How to Vote
Everything you need to cast your ballot in Boulder County for the November 3, 2026 general election — key dates, your voting options, and answers to common questions.
Key Dates
Mark Your Calendar
Ballots Mailed
October 2
Active registered voters receive a mail ballot automatically — no request needed. 24-hour drop boxes open the same day.
Vote Centers Open
October 19
In-person voting and voter assistance begin. Same-day registration is available at any vote center through Election Day.
Recommended Mail-By
October 26
Boulder County's recommended last day to return your ballot by mail so it arrives in time. A stamp is required.
Election Day
November 3
Drop boxes and vote centers close at 7:00 PM. Your ballot must be received — not just postmarked — by then.
Your Options
How to Vote
By Mail
Every active registered voter in Boulder County automatically receives a mail ballot, starting October 2. Return postage is prepaid.
Boulder County recommends mailing your ballot by October 26 so it arrives before the deadline. After that, use a drop box or a vote center instead.
Track your ballot at GoVoteColorado.gov.
Drop Box
Drop boxes are the fastest, most secure way to return your ballot. They're open 24 hours a day starting October 2, through 7:00 PM on Election Day.
You can also return ballots for members of your own household.
Find drop box locations at Boulder County Elections.
Vote in Person
Vote centers open for early in-person voting on October 19. On Election Day they're open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
You can vote at any vote center in Boulder County, not just the one nearest you. Bring your mail ballot to turn it in, or vote on-site if you never received one.
Registration
Who Can Vote — and When to Register
Register or Update Your Registration
Colorado has no hard registration deadline — you can register or update your registration all the way through Election Day. Vote centers open October 19, and same-day registration is available at any vote center through November 3.
Registering early just means your mail ballot arrives automatically. Register, update your address, or check your status at GoVoteColorado.gov.
Student Voters
Students can register and vote at either their home address or their college/university address in Boulder — whichever they prefer. You can't vote in both places.
To register at your Boulder address, you generally need to have lived there for at least a few weeks before you register. Register or update your address at GoVoteColorado.gov, or contact the Boulder County Clerk's office with questions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I haven't received my mail ballot. What do I do?
If you're an active registered voter and haven't received your ballot by mid-October, contact the Boulder County Clerk's office or visit Boulder County Elections to request a replacement. You can also pick one up in person at any vote center starting October 19.
Can I drop off someone else's ballot?
Yes — in Colorado, you can drop off up to ten ballots total, including your own, for friends, family, or community members.
What if I make a mistake on my ballot?
Don't try to correct a mistake yourself. Contact the Boulder County Clerk's office to request a replacement ballot, or bring your spoiled ballot to a vote center and request a new one in person.
Do I need an ID to vote?
Colorado doesn't require photo ID to vote by mail. First-time voters registering by mail may need to provide identifying information (driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number). Voting in person may require showing ID. More at GoVoteColorado.gov.
How do I know my ballot was counted?
Track your ballot at GoVoteColorado.gov — it shows when your ballot was mailed to you, when it was received, and when it was counted.
What's actually on my ballot this year?
This is the November 3 general election, so your ballot covers the full range of races and questions: Boulder Mayor and City Council, statewide and regional offices, and ballot measures at the state, county, and city level. See our candidate endorsements and ballot measure recommendations.
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