For voter registration drives
Q1. What is the process for registering with the Secretary of State?
A1. To register with the Secretary of State, the Voter Registration Drive ("VRD") Organizer must complete an online training and pass a test. After the Organizer scores 100% on the test, the Organizer then needs to complete the Statement of Intent and Acknowledgement forms and submit the forms to the Elections Division. The training, test, and forms are available on the Voter Registration Drive pages.
Q2. I filed the VRD Statement of Intent with the Secretary of State. Is that all I have to do?
A2. No. The VRD Organizer MUST complete the following tasks:
- Complete and submit the "Training Acknowledgement" to the Secretary of State's office;
- Train all VRD circulators every year in which the organization intends to conduct a VRD;
- Ensure all VRD activities are conducted using proper methods; and
- Ensure the proper delivery of VRD voter registration forms to every voter's correct county of residence.
Q3. Who do I designate as the VRD Organizer on the VRD Statement of Intent form?
A3. The VRD Organizer is the person who is organizing the voter registration drive in the State of Colorado.
Q4. Who do I designate as the VRD Agent on the VRD Statement of Intent form?
A4. The VRD Agent is the VRD Organizer's representative in the State of Colorado. To be designated as the VRD Agent, the individual MUST be a resident of Colorado. Additionally, the VRD Agent and the VRD Organizer may be the same person (so long as they are a resident of Colorado).
Q5. If some of the information on the original Statement of Intent form is no longer accurate, must I correct these inaccuracies with the Secretary of State's office?
A5. Yes. If there are any changes to the Statement of Intent form, these changes must be filed in writing with the Secretary of State within 3 business days of the change.
Q6. How can I access the training?
A6. The VRD training is available online. If you cannot access internet, the VRD Organizer should contact the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office to schedule a conference room to review the training in-person.
Q7. How much does the training cost?
A7. The training is available at no cost.
Q8. What does the training consist of?
A8. The online training will ensure that you understand how the VRD process works, how circulators may and may not be paid for their work, and will confirm that you are aware of the penalties associated with violations. You will not receive any VRD applications nor will you be assigned a VRD number until you complete this training.
Q9. What is a VRD number?
A9. Once your organization is verified as meeting all the requirements to conduct a VRD, your VRD will be assigned a unique number. Upon receiving your VRD number, the name of your organization and your organization's contact person will be posted on the Secretary of State's online list of approved VRDs.
Note: Your organization may not commence any voter registration drive activities until you receive a VRD number.
Q10. How long does a VRD number stay in effect?
A10. A VRD number is valid until December 31st of the calendar year in which it was approved. VRDs must complete training each year in order to be issued a new VRD number.
Q11. How do I get voter registration applications?
A11. The Secretary of State provides special applications to VRDs, which can be ordered from the VRD page of our website. There is no cost to receive applications. Please keep in mind that due to limited space we only keep a small supply of applications at the Secretary of State's office. Large orders must be submitted to our printer and can take up to 7 days to receive. Please plan your application orders accordingly.
Q12. Can I photocopy the Voter Registration Application forms?
A12. No. You may not copy or reproduce these forms in any way.
Q13. Can a VRD distribute and collect the standard Voter Registration Application?
A13. VRDS are provided special applications. The standard Voter Registration Application may, however, be provided to voters who feel uncomfortable filling out a VRD application. Voters who receive the standard Voter Registration Application from a VRD, may take the application home, complete it and turn it in to their county clerk.
Q14. Can a VRD distribute and collect the National Voter Registration Form?
A14. VRDs are encouraged to use the Colorado Voter Registration Drive Application. But a VRD may choose to use the National Voter Registration Form. Nevertheless, the VRD must still register with the Colorado Secretary of State's office, complete the online training, and comply with any applicable Colorado law(s).
Q15. What if a voter fails to specify the county where they reside on the Voter Registration Drive Application?
A15. VRDs must deliver Voter Registration Applications to the county clerk and recorder where the voter resides. Consequently, the VRD is responsible for determining the voter's county of residence—based on the voter's address—prior to forwarding the application to a county clerk.