Millions of Americans will be voting in this historic election—and Colorado’s nine electoral votes are crucial to the outcome in November.
Here are a few tips to help you make a plan and join your friends and family in voting.
Voter registration
If you want to cast a ballot, you must be registered to vote in Colorado. Make sure your registration is up-to-date with your current address at iwillvote.com.
If you want to make sure you receive a ballot in the mail, register to vote (iwillvote.com) by October 31. Or you can register and vote in person at voter service and polling centers (VSPCs) from October 24 through Election Day, Tuesday, November 8.
Vote by mail
If your voter registration is up to date by October 31, you will automatically receive a ballot in the mail. Check your voter registration status, and make sure your current address is up-to-date.
Are you outside of Colorado? No worries, you can get your ballot mailed to you—even if you live overseas.
You have to register to vote or update your voter registration and your mailing address by October 31 to receive your ballot in the mail.
Return your ballot immediately—it must be received no later than 7 PM on Election Day (Tuesday, November 8) to be counted. You can drop it off in person at any voter service and polling center (VSPC) or at a drop-box in your county.
Vote Early by mail or in person
If you don’t register in time to get a mail ballot or can’t get to the polls on Election Day, don’t worry! Colorado offers in-person early voting, meaning that some polling locations will be open starting Monday, October 24 through Election Day (November 8).
You can vote at any voter service and polling center (VSPC) in your county during in-person early voting and on Election Day.
In-person voters must provide some form of identification. Any ID that shows your address must show a Colorado address. For most people, valid IDs will be a Colorado driver’s license or a student ID.
What if I am Puerto Rican and recently moved to Colorado, can I vote?
Puerto Ricans can vote in the presidential election if they live in Colorado, are Colorado residents, and are registered to vote in Colorado. If you are not a Colorado resident because you live on the island, you cannot vote in Colorado.
I’m a convicted felon, can I still vote?
In Colorado, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of parole. If you’re on probation, you can vote. If you’re currently incarcerated or on parole, you are ineligible to vote in Colorado until you complete your sentence. Just make sure you re-register.
I live overseas. Can I still vote?
Yes, if you are an American citizen living overseas or active duty military, you too can vote. First, make sure you are registered. Then request your ballot—you can even request it be faxed or emailed to you.
Voting on Election Day
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 8, and the polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM in Colorado. You can vote at any voter service and polling center VSPC in your county—find the closest one at iwillvote.com/locate. If you have Facebook friends who live in Colorado, you can share this info with them to help answer their questions as well.
If you’re in line before 7 PM, then you have the right to vote. So don’t hesitate and make a plan to vote today!
- 7 Things You Need To Know About Voting In Colorado - October 20, 2016
