The deadline to turn in voted ballots for Colorado’s primary election is just around the corner.
Voted ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 30. Postmarks do not count.
Unaffiliated voters, as well as voters affiliated with the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Unity Parties of Colorado, have the opportunity to vote in the primary.
Ballots were mailed to active registered voters beginning the week of June 8.
Coloradans who are registered to vote and are affiliated with the Colorado Democratic Party, Colorado Republican Party, Libertarian Party of Colorado or Unity Party of Colorado by June 8 received only the ballot of the party with which they are affiliated.
Unaffiliated voters were sent a ballot for both the Democratic and Republican Party primary election. They may also contact the county clerk to request a Unity Party ballot.
Unaffiliated voters may only vote one ballot.
According to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, the Libertarian Party of Colorado has prohibited unaffiliated voters from voting in the Party’s Primary Election pursuant to C.R.S. 1-4-1304(1.5)(c).
Voter turnout low so far
Archuleta County Clerk and Recorder Kristy Archuleta noted on Wednesday, June 24, that Archuleta County’s voter turnout is low so far for the primary, with 1,868 ballots returned as of mid-morning.
Archuleta noted 11,936 ballots were mailed.
Archuleta also noted that no one should mail a ballot back at this point, but should use a drop box or take the voted ballot to the county’s election office, which is currently serving as the Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC).
It will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 26. On June 27, it will be open 8 a.m. to noon. On June 29, it will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 30 (Election Day).
Archuleta noted ballots can only be dropped off at the office during business hours; no outside drop box is located at the office.
The county has also partnered with the Town of Pagosa Springs to have a second VSPC at the Ross Aragon Community Center, with that polling center open on Election Day only.
There will not be a VSPC at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association location this year since the election’s office is now uptown.
In addition to VSPCs, voters can return voted ballots to the county’s secure ballot drop boxes.
Those boxes, located at Pagosa Springs Town Hall (551 Hot Springs Blvd.) and the TARA Community Center (333 Milton Lane in Arboles) are open 24/7 with video surveillance through 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters can make sure their registration is up to date by visiting the Archuleta County Elections Office at 305 Village Drive, which is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or online at www.govotecolorado.gov.
Coloradans can register and vote in person at a voting center until 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Visit www.govotecolorado.gov for additional election information.
randi@pagosasun.com
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