The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office has mailed* approximately 409,000 ballots to active, registered county voters for the 2019 Coordinated Election. The ballot—which contains State, Special District, Municipality and various other races and ballot questions—should begin arriving in voters’ mailboxes this week.
“We know the citizens of our county are anxious to have their say in the direction of our state and local community,” said Clerk and Recorder Chuck Broerman. “I encourage people to take their civic responsibility seriously and take this opportunity to vote and make their voice heard. It is my hope that citizens use this time to make an informed decision and vote early.”
Although ballots have been mailed out, citizens can still participate in this election. “It’s not too late to register to vote,” said Broerman. “If someone registers to vote by October 28, they will be sent a ballot in the mail. After October 28, you’ll have to register and vote in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center. I strongly urge anyone not currently registered to vote not to wait. Either visit one of our offices or register online at www.GoVoteColorado.com.” Citizens may register to vote through Election Day, however, the lines and wait times are typically longer.
Voters are asked to return their voted ballot early. They can return it to the Clerk’s Office by dropping it off in a secure 24-hour ballot drop box. Ten additional ballot drop boxes have been installed, totaling 26 strategically located boxes throughout the County. All ballot drop boxes are open 24/7 and are under video surveillance. A complete list with a map showing drive times is available at www.EPCVotes.com.
Ballots must be returned to the Clerk’s Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, to be counted. Postmarked ballots received after the deadline cannot be counted. For those voters returning their ballot in the mail, $0.55 standard postage is needed.
Citizens needing to register to vote, update their voter registration, obtain a replacement ballot, or wanting to vote in person may do so at a Voter Service and Polling Center. Voter Service and Polling Centers will open in three phases, beginning October 14, 2019. Voters wishing to vote early can visit the Elections Department at Citizens Service Center, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, starting immediately.
The Clerk’s Office also has many resources available to voters on its website www.EPCVotes.com. Those resources include locations of the ballot drop boxes, Voter Service and Polling Centers, the sample ballot, an Information Booklet (known as the “Blue Book”) and the TABOR Notice.
*Colorado Revised Statutes, (II) If the twenty-second day before a general, primary, or other mail ballot election is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the county clerk and recorder or designated election official may mail ballot packets pursuant to subsection (3)(a)(I) of this section on the Friday immediately preceding the twenty-second day.