Colorado

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Colorado by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the Colorado Secretary of State website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the Colorado Secretary of State website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 8 days before the election.
• On Election Day: Colorado has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

The application is available in English and Spanish.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Colorado varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to give your Colorado Driver's License or ID card number. If you have a Colorado Driver's License or ID card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, you must provide that number. If not, you can give your social security number. An applicant who is qualified to vote in this state but does not have a driver's license, state-issued identification card, or social security number may still register to vote. In such cases, the person may be required to provide an acceptable form of identification. To show proof of your identity one of the following documents will be accepted: your Colorado driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV, U.S. passport, an employee ID card with a photo issued by the state or local Colorado government, a pilot's license, US military ID card with photo, a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill displaying your name and address, a certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood, a Medicare or Medicaid card, a certified copy of a US birth certificate, a certified document of naturalization, student ID card with a photo, a US veteran ID card, or your ID card recognizing tribal membership. Note, any form of ID listed above that shows your address must show a Colorado address to qualify as an acceptable form of identification.

Registering to vote by mail

Your completed voter registration form must contain your state issued driver's license number or identification number. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued identification, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a state issued identification or a social security number, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.

Registering to vote online

You must have a valid Social Security Number, Colorado driver’s license or Colorado ID card to register online.

Registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting

Bring documents to prove your identity and eligibility to vote in Colorado. One of the following documents will be accepted: Colorado driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV, U.S. passport, an employee ID card with a photo issued by the state or local Colorado government, a pilot's license, US military photo ID, a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill displaying your name and address, a certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood, a Medicare or Medicaid card, a certified copy of a US birth certificate, a certified document of naturalization, Colorado student photo ID, a US veteran ID card, or your ID card recognizing tribal membership. Note, any form of ID listed above that shows your address must show a Colorado address to qualify as an acceptable form of identification.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to give your Colorado Driver's License or ID card number. If you have a Colorado Driver's License or ID card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, you must provide that number. If not, you can give your social security number. An applicant who is qualified to vote in this state but does not have a driver's license, state-issued identification card, or social security number may still register to vote. In such cases, the person may be required to provide an acceptable form of identification. To show proof of your identity one of the following documents will be accepted: your Colorado driver's license or ID card issued by the DMV, U.S. passport, an employee ID card with a photo issued by the state or local Colorado government, a pilot's license, US military ID card with photo, a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill displaying your name and address, a certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood, a Medicare or Medicaid card, a certified copy of a US birth certificate, a certified document of naturalization, student ID card with a photo, a US veteran ID card, or your ID card recognizing tribal membership. Note, any form of ID listed above that shows your address must show a Colorado address to qualify as an acceptable form of identification.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

Your completed voter registration form must contain your state issued driver's license number or identification number. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued identification, you must include the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have a driver's license or a state issued identification or a social security number, please write 'NONE' on the form. A unique identifying number will be assigned by the State.

Pre-registering to vote online

You must have a valid Social Security Number, Colorado driver’s license or Colorado ID card to register online.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org.  

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Colorado can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Colorado’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Colorado, you need to be registered to vote at least 8 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. Otherwise, you must register in person at your polling place.

For the upcoming {{ next_election_name }}, your voter registration application must be:

• Mail: {{ deadline_voter_registration_mail }}
• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

The final day to register in person at a county clerk’s office will vary by county. The final day to register via registration drive is 22 days before Election Day (if this deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it rolls over to the next business day).

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Colorado has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Colorado, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Colorado residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a United States citizen
• Are 16 years old, but you must be at least 17 to vote in a primary election if you will be 18 on or before the next general election
• Are 16 years old, but you must be at least 18 to vote in any other election
• Are a Colorado resident for at least 22 days immediately before the election you intend to vote in
• Not be not currently serving a term of imprisonment for a felony conviction

In Colorado, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Colorado gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.