This week officially kicked off election season as state ballots began hitting mailboxes, and I can’t be the only one feeling overwhelmed. So here are some tips, tricks, and important dates to take note of that will hopefully make this voting season feel a little more manageable.
🗳️ A Timeline:
- Oct. 17: Ballots are mailed out and ballot drop-off boxes open
- Oct. 24: Polling centers begin to open in waves depending on location (see when your nearest center opens)
- Oct. 31: Last day to return ballots via mail
- Nov. 8: Election Day — last day to vote!
🗳️ Before You Vote:
- Double check that your voter registration is up to date with your correct address and name
- Consider how you want to vote — mail-in or in-person — and make sure you know your deadlines and nearest voting centers or drop-off locations
- After you’ve mailed your ballot or dropped it off at a dropbox, you can track your ballot all the way to the finish line
- Do your research: You can find a sample ballot here (if you don’t have yours yet). I enjoyed 303 Magazine’s ballot breakdown.
🗳️ Good To Know:
- If you’re in the military living overseas, you have until Nov. 16 to cast your vote. You also have a secure online option for voting.
- If you don’t receive your ballot by mail, you can pick one up from the Denver County Clerk and Recorder’s office at 201 W. Colfax Ave.
- Do not forget to legibly sign the envelope of your mail ballot or it won’t be counted!
- To vote in person, you must have a valid and acceptable form of state ID.
- Think you made a mistake? 9News shared some info on what to do if you think you messed up
- RTD services will be free to use on Oct. 28 (National Vote Early Day) and Nov. 8 (Election Day)
