Voter Registration Information
Welcome to Colorado College's Voter Registration page. For more information on registering to vote or to request an absentee ballot, please read the following FAQ.
Am I eligible to vote?
You are eligible to vote if you are (1) a U.S. citizen, (2) will have resided at your present address at least 30 days prior to Election Day, and (3) will be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
Why do I need to register to vote prior to the election?
In order to be eligible to vote on Election Day, you must register in the county in which you reside. In Colorado, you must register 29 days before the election to qualify to vote in that election. In other states, the deadline for registration may be different.
Will registering to vote in Colorado have an effect on my status as a dependent of my parents for tax or insurance or other purposes or on my permanent residency status in another state?
By registering to vote in Colorado, you declare your residency in the State of Colorado within the county and district of your actual physical residence. For students who are Colorado residents, it is appropriate to register or change your registration from your hometown to the county and district in which you are presently residing. If you are from a different state or you or your parents have particular tax, insurance or other concerns, you may want to speak with your parents first before you register to vote in Colorado. If you decide not to register to vote in Colorado, you can register to vote in your home state by absentee ballot. If you choose to register to vote in Colorado, you will be required to present a form of identification. See discussion below. Students who do not have any of the identification listed below should consider voting absentee in their home state.
Do I have to provide identification to register to vote or to vote in Colorado?
Yes, it is necessary to present identification when you register to vote in person, vote early or vote at the polling place. If you register to vote by mail in Colorado, you must provide information regarding one of the following forms of identification:
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a valid Colorado driver's license number; |
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a valid identification number issued by the Department of Revenue; or |
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your Social Security Number. |
One of the following forms of identification is required when voting early or at your polling place:
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a valid Colorado driver's license; |
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a valid identification card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue; |
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a valid United States passport; |
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a valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the United States government or the state of Colorado, or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of the state of Colorado; |
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a valid pilot's license with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by the Federal Aviation Administration or other authorized agency of the United States; |
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a valid United States military identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector; or |
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a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the elector. |
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a medicare or medicaid card; |
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a certified US birth certificate; or |
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certified documentation of naturalization. |
The approved forms of identification listed above must show your address as being in the state of Colorado. If you do not have any of the forms of identification listed above, you should consider voting by absentee ballot in your home state. You will not be allowed to vote on Election Day unless you can present proper identification.
Where and when do I vote?
You can vote at your polling place in an assigned precinct between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day. After you register to vote, a voter information card is sent to you that contains your precinct number and the location of your polling place. If you do not receive a voter information card, please contact the El Paso County Election Department before Election Day at (719) 575-VOTE (8683).
The opportunity to vote early is often offered during the two week period preceding Election Day; dates, times, and locations may be obtained by telephoning the El Paso County Election Department or visiting www.car.elpasoco.com/elemain.asp. Colorado residents can also vote by mail by using an absentee ballot. Please contact the El Paso County Election Department for an absentee ballot request form or visit their website.
You need to register to vote in your home state and request an absentee ballot prior to your home state’s deadlines. You will also need to mail your completed ballot back to your home state by the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots. This link will assist you in registering to vote in your home state and in requesting an absentee ballot: www.coloradocollege.edu/students/current/vote.asp. You may also check with the Clerk & Recorder’s Office of your home county for further information. Your parents may also be able to help you, and you may want to ask them for assistance.
Links
Office of the Secretary of State
Federal Election Commission
El Paso County Clerk & Recorder
Absentee ballot information for students that are overseas
Just Vote
Rock the Vote!
