Colorado's closely watched election is here

DENVER, Nov. 3, 2015 - Once again, Colorado has become a focal point on Election day, this because of the state's testing of voting machines, its performance in voter turnout and a high stakes, high dollar school board recall that has mesmerized educators across the country.

Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams urged voters to turn in their ballots before the polls close at 7 tonight.

"Voting on school board races and local tax issues is critical because the results make a big difference in Coloradans' lives," he said. "Two years ago, a single vote separated successful candidates in several elections so your vote really does make a difference."

As of Tuesday morning 911,365 Coloradans had returned their ballots.

Among those in Colorado for the election: Matthew Masterson, a commissioner with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Masterson was interested in touring the eight counties involved in a pilot program to test new voting machines and he touted the work the state is doing to encourage "innovation in elections and the Colorado model." Colorado wants to move away from its patchwork voting system that varies from county to county and adopt a more uniform set up.

Also visiting Colorado is California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who supports legislation in his state modeled after Colorado's, including mailing ballots to voters and setting up voting centers and 24-hour drop boxes for ballots.

“I am committed to modernizing elections to provide California voters more options for when, where, and how to vote,” Secretary Padilla said, in a news release. “Colorado’s reforms are boosting voter turnout and decreasing election costs. California should adopt similar innovations to increase voter turnout.”

Coming with Padilla will be three California lawmakers and the president of the California Association of Clerks and Elections Officials.

"I welcome these distinguished visitors to our state," Williams said. "I am pleased that Colorado's common-sense approach to trying various voting systems has received acclaim from across the country."

In Jefferson County, the attempt to recall three conservative school board members has attracted national attention and has been billed as the most watched race of this election cycle.

Election results will be available on the Secretary of State's website.

2015 Coordinated turnout results by party, 11/03/2015 (PDF)