Early Voting Begins Monday Across Colorado
DENVER (CBS4)- As Election Day inches closer, Coloradans are ready to cast their vote before the polls open on Nov. 8.
"I'm pretty set," says Brian Reed. "I've had enough time."
Early voting centers open Monday morning in all 64 counties across the state.
"We hear from a lot of folks who say they like the convenience of a mail ballot, but many of them also say they enjoy the idea of being able to go to your voting place, talk to folks in line, and get to actually cast that vote in person," says Ben Schler with the Colorado Secretary of State's Election Division.
While many plan to mail-in ballots, others prefer to vote, or turn in their ballot, at the polls.
"I have my packet, and I'm going to fill it out and send it back in," said Reed.
Sadrian Alderson says mailing in her ballot is the most convenient option.
"I was just about to mark it this weekend and turn it in on Monday," Alderson said.
Many voters who spoke with CBS4 prefer to vote, or turn in their ballot, at the polls.
"It makes me feel more secure that my choice is being respected," said Leland Kelly.
Briana Hobert says she trusts dropping of her vote at a polling center rather than a drop-off mailbox.
"I like the idea of having the ballot beforehand and being able to read through everything and make my decision before going into the polling booth," said Hobert. "I feel like it's a more secure hand-off."
On the Colorado Secretary of State's website, www.GoVoteColorado.com, voters can find information on polling and drop-off locations closest to them.
"You can go into any voter service and polling center in your county," said Schler. "It's not based on where you live. As long as you're in your county, you can go any of them and vote.
Early voting centers will remain open through Election Day. This is the first time all voters in Colorado will receive a ballot in the mail.
According to state law, a postmark doesn't count. The ballot must be received by the County Clerk on or before 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 to be counted.
Voters can cast ballots early and drop it off in person on Oct. 24 or drop it off at any 24-hour drop box starting Oct. 17 through Election Day Nov. 8.
LINK: justvotecolorado.org
Andrea Flores is a reporter for CBS4. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @AndreaFloresTV.
