Informed & Participate
Understanding your rights and the rules surrounding Colorado elections ensures your voice is heard. Whether you choose to vote by mail or in person, being informed and prepared is key to participating confidently in the democratic process. Remember to check www.GoVoteColorado.gov for the most up-to-date information and resources. Make your vote count!
