By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
In Colorado’s 5th District, both Republican and Democratic registered voters will be asked to weigh in on contested races for their party’s nomination to the general election ballot.
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn announced earlier this year his decision to retire at the conclusion of his term, setting up an open-seat election for the central and southern Colorado district.
Ballots began hitting the mailstream Monday in the state’s primary election and must be mailed to all registered voters by Friday. Election Day is June 25.
In the 5th District Republican Party primary election, the decision is between Jeff Crank and Dave Williams. Crank twice previously opposed Lamborn for the seat and the vice president of Americans for Prosperity is back for another run against Williams, the chairman of the Colorado Republican Party. Williams also previously ran unsuccessfully against Lamborn. Read the Colorado Sun’s candidate questionnaire for the 5th District race.
In the 5th District Democratic Party primary election, the decision is between River Gassen and Joe Reagan. Gassen is an astronomy instructor at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Reagan served two military tours abroad and indicates he’s worked for Wreaths Across America and Easterseals. It is the first run both candidates have made for office. Read the Colorado Sun’s candidate questionnaire for the 5th District race.
Unaffiliated voters may cast a ballot in either party’s primary election, but not in both primaries.
Candidates winning the primary in each party will advance to the general election, where voters will select between them as their next U.S. Representative to Congress in November.
Those Coloradans who are not yet registered to vote may do so in a couple of ways with various deadlines. Register at GoVoteColorado.gov through June 17, in order to receive a ballot by mail. Additionally, registration can be completed in person at a voting center until 7 p.m. on Election Day. For more detail on the primary election from the Secretary of State, see this story.