RTD offers free days to encourage voter participation

RTD is offering two free days to encourage people to drop off their ballot or cast their vote in next month's election. The free days are National Vote Early Day on Friday, Oct. 28 and Election Day on Nov. 8. 

The partnership is designed to encourage voter participation in the election and is viewed as a way to break down barriers for those who may not vote due to access to transportation due to voting locations. 

"We've always enjoyed a good partnership with RTD. We have our drop boxes on major corridors, one at the I-25 and Broadway Station, one at the California Station and one at Union Station so it's really important. I'm so glad that RTD is continuing this partnership with us and making it easier for folks to vote," said Denver Clerk & Recorder Paul Lopez.

The hope is that by making public transportation free, everyone who is able to cast a ballot will be able to do so. 

"I am pleased that this year, RTD will have two fare-free days to provide voters with another accessible way to return their ballot. I thank RTD, Colorado's largest transit agency, for their partnership in making it even more accessible to vote in Colorado," said Secretary Jena Griswold in a statement.     

"While data shows that mail ballot voting has significantly increased voter turnout in Colorado, providing systemwide zero-fare transit access on general election days further reduces barriers to polling places," said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson in a statement. "With this initiative, the playing field is being leveled so that registered voters can exercise their constitutional right."     

To make sure that you are registered to vote, or any voting resources like where to cast your ballot in person or a ballot dropbox, visit GoVoteColorado.com. Find your route on RTD's trip planner.

Additional Information from the Secretary of State's Office:

• All Colorado voters can sign up to track their ballot from sent to counted using BallotTrax.
• Eligible voters who wish to mail back their voted ballot should do so by October 31st to ensure it is received by their county election official by November 8th. After October 31st voters should return their ballot to a drop box or voting center.
• Early voting begins on October 24th. Some locations will open earlier, with 411 drop boxes and over 350 voting centers available this year, voters can look up the closest locations, opening date, and hours at GoVoteColorado.gov.
• In person voting on Election Day, Tuesday November 8th, will be available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Eligible voters must have returned their ballot to a drop box or voting center by 7 p.m. on Election Day, or be in line to vote by 7 p.m. on Election Day for their ballot to be counted. Ballots cast by military and overseas voters must be sent no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day and received by close of business on the 8th day after the election (November 16).