Q1. What is the difference between a Primary and a General Election?
A1. The State of Colorado holds regularly scheduled state elections every two years; a state Primary Election in June and a General election in November.
On the June Primary Election Day, voters affiliated with a major party may cast a ballot for those candidates of that party. If there is a minor party contest for an office those affiliated with that minor party may cast a ballot for those candidates. Unaffiliated electors may declare affiliation with one of the major or minor parties and cast that party’s ballot.
The nominated candidates from each party's primary ballot will be placed on the November General Election ballot. The winner of the November General Election will hold office.
Q2. What is a Coordinated Election?
A2. In an odd year, if more than one political subdivision (state, county, municipality, school district, or special district), holds an election on the same day in November and the eligible electors for each such election are the same or the boundaries overlap, the county clerk and recorder will coordinate and conduct the elections on behalf of all political subdivisions. The election official may determine whether the election shall be conducted by mail ballot.
Q3. Does Colorado hold a presidential Primary Election?
A3. No. In 2003, Colorado passed a measure to eliminate the presidential primary. The estimated savings generated by cancellation of the presidential primary is $2.2 million. Instead, Colorado uses a caucus process.
Q4. Where can I find information about caucus?
A4. In a year in which a presidential election will be held, a political party may hold its precinct caucuses on the first Tuesday in February. The persons receiving the highest number of votes at the precinct caucus shall be the delegates to the county assembly from the precinct. Contact your political party for additional information relating to caucus and party rules.
Q5. What political parties are recognized in Colorado?
A5. A list of the current Colorado political parties is available online.
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Q6. What is a mail ballot election?
A6. In a mail ballot election, eligible electors may receive and cast ballots by mail. A primary election or an election that involves only nonpartisan candidates, ballot questions, or ballot issues may be conducted by mail.
Q7. Where can I find Federal and State election laws?
A7. Federal and State election laws and the Secretary of State election laws and rules are available online.
Q8. Where can I find a list of all of the pertinent election dates?
A8. Please see the current election calendar online for all the pertinent dates for the election cycle and citations to the relevant Colorado law.
Q9. I am unable to go to the polls on Election Day, how can I vote?
A9. You can request a mail-in ballot or vote during early voting. Voting by mail FAQs
Q10. When is early voting?
A10. Early voting is available during regular business hours for 10 days before a Primary Election and special legislative election and for 15 days before a General Election or other November election conducted by your county clerk and recorder. Eligible electors who appear in person at the early voters’ polling place during this time may cast their ballots in the same manner as any ballot would be cast in a precinct polling place on Election Day.
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Revised 10/25/2010
