If the political ads on your screens and political flyers in your mailbox weren’t a big enough clue Coloradans are in the midst of the 2026 midterm elections, ballots could arrive in mailboxes across the state as early as next week as well.
There were a lot of presidential executive orders and court cases that made headlines this year, but the bottom line is Colorado will conduct its elections this year as it has done in past years. Here’s what you need to know about how to vote in the state.
When will I get my ballot?
Colorado is an all-mail ballot state. That means clerks mail ballots to every registered active voter, starting Oct. 2. They should all be in the mail by Friday, Oct. 9. If you’re checking your mailbox and the ballot still hasn’t arrived, you can check to see if your voter information is up-to-date or make any changes at the secretary of state’s website.
Warning: It’s going to be a long ballot with all statewide offices up for grabs, a Senate seat, eight congressional seats and a host of local and statehouse races. Plus, there are more than a dozen statewide ballot measures, as well as local ones. Have the Blue Book handy, or check out CPR’s voter guide. Also, CPR’s voter guide has a new “build-your-ballot” feature, which allows voters to enter their address to receive a customized voter guide tailored to their ballot.
Is it too late to register to vote?
No, it is not. If you want to receive a mail ballot, then the deadline to register is Oct. 26. Again, you can do this on the secretary of state’s website or check with your local county clerk’s office to see if you can register online. If you miss that deadline, you can still register in-person at polling centers and vote in-person.
When do I need to return my ballot?
All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. MT on Election Day, Nov. 3. Not postmarked before then, but delivered by then. So if you plan to mail back your ballot, leave plenty of time. If you’re worried about the mail, you can also drop your ballot off at a drop box. Check your local county clerk’s office for locations. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 452 drop boxes will be ready for voters starting Oct. 12. You can also hand in your ballot at a polling place. Remember to follow all the instructions on the envelope when returning your ballot.
There is an exception for service members serving overseas and Coloradans living abroad. They must vote and send back their ballots by 7 p.m. MT on Nov. 3. Their county clerk’s office must receive it by Nov. 11.
Bottom line: Don’t procrastinate if you plan to mail back your ballot.
Do I have to vote by mail?
No, if you want to vote in person, you can vote in person. There will be over 380 early voting centers open across the state starting on Oct. 19. Again, check for locations on your county clerk’s website. But choose one or the other, you can’t turn in two ballots!
(Also a gentle reminder, be nice to the volunteers at the polling centers who are doing their best to help you perform this civic duty.)
Is there a way to check on the progress of my ballot after I’ve mailed it or dropped it in a drop box?
Yes, you can track it with BallotTrax. You can sign up here and it will send you alerts telling you where the ballot is in the election process.
