How to Vote in Colorado’s 2024 Elections
Important dates and election information
Key dates
- State primary: Tuesday, June 25
- Special election, 4th Congressional District: Tuesday, June 25
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Note: Voters in the 4th Congressional District will cast ballots in a special election Tuesday, June 25 to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Rep. Ken Buck through the end of this year. Buck resigned Friday, March 22. The election takes place on the same day as the state primary, when 4th District voters will also choose nominees to run for the seat in the general election for the upcoming term that begins in January.
Voting at a glance
- Voter registration: You may register up to and including the day of the primary or special election, but only those who register by Monday, June 17, will receive a mail ballot. Check your registration status on the secretary of state’s website.
- Voting with a mail ballot: Every registered voter automatically receives a ballot by mail in Colorado. Your mail ballot will be sent to the address in your voter registration file, which you can check and update at GoVoteColorado.gov.
- Early in-person voting: If you prefer to vote in person, you can visit a voter service and polling center in your county to cast your ballot starting Monday, June 10, for the special election and Monday, June 17, for the primary.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring an acceptable ID, such as a valid Colorado driver’s license or Colorado ID.
Voting in Colorado
What to know about recent changes
Election laws passed in 2023 introduced changes to voting procedures:
- Colorado considers state-approved digital IDs an acceptable form of identification.
- Unaffiliated voters may no longer state a party preference for their mail ballots. All unaffiliated voters will automatically be mailed a packet with both major party ballots, but may only vote and return one.
Voter Registration
If you want a mail ballot for the primary or special election, you’ll need to register or change your mailing address by Monday, June 17 (or by Monday, June 3, if you’re registering through a voter registration drive). If you miss those deadlines, you may register in person up to and including Election Day at a voter service and polling center in your county.
- Online: If you have a driver’s license or state ID card issued by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, or a Social Security number, you can register online on the secretary of state’s website.
- By mail, email or fax: Download and complete the Colorado Voter Registration Form and send it to your county clerk and recorder’s office, using this roster of offices.
- By phone: Call your county clerk and recorder’s office to request that a paper copy of the registration form be mailed to you. You can mail, email, fax or hand deliver the completed form.
- In person: Visit your county clerk and recorder’s office to pick up and submit a registration form. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically be registered when you renew or apply for your driver’s license, unless you opt out. You can also register at military recruitment centers and other local, state and federal offices, as well as at voter service and polling centers.
Visit the secretary of state’s website for more information or to check and update your registration status. If you have questions, contact your county clerk and recorder’s office or call the secretary of state’s office at 303-894-2200 and select the elections option.
Registering to vote on Election Day
You may register to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, June 25, for the primary or special election) at any voter service and polling center in your county.
Primary voting and party affiliation
Voters who are registered with a political party can vote only in that party’s primary. Unaffiliated voters may choose which party’s primary they wish to vote in but can cast ballots only in one. Voters registered with a major party will be mailed a ballot for that party. Unaffiliated voters will be sent mail ballots for both major parties but may return only one.
Voters who wish to switch parties or withdraw their party affiliation so they can vote in a different party’s primary must do so by Monday, June 3. Unaffiliated voters may affiliate with a party through Election Day (Tuesday, June 25).
Voting in the special election
If you live in the 4th Congressional District, the special election contest and state primary races will appear on the same ballot, unless you are registered with a party that is not conducting a primary. In that case, you will receive a separate ballot for the special election. Unaffiliated voters will be mailed both the Democratic and Republican ballots but may return only one.
Ways to vote
Requesting a mail ballot
Every registered voter whose information is up to date will automatically receive a ballot by mail. Check your voter registration information to make sure your current address is on file. If you need to register or update your address to receive a mail ballot for the primary, you have until Monday, June 17. It’s best to do so as early as possible to ensure you get your ballot on time. If you miss the June 17 deadline, you may still update your registration and pick up a mail ballot in person at a voter service and polling center in your county.
Ballots will be mailed to voters starting Monday, June 3 for the primary. Find more information about mail ballots on the secretary of state’s website.
Returning your mail ballot
Ballots must be received by your county clerk (not just postmarked) by 7 p.m. on the day of the primary and special election, which is Tuesday, June 25. Different rules and deadlines apply for military and overseas voters. Return your ballot by mail or in person.
- By mail: Send your completed ballot to your county clerk and recorder’s office. Remember to sign the envelope and include the required postage.
- In person: Your mail-ballot package will include information about where you can safely drop it off. Or you can hand deliver your ballot to your county clerk and recorder’s office or contact the office to find secure drop-off locations in your area. Find more information on GoVoteColorado.gov.
Track the status of your ballot by signing up for BallotTrax or visiting GoVoteColorado.gov. Use the state’s TXT2Cure system to resolve problems with your ballot, such as a missing signature.
Voting in person before Election Day
If you’d rather not use a mail ballot, you can vote early in person at any voter service and polling center in your county from Monday, June 10, through Monday, June 24, for the special election, and from Monday, June 17, through Monday, June 24, for the primary. Contact your county clerk and recorder’s office for voting hours and locations.
Voting at the polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information about polling locations will be available at GoVoteColorado.gov. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you’ll be allowed to vote.
Voter ID requirements
If you vote in person, you must provide an acceptable form of identification, such as a valid Colorado driver's license, military ID card or current utility bill. And if you’re voting by mail for the first time, you may be required to include a photocopy of your identification.
Colorado considers state-approved digital IDs, such as an electronic version of your driver’s license, as an acceptable form of identification. Find a full list of acceptable IDs on the secretary of state’s website.
Voting with a disability
Options for accessible voting, including an electronic ballot that enables you to vote from home, are on the secretary of state’s website, along with answers to frequently asked questions from voters with disabilities.
More information about candidates and key races
Key races:
- U.S. President
- U.S. House: all eight seats
- State House: all 65 seats
- State Senate: 18 seats
- State Supreme Court: three seats
Find sample ballots on the secretary of state’s website when they’re available.
Editor’s note: This guide was originally published on Jan. 19, 2024. It has been updated with new information about voting in the 2024 elections.
Natalie Missakian covers federal and state policy and writes AARP’s Fighting for You Every Day blog. She previously worked as a reporter for the New Haven Register and daily newspapers in Ohio. She has also written for the AARP Bulletin, the Hartford Business Journal and other publications.