Ballots are on their way to Colorado voters: What to know to make sure your vote counts, tell me about this news today

In Colorado, election officials automatically send mail-in ballots to all active, registered voters. As ballots begin arriving in mailboxes, here are the essential guidelines to ensure your vote is received, processed, and counted:

VOTE411

1. Delivery & Verification

• Check your voter registration: Ballots are sent to the mailing address listed on your voter file. If you recently moved or have not received your ballot by mid-October, check your details or request a replacement through your county clerk or the Colorado Secretary of State voter portal.

  Jefferson County

• New and updated registrations: Colorado allows same-day voter registration through 7:00 PM on Election Day, though registering at least 8 days prior is required to receive a ballot by mail.

2. Filling Out and Sealing the Ballot

• Follow instructions carefully: Use blue or black ink to completely fill in the target ovals.

• Unaffiliated voters: If you are registered as unaffiliated, you may receive ballots for multiple primaries/parties depending on the election. You must fill out and return only one; submitting more than one will invalidate both.

  VOTE411

• First-time voters: If required, ensure you include a copy of an acceptable form of identification in the designated outer envelope pocket (not sealed with the ballot inside).

  VOTE411

3. The Signature Requirement

• Sign the back of the envelope: Every mail-in ballot return envelope requires the voter’s physical signature.

  The Colorado Sun

• Signature verification: Election workers compare this signature against official records (such as your driver’s license or voter registration card).

• Ballot curing: If your signature is missing or does not match, election authorities will contact you to “cure” the ballot. You generally have up to eight days after Election Day to verify your identity via text, email, or mail so your ballot is counted.

  Jefferson County+ 1

4. Returning Your Ballot On Time

• Postmarks do not count: Ballots must be in the physical possession of your county clerk or inside an official drop box by 7:00 PM on Election Day.

  The Colorado Sun

• By Mail: If returning through the U.S. Postal Service, mail it back at least 8 days before Election Day to ensure it arrives before the deadline.

• Drop Boxes & Voting Centers: If returning within a week of the election, use a secure, 24/7 county drop box or drop it off in person at an official Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC).

  The Colorado Sun

5. Tracking Your Ballot

• You can sign up for BallotTrax, Colorado’s free ballot tracking system, to receive automated text or email notifications when your ballot is printed, mailed, received, and officially counted.

  The Colorado Sun