Q1. What am I voting for on the 2024 General Election Ballot?
A1. Cadidates for federal office, and some state and local candidates. In addition, statewide ballot questions will be on your ballot and, depending on where you live, local questions as well.
Q2. Who can vote in a General Election?
A2. Any registered voter in the state of Colorado can vote in the 2024 General Election.
Q3. What is the voter registration deadline?
A3. Voters may register through Election Day (November 5th). Please note that how you register to vote will impact how you receive your ballot.
To receive your ballot by mail:
- Register to vote or update your voter registration online at www.GoVoteColorado.gov through the 8th day before Election Day;
- Submit an application through the mail, at a voter registration agency, or at a local driver's license examination facility through the 8th day before Election Day; or
- Submit an application through a voter registration drive no later than 22 days before Election Day.
If you miss the above deadlines, you may register in-person at a voter service and polling center in your county through Election Day.
Q4. Can I receive a ballot to vote by mail?
A4. Every voter in Colorado receives a mail ballot. The ballot will be sent to the mailing address you provided for your voter registration file. To check the address on file, or to make any changes to your voter registration visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
Q5. When do ballots get mailed out and when will I get mine?
A5. Mail ballots are mailed out 22 days before the election. You should receive your ballot between 20 to 15 days before the election, depending on when your county clerk sent it out and the timing of the postal service.
Q6. How do I return my ballot?
A6. Mail ballots must be received by the county clerk and recorder no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day. The best option for voters is to drop-off ballots at designated county drop-boxes. You can find drop-box locations on your voter instructions that are mailed to you with your ballot or reach out to your county for more information on drop-box locations. You can also return your ballot by mail or return in-person at a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) location. Postmarks do not count; ballots must be in the hands of the county clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day in order to be counted.
Q7. Can I still vote in-person?
A7. Yes, there will be Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPCs) open for in-person voting and other voter services such as voter registration. If you want to vote at an in-person location, you can find your polling location by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
Q8. If I choose not to vote on a candidate or question, will my other votes still be counted?
A8. Yes. If you choose not to vote for a candidate or a ballot question, the rest of the votes on your ballot will be counted.
Q9. What is a write-in candidate?
A9. A write-in candidate is someone whose name does not appear on the ballot but has filed the proper paperwork with the designated election official to run as a write-in candidate. Votes for that candidate that are written in can be counted. If a voter writes in a name for a candidate that has not filled out and turned in the proper paperwork, the vote will not be counted.
Q10. How do I make sure my mail ballot will be counted?
A10. Every valid mail ballot is counted. To be sure your ballot is valid, follow the instructions on the mail ballot envelope. This includes making sure your ballot is signed when it is returned.
For your ballot to count, your county clerk must receive your ballot no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day. If you are unsure whether your ballot will arrive through the mail on time, drop it off in-person at either a drop-box or a drop-off location. There are drop-box and drop-off sites located throughout your county. Drop box locations are open 24 hours per day. If you have trouble finding a drop-box or drop-off location, contact your county clerk and recorder or visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
If you are registering to vote for the first time, you may need to provide a copy of your ID with your mail ballot. These instructions will be provided by your county clerk with your mail ballot.
Q11. Where can I vote early in-person and when are these locations open?
A11. To find locations where you can vote early in-person, please visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov or contact your county clerk and recorder.
Q12. What if I mailed in my ballot and I do not think that it will be received in time?
A12. In order to track the status of your mail ballot, please sign up for BallotTrax, a system that will allow you to track your ballot from sent to accepted. Go to ballottrax.coloradosos.gov to sign up. If you have questions about the status of your mail ballot, please contact your local county clerk and recorder.
Please be advised that no voter in Colorado is permitted to vote twice in an election.
Q13. What should I do if I experience intimidation at the polls?
A13. If you experience intimidation at the polls, please reach out to the Colorado Department of State at 303-894-2200.