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Your last-minute Colorado voting questions answered

Whether you have a ballot waiting to be turned in, plant to vote on Nov. 3 or just decided to vote for the first time, you can still be part of the Colorado voting process.

Colorado voting
The polling center at the Larimer County Administrative Services building in Fort Collins was one of the busiest county polling centers in 2025. (Erin Udell/The Coloradoan via Reuters Connect)

Reporting by Nate Trela, Fort Collins Coloradoan

Whether you have a ballot waiting to be turned in, plant to vote on Nov. 3 or just decided to vote for the first time, you can still be part of the Colorado voting process.

You may also be wondering if anything closes for Election Day so you can complete errands, make child care arrangements or otherwise take care of business around casting a vote.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to still be part of the election.

Colorado voting
The polling center at the Larimer County Administrative Services building in Fort Collins was one of the busiest county polling centers in 2025. (Erin Udell/The Coloradoan via Reuters Connect)

Where do I vote on Election Day?

It’s too late to mail back ballots. You can find ballot drop boxes and in-person voting sites by using a tool from the Secretary of State’s Office.

What time do polls open on Election Day?

In-person voting service polling centers open at 7 a.m. Nov. 3. Drop boxes for ballots are open 24 hours a day until polls close for good on Election Day.

What time do polls close on Election Day?

Polls close at 7 p.m. MT. If you are in line by then, you will be allowed to vote, no matter how long it takes.

Voters cast ballots as election officials coordinate security protocols across Adams County polling sites. Colorado voting
Voters cast their ballots in Colorado’s primary election in June 2026 in Denver. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Can I still register to vote?

Yes. Colorado has same-day voter registration at the voter service polling centers. You’ll need to complete a form and must provide your Colorado ID or driver’s license number, if you have one. If you don’t have one of those cards, you’ll need the last four of your Social Security number. If you lack all three, you may need to provide another form of ID.

How to find a sample ballot for Colorado voting in Election 2026

You can generate a sample ballot by going to the Secretary of State’s website.

Am I registered to vote?

You can check your voter registration status at the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. You’ll just need to enter your name, ZIP code and date of birth.

Are schools open on Election Day?

It will vary between schools and districts. State law does not require them to be open or closed.

Are banks open on Election Day?

Most will be. It Is not a federal holiday, so it should be a normal day for financial institutions.

Will stores be open on Election Day?

Yes. No major retailer has announced it will be closed for Election Day.

Will the post office be open on Election Day?

Yes. Election Day is not a federal holiday so post offices will be open, and mail will be delivered on Nov. 3.

Are UPS and FedEx open?

Yes. Both companies will make deliveries, and their stores will be open.

Are state government offices open on Election Day?

Yes. While a growing number of states are declaring Election Day to be a civic holiday and shutting down government offices not needed to run elections or protect the public, Colorado is not among them. It is business as usual on Nov. 3.

Are federal offices open on Election Day?

Yes. Election Day is not a federal holiday, so offices should be open as usual.

Is the DMV open on Election Day?

Yes. You can still handle business at the Division of Motor Vehicles, although you typically need an appointment.

Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for he USA TODAY Network, with an emphasis on consumer finance, legal issues and state laws.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan.

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