Colorado Election 2020: Updates On Voting, Races, Ballot Measures And Results

From the Colorado Newsline:

By Newsline staff
Updated November 2, 2020

Newsline staff is providing updates and information on the races, ballot measures and other news related to the Nov. 3, 2020, election in Colorado.

The Colorado ballot includes races for president, one U.S. Senate seat, all seven U.S. House seats, 18 of the state Senate’s 35 seats, all 65 of the state House seats, all 22 of the state’s district attorney offices, 11 statewide ballot measures, and other items, including University of Colorado regent, state Board of Education and RTD board races.

Mail ballots were sent to all registered voters in Colorado starting Oct. 9. They were advised to return ballots by Oct. 26 if they sent them through the mail. Otherwise voters can hand-deliver ballots at a drop-off site and vote in person up to 7 p.m. on Election Day. They may also register to vote up to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

What to expect on election night in Colorado

By: Faith Miller

As of Oct. 30, four days before the general election, Coloradans had already returned more than 2.43 million ballots. That comprises a 64.7% turnout among active registered voters.

In 2016, 1.85 million ballots were returned four days before the November election, representing 59.2% of active voters.

High turnout among early voters portends well for election staff in county clerks’ offices, and it could mean there’s a better chance of knowing likely winners by the day after the election — though all results are unofficial until they’re certified Nov. 25.

“We’re seeing a really brisk early vote,” said Pam Anderson, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, adding that if voters “know their choices and can vote early, we think that’s awesome.”

The Colorado secretary of state’s office estimates that about 75% to 80% of ballots will be counted by midday Nov. 4.

Read more about what to expect on election night here.

What poll watchers can – and can’t – do at voting sites in Colorado

By: Moe Clark

During the first presidential debate on Sept. 29, President Donald Trump urged his supporters to “go into the polls and watch very carefully” for potential issues. But not anyone can walk into a polling place or election office and watch the process.

Poll watchers, also referred to election watchers, are volunteers who are certified and trained to observe election activities and report back to their affiliated political party if any issues arise. They can be present at any part of the process, including at polling sites and during signature verification and ballot counts.

“For the people who are showing up and wanting to observe and have not met the requirements, they are going to be asked to leave,” said George Stern, Jefferson County’s clerk and recorder. “But nicely, and we will encourage them to take the steps that they need in order to come back and join us when they are in compliance with state law.”

Read more of reporter Moe Clark’s story here.

Watch Denver’s ballot processing live

By: Newsline staff

Denver offers livestream views of its ballot processing rooms. Watch below:

Democracy functions only when people have access to reliable information about government and society. Colorado Newsline’s mission is to be a trusted source of such information. Newsline is nonprofit, nonpartisan and independent, and it provides fair and accurate reporting on politics, policy and other stories of interest to Colorado readers