Election officials expect to have over 3 million ballots to count if 2020 turnout numbers hold 

Denver — Colorado voters have until 7 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast a ballot in person or to hand return their mail ballot to a drop box or a Voter Service and Polling Center for the 2024 presidential election. As voters head to the polls, Colorado Common Cause is reminding the public that it may take several days for election officials to finalize results.

“It’s crucial every voice is heard in this election and that means counting every vote,” said Aly Belknap, executive director of Colorado Common Cause. “It takes time to count every vote accurately and that’s why election night is not results night. A slow count isn’t a problem, it’s a virtue. It means elections officials are doing everything they can to count every ballot fairly and accurately.”

Before election officials can begin counting ballots, they must first process ballots, which includes checking to make sure the declaration on the outside of the envelope is signed by the voter and that the signature matches the signature on file. If a voter’s signature is missing or does not match the signature on file, elections officials must notify that voter and give them an opportunity to “cure” the problem. All of these steps take time.

Colorado is one of 10 states that permit election workers to begin processing and counting ballots before Election Day.

“Even though we may not know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every eligible voter’s ballot is counted accurately,” added Belknap. 

In 2020, 87% of Colorado voters turned out to vote, with over 3 million ballots cast. If voter turnout numbers hold, Colorado can expect to see similar numbers again in this year’s presidential election.

Election Day Information

VOTING IN PERSON & REGISTERING TO VOTE: Voters can visit any Voter Service Center in their county to register, vote, and solve any election-related issue. Voters must be in line by 7 pm with their ID. A full list of acceptable IDs can be found at JustVoteColorado.org. It is too late to mail ballots back. If voters can’t make it back to their home county in time to vote, they can visit any Voter Service Center in the state to request a statewide ballot that does not have their local races on it.

BALLOT DROP OFF: Ballots can be dropped off at any drop box or Voter Service Center in the state. If the ballot was dropped off outside of a voter’s home county, it will be sent to their home county to be counted. Voters must be in line by 7 pm to drop off their ballot. 

TRACK YOUR BALLOT: Voters who voted their mail ballot can track the ballot using BallotTrax.

Voters who have questions about the voting process or who encounter problems can contact the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline:

• 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) – English 
• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) – Spanish & English
• 888-API-VOTE (888-273-8683) – Asian Languages & English
• 844-YALLA-US (844- 925-5287) – Arabic & English