The unofficial election results for Tuesday’s primary election have been released, with Archuleta County voters advancing Randy Betts to the November election for Archuleta County commissioner for District 3.
According to an email from Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder Kristy Archuleta, Archuleta County had a 39 percent voter turnout for the primary election, which she notes is “pretty normal for a primary.”
Archuleta reports 4,591 ballots were returned and counted, with 52 ballots that need to be cured within eight days due to no signature or signature discrepancy.
She adds military and overseas ballots that were mailed can also be received for an additional eight days following the primary.
“Results will be canvassed and certified no later than July 22nd,” she wrote.
Archuleta indicated the election was largely smooth, though she reports one incident.
“I have great staff and election judges assisting to put another smooth election in the books,” Archuleta wrote. “Additional county staff helped without hesitation which is always appreciated. We were able to partner with the Town of Pagosa Springs to have our second [Voter Service and Polling Center, VSPC] located at the Ross Aragon Community Center to provide a location downtown for voters.”
Archuleta reported there was an incident with a supporter of a candidate who approached a VSPC holding political signage.
“The judges out front of the building told the person that was not allowed and asked them to leave. It was brought to my attention and I addressed the situation and explained the 100 foot limit law. It was handled quick and they left outside the boundaries as required,” Archuleta wrote. “My staff and I always strive to uphold the laws and rules to ensure all candidates are treated equally and fairly. Unfortunately, sometimes when people don’t understand their role in supporting candidates incidents like this do happen. We will always try to address any issues like this as soon as we are aware and resolve it.”
The following results are for Archuleta County unless otherwise noted.
County contests
For Archuleta County commissioner for District 3, Betts garnered 1,796 votes, 66.82 percent of the total cast, while incumbent Veronica Medina garnered 892.
For Archuleta County clerk and recorder, Archuleta received 2,232 votes.
For Archuleta County treasurer, Elsa P. White received 2,217 votes.
For Archuleta County assessor, Johanna Tully-Elliott received 2,167 votes.
For Archuleta County sheriff, Mike Le Roux received 2,231.
For Archuleta County coroner, Brad Hunt received 2,188.
There were no Democratic candidates for county-level offices on the ballot.
Federal contests
For U.S. Senate, a statewide race, Democrat incumbent John Hickenlooper received 1,189 votes in Archuleta County, with Julie Gonzales receiving 622.
Statewide, 56.64 percent of voters who cast a ballot in the Democratic primary favored Hickenlooper as of midday Wednesday.
On the Republican ballot for U.S. Senate, Mark Baisley received 2,041 votes.
For U.S. House of Representatives for District 3, Democrat Dwayne L. Romero topped Democrat Alex Kelloff both in Archuleta County and at the district level, with Romero garnering 846 votes — six more than Kelloff’s 840.
On the Republican side, incumbent Jeff Hurd bested challenger Ron Hanks both in Archuleta County and at the district level, with Hurd receiving 1,453 votes in Archuleta County and Hanks receiving 1,037.
State contests
For governor, a statewide race, voters who cast a Republican ballot in Archuleta County voters preferred Victor Marx, who received 969 votes in the county (39.04 percent of the vote). Scott Bottoms received 805 votes and Barb Kirkmeyer received 708.
Across the state, Kirkmeyer was favored, received 40.69 percent of the vote as of midday Wednesday, with 39.16 percent favoring Marx.
On the Democratic side, Archuleta County voters favored Michael Bennett, who received 1,014 votes, while Phil Weiser received 790 votes.
Across the state, 55.06 percent of voters favored Weiser.
For secretary of state, Republican James Wiley received 2,020 votes.
On the Democratic side, Amanda Gonzalez received 984 votes and Jessie Danielson received 678 in Archuleta County, aligning with voters across the state who overall favored Gonzalez.
On the Libertarian ballot, Alex Astley received 7 votes and Sean Vadney received none, aligning with other Libertarian voters across the state in favoring Astley.
For state treasurer, Democrat Jeff Bridges received 1,441 votes and Republican Kevin Grantham received 2,025.
For attorney general, Republican Michael J. Allen received 1,139 votes and David Willson received 1,088 in Archuleta County, aligning with voters who cast Republican ballots.
On the Democratic side, Jena Griswold received 1,010 votes, David Seligman received 200 votes, Michael Dougherty received 284 votes and Hetal Doshi received 254 votes in Archuleta County. Across the state, voters who cast Democratic ballots favored Griswold.
For State Board of Education for District 3, Republican Sherri M. Wright received 1,976 votes and Democrat Barb Clementi received 1,446.
For State House of Representatives for District 59, Democrat Katie Stewart received 1,467 votes and Republican Naomi Riess received 2,003.
Voters can fix signature, ID issues using Colorado BallotCure
According to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, Colorado voters have until July 8 to correct any signature or ID issue with their 2026 primary election ballot.
“Colorado BallotCure is an additional tool that allows voters to fix their ballot using a smartphone,” said Griswold, the secretary of state. “Colorado BallotCure provides every voter needing to cure a ballot with an opportunity to ensure their vote will be counted and their voice heard in our democracy.”
Voters whose ballots have been held for “cure,” or correction, will receive a notice from their county clerk and a message from BallotTrax if they are enrolled in the system. Colorado voters can correct an issue by following the instructions received from the county or by using Colorado BallotCure.
To use Colorado BallotCure, visit GoVoteColorado.gov, select “Cure my ballot” and follow the prompts.
randi@pagosasun.com
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