Information for New Voters

To be eligible to vote in Colorado, you must be:

A U.S. citizen

At least 18 years old by the time of the election

A resident of Colorado for at least 22 days before the election

Must not be serving a sentence of confinement or detention for a felony conviction (Note: Those on probation or parole ARE ELIGIBLE to vote.)

*16 and 17-year-olds are encouraged to pre-register to vote. This means that they will automatically be mailed a ballot when they become eligible to vote in an election.

ID Requirements

You do not need an acceptable form of ID in order to register to vote, but you must produce this documentation the first time you vote. Therefore, it is recommended to provide this documentation during the registration process to avoid needing to mail in a form of identification when you vote. See the Secretary of State’s list of Acceptable Forms of Identification.

Online

The easiest way to register to vote is online at www.GoVoteColorado.gov. To register online, you will need a Colorado Driver’s License, Colorado State ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number*. Be sure to include an email address in order to receive important voting and elections updates from our office (we only email a few times during each election and will never spam or sell your email). Including an email address also helps us get in touch with you if there is ever an issue with your ballot. College Students: Please see our Student Voting Guidelines.

*If you register online using the last 4 digits of your SSN, you will be asked to complete additional steps to provide us with your signature.

By Mail / Email / Fax

You may also register using a paper voter registration form (English Form; Forma Español). Print the form, complete it (see instructions below), and return it to the Elections Division:

• By Email: Scan and email the completed form to Vote@BoulderCounty.gov
• By Mail: Boulder County Elections, 1750 33rd Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80301
• By Fax: 303-413-7728

In-Person

If you prefer, you may also register in person year-round at any of our three Boulder County Clerk & Recorder offices, open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday (Closed to public Fridays).

• Boulder: 1750 33rd Street
• Longmont: 529 Coffman Street
• Lafayette: 1376 Miners Drive

During election periods, you may also register to vote at any Vote Center.

In Colorado, all active, eligible voters are mailed a ballot for each election.

1. Follow the instructions included in your mail ballot packet.
2. Your packet will include a return envelope with your name pre-printed on it. When you are finished marking your ballot, place it in your own return envelope. Be careful not to switch envelopes with anyone else in your household.
3. If your return envelope is purple, you must include a photocopy of an Acceptable Form of ID.
4. Finally, be sure to sign the envelope. Your signature is required to verify your identity and is what makes your vote count. (You do not need a “witness signature” unless you are unable to sign for yourself.)

If you prefer to vote in person, you may also visit a Vote Center to register and vote up to and including Election Day. If you vote in-person, you will be required to show current and valid ID.

All ballots must be returned by 7pm on Election Day to be counted. You have three options for returning your completed ballot:

24-hour ballot drop box

This is the preferred option, as it eliminates any risk of your ballot getting lost or delayed in the mail. We have over a dozen dropbox locations throughout Boulder County. Find locations in your mail ballot packet or on our Ballot Drop-off Locations page.

Return by USPS Mail

You will need to provide postage (look for required amount specified in voter instructions). Please allow plenty of time for your ballot to arrive. It is recommended that you mail your ballot at least 8 days before Election Day. Your ballot must be received by our office by 7pm on Election Day (postmarks do not count).

Return to a Vote Center

You may also drop off your mail ballot during Vote Center hours.