Can unaffiliated voters vote in the June 30, 2026, Primary Election?
Yes. But you can only vote in one party’s primary.
How does the process work? How is this Primary Election different?
In every primary election, all active unaffiliated voters are automatically mailed ballots for both major parties: one Democratic Party ballot and one Republican Party ballot. Unaffiliated voters may vote and return only one ballot. If a voter marks and returns more than one ballot, none of their votes will be counted.
Typically, only the major parties hold primaries. However, this year both the Libertarian and Unity Parties are also holding primaries. A primary is held for minor parties when at least one contest has two or more candidates.
This year, the Libertarian Party has two candidates for Secretary of State, and the Unity Party has two candidates for Governor. The Libertarian Party has chosen a closed primary, which means you must be registered with that party to participate. The Unity Party is allowing a unaffiliated voters to participate without changing affiliation.
This is how the process will work this year:
By law, unaffiliated voters will be mailed both major party ballots (Democratic and Republican). The voter may chose to vote one of these ballots or if they want to vote in either the Libertarian or Unity Party primary, these are the options:
If an unaffiliated voter wants to vote in the Libertarian Primary, they must change their party affiliation by June 22 to be mailed a ballot. They may also change their party affiliation in person through Election Day and vote in the Libertarian Primary.
If an unaffiliated voter wants to vote in the Unity Primary, they have additional options (as Unity is allowing unaffiliated participation):
- Update their registration and affiliate with the Unity Party by June 22 to receive the ballot in the mail.
- Remain unaffiliated and call or visit our office starting May 18 to request a Unity Party ballot.
- Remain unaffiliated and visit a Vote Center starting June 22 to request a Unity Party ballot.
Important:
No matter which party primary you choose, you may only vote and return one party’s ballot.
For example, if you are mailed Democratic and Republican ballots and later request a Unity Party ballot, only the first ballot back will be counted. And, if you return more than one voted party ballot in the same envelope, none of your votes will be counted.
Can I vote for the best candidate in any party’s primary?
This is not permitted. You can only vote in one party’s primary. If a voter marks and returns more than one party’s ballot, none of their votes will be counted.
Why can unaffiliated voters participate in primary elections?
Colorado voters approved Proposition 108 in 2016, which allows unaffiliated voters to participate in Colorado primary elections.
Can I choose not to receive a ballot at all?
Proposition 108 was approved by voters in 2016 and the way it is written (along with the accompanying statute passed by the Colorado legislature) does not currently allow for any voter to select an “opt out or do not mail” option. We must carry out the law as passed/written and send all unaffiliated voters both major party ballots. Just like any other election that you do not want to participate in, simply tear up (or write void) and discard/recycle your mail ballot.
For more information about Primary Elections in Colorado, visit the Secretary of State Primary Election FAQ.
