It seems like just yesterday that the nation’s eyes turned to those voting in Colorado for the primary elections, setting up bigger battles for governor and US Congress.
The analysts hardly had time to break down those results from June 30 before looking ahead to the general election, which is scheduled for Nov. 3 along with the rest of the country’s midterm races.
Colorado voters will make their selections for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, one US Senator, and eight members of Congress. You can check out a sample ballot here to see what you’ll be voting on locally if you’re voting in Colorado.
If it’s your first time voting in the state or anywhere, there are some important but easy-to-learn tips you need to know in the lead-up to this year’s general election.
Check your registration status
You can’t vote if you’re not registered, so be sure to check on your registration status while there’s still time to act on it. You may still register to vote on Election Day while voting in person, but it’s worth the peace of mind to register early enough to have confirmation before heading to your polling place.
We would recommend registering to vote by Oct. 26, which is the deadline to register and still receive a mail-in ballot (we’ll get to that soon enough).
You can check your registration status here. It takes seconds and will help provide that peace of mind we mentioned.
How and when to register to vote in Colorado
If you need to register, you can start the online process here.
You can also use Colorado’s mail-in registration form to register or update your registration with a new name or address. You’ll need to print the form, fill it out and mail it to the state election office. Access to a printer and a postage stamp is all you’ll need.
Mail your form to:
Colorado Department of State Elections Division
1700 Broadway, Suite 550
Denver, CO 80290
Take part in early voting
Early voting allows voters to beat the lines and vote ahead of time at a polling place, much like they would on Election Day.
In Colorado, early voting dates can vary by county, but polling locations must be open within 15 days of the election, or Oct. 19. US Vote Foundation offers a tool to provide you with the contact info for your respective county election official so you can find out when early voting starts and ends in your county.
Most counties will have their Voter Service and Polling Centers, known as VSPCs, open from Oct. 19 through Election Day on Nov. 3, except Sundays and Saturday, Oct. 24.
Voting by mail
You do not need to apply for a mail-in ballot in Colorado, as all registered voters receive ballots at the addresses listed on their registration. Just fill out the ballot and send it back in the mail or deliver it in person to a ballot drop-off or drop box location.
Officials will begin mailing the ballots out on Oct. 2 and VSPCs will begin accepting them on Oct. 9. You can also mail the ballot to the address listed above.
The last recommended day to mail your completed ballot is Oct. 26.
Important dates to know when voting in Colorado
Oct. 2, 2026: Mail-in ballots sent out out
Oct. 9, 2026: VSPCs begin accepting mail-in ballots
Oct. 19, 2026: First day of early voting
Oct. 26: 2026: Deadline to register to vote and still receive a mail-in ballot
Nov. 3, 2026: Election Day
Related: Big money moves: Outside groups flood key Colorado race with $5.9M
