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Colorado

A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Voting

How do I request an absentee ballot?
File your application for an absentee ballot in writing or by fax, using the application form furnished by the designated election official (see below) or a letter that includes your name, signature, residence address, mailing address if you wish to receive the absentee ballot by mail, and date of birth. If you are applying for a primary election ballot, name the political party with which you are affiliated or wish to affiliate. Find an absentee ballot application here (PDF format).

Where do I send the request?
Mail your application to your County Clerk. Find your county clerk on the second page of the voter registration form located here. A complete list is also located here.

What is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot?
You can make a request any time after January 1 of the election year. If you want to receive the absentee ballot by mail, file your application no later than the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding Election Day:
August 5 for the Primary Election
October 28 for the General Election

What is the voting procedure?
The return envelope for the absentee ballot shall have printed on it a self-affirmation substantially in the following form:

I state under penalty of perjury that I am an eligible elector; that I reside at the address indicated on my application for an absentee ballot; that I have not and will not cast any vote in this election except by the enclosed ballot; and that my ballot is enclosed in accord with the provisions of the “Uniform Election Code of 1992”.

Date ________________
Signature of voter ______________________________

If you are a first time voter and you registered by mail to vote in CO, you are required to submit with your application a copy of a valid photo id, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Place the completed ballot in the envelope and return.

What are the deadlines for voting absentee?
Your application must be received by your county clerk no later than 7:00 pm (close of polls) on Election Day:
Primary Election: February 5
General Election: November 4

What are the election dates and deadlines for 2008?
Primary Election: February 5
General Election: November 4
Voter registration closes 29 days prior to Election Day.

How do I contact the Secretary of State / Election officials?
Colorado Department of State
Elections Division
1700 Broadway, Suite 270
Denver, CO 80290
E-mail: sos.elections@sos.state.co.us
Tel: 303-894-2200
Fax: 303-869-4861

Is permanent absentee status available?
Yes