Election Day 2018: El Paso County leads the state in voter turnout

We’re now in the final stretch of the Colorado primary elections. Political races across the state are about to get a lot smaller.

As of 10 a.m., the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office reports more than 833,000 votes have been cast statewide. El Paso County is taking the lead with more than 105,000 votes cast as of Tuesday morning.

“We’re setting records this year,” said Chuck Broerman, the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder.

The last time a record was reached was in 2016, which was likely due to the Presidential race. Broerman believes the increase this year is due to two reasons.

“The first being unaffiliated voters, this is the first time ever in the history of Colorado we’re seeing these voters come into it,” he said.

The second reason is open seats at the top of the ticket: the Governor’s race. Not to mention our local Sheriff’s race.

“I think those are things that always bring interested people in to vote,” he said.

Broerman suggests when there’s a high level of interest, the voters are likely more educated on the candidates and the issues they represent. Especially now there’s more of an opportunity to get your voice heard. For the first time in Colorado’s history, unaffiliated voters can participate.

“It’s so important because it’s a freedom that we have,” Keith Wren, a local voter.

Despite nearly 500 ballots being disqualified from both being submitted, the Clerk’s office isn’t seeing that problem anymore.

If you haven’t voted yet, you have until 7 p.m. Tuesday night.

For help with any questions about submitting your ballot or registration, click here.