By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
Registered electors in Colorado will be asked to decide a one-issue choice for U.S. President next month by voting either a Republican or Democratic primary ballot.
County clerks began mailing ballots Monday, Feb. 12, and all ballots were required to hit the mailstream by Friday, Feb. 16. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.
The Republican ballot will include former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, along with several candidates whom have withdrawn from the race. The Republican ballot also allows for a write-in of a candidate not appearing on the ballot.
The Democratic ballot includes President Joe Biden, Jr., and several other options, along with an option to vote a “noncommitted delegate”.
In Colorado, unaffiliated voters will receive both party’s ballots in the mail, but may only vote one of those ballots. The other ballot should be destroyed by the registered voter. If both ballots are voted and returned, neither ballot will be counted.
Voters are encouraged to contact their county clerk with questions.
Here’s a few important dates voters will need to keep in mind:
Feb. 26 – Final day to submit a voter registration application and receive a ballot in the mail to vote in the March 5 Presidential primary. Also, the final day county clerks recommend a ballot be returned by mail in order to be counted. Postmarks do not qualify. Ballots must be received by the county clerk’s office by the close of polls on March 5.
Feb. 27 – First day required drop box locations open.
March 5 – Election Day. Final day to cast a ballot in-person. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Colorado is a same-day registration state in-person.
March 5-9 – Republican and Democratic precinct caucus meetings. Contact your county party for information on the caucus day, place and time.
March 13 – Military and overseas ballots must be received by this date to be counted in the primary election.
March 26-30 – Final dates for major parties to hold county assemblies. County assemblies must be held within 21 days of precinct caucuses.