New to Colorado? Just turned 18 and excited to cast your first ballot? This page has everything you need to know to participate in Boulder County elections as a new voter. If you have any questions, please reach out to us anytime: 303-413-7740 or Vote@BoulderCounty.gov.
Information for New Voters
How to Vote in Colorado
Step 1: Confirm You are Eligible to Vote
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.)
Teens who are 15, 16, and 17 years old 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.
Step 2: Register to Vote
In Colorado, you have many options for registering to vote, including online; by email, mail, or fax; or in-person at any Boulder County Clerk & Recorder office (see Office Locations at the bottom of the page). We include detailed information on each of these options on our Voter Registration and Information page.
If you’re a college student, be sure to check out our Student Voting Guidelines for additional information on how to enter your address so your mail ballot can find you!
There is no deadline for registration before an election. You can register and then vote at any Vote Center until polls close at 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Step 3: Vote Your Mail Ballot
In Colorado, all active, eligible voters are mailed a ballot for each election.
- Follow the instructions included in your mail ballot packet.
- 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.
- If your return envelope is light blue, you must include a photocopy of an acceptable form of ID.
- If your return envelope is light pink, you must sign the provided signature card and include a photocopy of an acceptable form of ID.
- Finally, be sure to sign the envelope. Your signature is required to verify your identity and is what makes your vote count. Note: 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.
Step 4: Return Your Mail Ballot
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 drop box 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.
Pro-Tips for New Voters
- Sign up for BallotTrax, a free service that helps you keep tabs on the status of your ballot.
- Include an email address in your voter registration so we can easily get in touch with you if there is ever an issue with your ballot. You will also receive important elections updates and reminders from our office (we do not spam or sell our lists). You can also sign up for emails here.
- Ballots are mailed to voters starting about three weeks before each election. Check your mail regularly around this time. If your ballot does not arrive within a week, call our office (303-413-7740) or send us an email (vote@bouldercounty.gov) to request a replacement.
- Check your voter registration online before each election to make sure it’s up-to-date. It is very important that you update your address whenever you move, since ballots do not get forwarded.
Contact Us
Elections Division
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday - Thursday
Closed Fridays
Boulder County Elections Homepage
vote@bouldercounty.gov
Phone: 303-413-7740
Fax: 303-413-7728
Office Location and Mailing Address
1750 33rd St., Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80301
