Colorado’s Election Day 2022 is Nov. 8 with a U.S. Senate seat, eight congressional contests, races for four statewide offices, 100 state legislative jobs, 11 ballot initiatives and more at stake at the state, county and local levels.
County clerks can start mailing out ballots on Monday, Oct. 17.
As part of our 2022 election guide, we’re here to answer some questions about voting and how the election works.
Let us know what other questions you have by filling out the form at the bottom of this article and we’ll do our best to answer them.
This story was updated Oct. 4 with responses to reader questions.
How do I register to vote?
Colorado has automatic voter registration if you get a driver’s license or interact in some other way with state government. But you may also register online with a valid driver’s license, Colorado identification card or Social Security number.
Is there a deadline to register?
No. Coloradans may register in person or online to vote through Election Day. To receive a ballot in the mail, you must be registered by Oct. 31, and you will have to return it to a drop box or vote center.
How do I check whether I’m registered?
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Check your voter registration by entering your name, ZIP code and date of birth. You may also change your address online. But if your name changed, you’ll have to fill out a paper form. If your registration says it’s “inactive,” that’s because your ballot was returned as undeliverable. You may re-register online or by submitting a paper request.
The Colorado Constitution requires citizenship to vote. How is citizenship checked in voter registration?
Voters must affirm their citizenship when they register to vote, and forms people fill out when registering clearly state, “Warning: It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to swear or affirm falsely as to your qualifications to register to vote.”
About 80% of those who registered for the first time in recent months did so when they got a driver’s license, the Secretary of State’s Office said. They are automatically registered only if they prove their citizenship when getting a license. Here is a list of acceptable documents for such proof.
When will my ballot arrive?
Oct. 17 is the first day that ballots will go out in the mail to registered voters and must all be mailed by Oct. 21. If you want to receive a ballot in the mail, you must register by Oct. 31. If your ballot doesn’t arrive, contact your county clerk.
How does my granddaughter, who is registered to vote in Colorado, get her ballot sent to her at college in New York?
She may change it online by checking her registration and editing the information on where to mail her ballot.
She may also contact her county clerk and ask to have her ballot mailed to a different address. There’s a spreadsheet with contact info at this link.
We are going to be out of town and won’t be able to get a ballot sent to us. Can we pick up a ballot here and mail it in before we leave?
Sept. 24 was the first day county clerks may offer ballots to people who come to their office in person and request them, though not all offices may have ballots available then. All offices must make ballots available to those who request them in person beginning Oct. 7, according to the election calendar. So it’s wise to call before you go. Get contact information for county clerks here.
What if I don’t receive a ballot in the mail?
Contact your county clerk’s office and they will be able to help you.
How do I return my ballot?
Once you’ve filled out your ballot, sealed it in the return envelope and signed and dated the envelope, put it in the mail or take it to one of 400 drop boxes or 350 voting centers. (Most voters drop their ballots off.) Your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. Nov. 8. The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office says ballots should be deliver in person, not mailed, after Nov. 1.
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How do I know my ballot will count?
You may sign up to use BallotTrax, and you’ll receive an email, text or both when your ballot is accepted.
What if I want to vote in person?
More than 350 voting centers will begin opening Oct. 24 at the latest (some counties may open earlier). Contact your county clerk for nearby locations and hours where you may vote in person. Polls are open Saturday, Nov. 5; Monday, Nov. 7; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Do I need identification to vote?
If you vote in person, you must present identification such as a driver’s license, U.S. passport or other identification on this list. If you are voting by mail for the first time, you may also need to include a copy of ID with your mail ballot. Your clerk will provide instructions with your mail ballot if you need to return an ID with it
Where can I find more information?
To register online, check your current registration and get key election information, GoVoteColorado.gov is the place to start. It includes a variety of election information.
Where do I get information about how to vote on judges?
The Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation has a board that evaluates judges and a website with information about the process as well as links to current and past judicial evaluations.. You may search by individual judges there.
Can you write in a candidate for secretary of state or any other office?
No. Write-in candidates must submit petitions and be approved by the Secretary of State’s Office. There are, however, four other candidates belonging to minor parties who will be on the ballot for secretary of state.
A full list of candidates is here, while a list of approved write-in candidates is here.
Where can I get more information about the state questions on the ballot?
Every election, the Ballot Information Booklet (known as the Blue Book) is produced by the state. It provides voters with impartial analysis of each initiated or referred constitutional amendment, law or question on the ballot. It includes a summary of the measure, arguments for and against, and a brief fiscal assessment.
What about local ballot measures?
The Colorado Health Foundation has a local ballot measure tracker that has some great information. And make sure to check out your local media outlets for more information, too.
Have another question?
Fill out the form below and our reporter Sandra Fish will get back to you.
Updated: This story was updated Oct. 25 with responses to reader questions.
Correction: This story was updated Sept. 23 to revise information about inactive voters.