Voting while in College

Q1. Can I vote in Colorado if I have moved to Colorado because I am a student attending college or university here?

A1. Students attending college and university or college in Colorado have the right to register and vote in the state if they reside here. A student does not automatically reside in Colorado just because they are attending college or university here. It is up to the student to decide where they reside, whether that be in Colorado or another state. See Question 2 for details on “residency”.

Q2. What is a "residence" for purposes of voter registration and voting?

A2. The term "residence" generally means the principal or primary home or place in which a person lives and whenever absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure or absence, regardless of duration of absence. A "residence" is a permanent building or part of a building and may include a house, apartment, condominium, room in a house, or mobile home.

Individuals who are homeless may designate a location that they regularly return to, even if that location is not part of a building. For more information on registration and voting for voters without a home, see frequently asked questions about voting during foreclosure or while experiencing homelessness.

You must have a residence to register to vote. Once you establish a residence, it exists until you establish a new residence.

Note: For voter registration, you may not have more than one residence.

Q3. I am planning to attend a college or university out-of-state, should I wait to register there? May I remain registered in Colorado?

A3. This is the student's decision. College students that are residents of Colorado may keep their registration in their hometown and vote by mail.

Alternatively, if the student attends a college or university out-of-state and wishes to register to vote there, they should check that state's voter registration rules. Should the student change their voter registration to a different state, they are no longer eligible to vote in Colorado.

Q4. How do I register to vote or update my voter registration?

A4. You may register online at www.GoVoteColorado.gov, if you have a valid Colorado driver's license or state issued ID card from the Colorado Department of Revenue, or you may register by providing the last four digits of your social security number.

If you have never been issued a Colorado ID, printable voter registration forms are also available on the Secretary of State's website, the county clerk and recorder's office, and any federal post office that provides voter registration applications. You may then mail, fax, or scan and email your complete and signed form to your county clerk and recorder's office.

You can also register to vote in-person. Registering to vote in-person may be done at a physical office, which includes:

A Colorado Department of Motor Vehicle office when you apply for a driver's license, or when updating your driver's license information;
Offices that provide public assistance, including offices that provide state funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to person with disabilities;
Recruitment offices of the armed forces of the United States;
Any federal, state, or local government office or any nongovernment office that chooses to provide voter registration service or applications; or
A voter service and polling center.

You can also register to vote in-person through a voter registration drive.

If you are already a registered voter in Colorado you may confirm your registration by visiting www.GoVoteColorado.gov. Once your registration is verified, you may update your address and party affiliation as well.

If your voter registration is inactive, you may change your inactive status by updating your registration online, submitting a signed request, or making an in-person request.

Q5. What is the voter registration deadline?

A5. Voters may register through Election Day. 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 no later than 8 days before election day.
Submit an application through the mail, at a voter registration agency, or at a local driver's license examination no later than 8 days before election day.
Submit an application through a voter registration drive at least 22 days before the election.

After 8 days before election day, you may register in-person at a voter service and polling center in your county through Election Day. Some counties are offering curbside ballot registration and pick-up, so check your county clerk’s office for more information.

Q6. How do I receive my mail ballot?

A6. Every registered voter in Colorado automatically 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.

If you prefer to vote in person , you can at a voter service and polling center. Please visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov to find your polling locations.

Q7. How do I know if my mail ballot has been mailed to me?

A7. Colorado voters can sign up for BallotTrax, a system that will allow you to track your ballot from sent to accepted. Go to BallotTrax to sign up! If you run into any snags or have questions about the status of your mail ballot, please contact your local county clerk and recorder.