Jeffco Elections Update: When To Expect Your Ballot, Security

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jefferson County's clerk and recorder released some important updates Monday as the Nov. 2 election approaches.

Mail ballots started going out to voters Friday, but because Monday is a federal mail holiday, most residents won't receive their ballots until later this week, said George Stern, Jeffco clerk and recorder.

Ballots aren't ordered by address, so it's common for voters in the same household to receive their ballots on different days, he said.

"As we do prior to every election, we hosted a bipartisan team at our ballot processing facility last week to make sure that our election equipment is working properly," Stern said in a letter to the community.

"And, as expected, our equipment counted all test ballots the same as the bipartisan teams hand counted them, ensuring we're ready for an accurate election. Be sure to check out our Elections FAQ video playlist for more information about our security protocols."

Election dates and deadlines

• Oct. 18: If you haven't yet received a ballot by this date, contact the Jefferson County elections team, which can issue you a replacement by mail until Oct. 25.
• Oct. 25: This is the last day to return your ballot by mail to ensure it arrives in time, and first day in-person vote centers are open.
• Nov. 2: Election Day! You can use any drop box up until 7 p.m., or if you need additional services (registering to vote, getting a replacement ballot, etc.), you can use any vote center up until 7 p.m. as well.

Voter Registration

If you’ve changed your name or moved since the last time you received a mail ballot, you need to update your voter registration as soon as possible, and no later than Oct. 25 to receive a mail ballot for this election.

Coloradans who will turn 18 on or before Nov. 2 can pre-register to vote in the election here. They will need a valid driver’s license or Colorado State ID number to register online.

Colorado has same-day voter registration, so even if you put it off until the last minute, you can go to a voter service and polling center with your ID, register, and cast a ballot on Election Day.

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Ballot Tracking Registration

Jeffco voters who want to track their ballots can sign up ahead of time here to receive alerts by phone, email or text message.

City Council elections guides in local Patch communities:

• Arvada City Council 2021 Election Voter Guide
• Lakewood City Council 2021 Election Voter Guide
• Littleton City Council 2021 Election Voter Guide

Read also:

Jeffco School Board Candidates Want Better Neighborhood Schools