What to remember for Colorado’s first primary election in 20 years

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- By now, most people should have received their ballot for Colorado's first presidential primary since 2000.

Chuck Broerman, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, said, “Colorado used to have a primary they discontinued it 20 years ago for the cost. But we are back.”

According to Broerman, ballots have been mailed to more than 390,000 registered voters here in El Paso County. And the earlier you return that ballot before next Tuesday, the better.

“Make today your election day,” said Broerman. "It makes for a shorter night on election night it reduces our overtime costs and our citizens want to know shortly after 7 p.m., hey I voted what are some of the results?"

You do not need to be registered with a political party to receive a ballot. Unaffiliated voters will receive both Democratic and Republican ballots.
However, the last day to register online and get a ballot through the mail is Feb. 24.

“Vote the one that you choose, the candidate that best reflects your philosophy and then the other one, destroy, shred, cut it up, don’t return it back,” said Broerman.

And thanks to Broerman, returning your ballot is now easier than ever with 34 total drop boxes around El Paso County.

“A year ago, we had 16 and when I started working for the county, we had five. So we have come a long, long way. We are adding more to make it more convenient but our citizens want this."

And the deadline for mailing your ballot is Monday. So if you do not get it in the mail today then make sure you take it to a dropbox by next Tuesday.

You have until 7 p.m. on March 3rd to return your ballot. There will also be 11 polling centers in El Paso county where you can vote in person.