Voting Tips for the Last Minute Voter

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

Voting closes for the regular 2019 election for the City of Longmont, Boulder County, and the State of Colorado. Haven't turned in your ballot yet? Here's some tips for last-minute voters.

Eligibility
The 2019 regular election is open to all U.S. citizens who are 18 years of age by Tuesday November 5th, 2019 regardless of gender, political affiliation or country of birth. You must have resided in Colorado since at least October 13, 2019 and not currently be imprisoned for a felony offense. Those on probation or parole ARE eligible to vote. In order to vote, you must be registered with the Boulder County Election Department. If you are not sure if you're already registered, or what address your registration is active for, the Colorado Secretary of State offers the ability to check your registration online.

Not registered to vote, or registered at an old address?
Colorado offers same day voter registration, meaning that you can register or update your registration even on Election Day. You can register online in English or en Español if you have a valid Colorado Driver's License or State ID. You may also register in person at any Boulder County Clerk & Recorder offices. In Longmont, the office is at 515 Coffman Street in the Saint Vrain Community Hub. Registering to vote in Colorado DOES NOT require identification, however, if you do not supply a valid form of ID at registration you must present it the first time you vote.

If you register Monday or Tuesday, it is too late to receive a ballot in the mail and you must vote in person. In person voting is also at 515 Coffman Street in the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder offices. On Monday, November 4th they will be open from 8 AM to 6 PM, on Tuesday, November 5th (Election Day), they will be open 7 AM to 7 PM. If you are in line to vote at 7 PM, you will be allowed to cast your ballot.

Already registered but never received or lost your ballot?
It is too late to request a new ballot. Vote in person at a Voting Service and Polling Center. In Longmont, this is the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder offices at 515 Coffman Street. Bring a valid form of identification.

What are the rules for students temporarily residing in Boulder County?
There are special residency rules in Colorado for students temporarily residing in Boulder County. Students whose previous or home address was in Colorado allows you to keep your registration at your hometown and vote by mail from college. They may also re-register in Boulder County, but may only vote in a single jurisdiction. Students from out of state must have their vehicles registered in Colorado and must also pay Colorado income taxes if applicable, in addition to other requirements for voter eligibility in Colorado. For more information, see the Boulder County Clerk's website.

I've filled out my ballot, where can I drop it off?
There are multiple places within Boulder County to drop off your ballot including 24-Hour secure ballot drop boxes, drive-by drop-off locations, and in-person voting locations. A full list and map of all locations can be found at the Boulder County Clerk's website. Ballots must be dropped off by 7 PM on November 5th, 2019 or they will not count.