An Election Primer
Ready, Set, Vote. Here Are Some Tips For Nov. 3
By Cara DeGette
Editor, GPHN
Most voters realize that in this critical presidential election year, Democrat Joe Biden is hoping to unseat Republican Donald Trump. Election Day is Nov. 3, but Colorado voters can start voting after they get their ballots in the mail – and this year they are being sent out as early as Oct. 9.
In Colorado, another critical race could help determine whether Republicans keep control of the U.S. Senate: Former Gov. John Hickenlooper is challenging incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner in one of the most highly-watched Senate races in the country.
Coloradans will also weigh in on a number of statewide ballot issues, including whether to repeal the Gallagher Amendment, an initiative to reintroduce grey wolves, a tax on tobacco and e-cigarettes for health and education programs, whether to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and an initiative that would prohibit abortion after 22 weeks.
The ballot is still being finalized as of press time, but Denver voters will likely also weigh in on a number of issues, including several proposals to shift additional decision-making authority to the city council.
Check out next month’s issue for news, updates and other information about critical races and hot-button issues on the ballot. In the meantime, take a few minutes to make sure you are registered to vote. Ballots are mailed to every active voter in Colorado, so it is critical that your address is up-to-date.
Update and verify your address at the Secretary of State’s webpage at sos.state.co.us. Click on the Elections & Voting link, and you will be able to register to vote, update your voter registration and make sure all your information is current. The elections page also provides a list of the candidates and issues on the ballot, and other voter resources.
In Colorado, Blue Books are mailed to registered voters, and include information about all the ballot issues, including “pro” and “con” arguments for each proposal. You can’t miss the Blue Book when it arrives. It is blue.
After you’ve cast your vote, check BallotTrace.org, where you can track your ballot like a package, from printing to acceptance for counting.
Here are important dates to keep in mind:
• Oct. 9 – Counties will begin mailing ballots for the Nov. 3 General Election.
• Oct. 26 – This is the deadline to register to vote or update your registration and still receive a ballot in the mail.
• Nov. 3 – In Colorado, you can register to vote and vote in person up to 7 p.m. on Election Day.