NEWS

Haven't voted yet? Here's what to know

Nick Coltrain
nickcoltrain@coloradoan.com
Election volunteer Ann Green greets Jane Slusarski-Harris as she drops off her ballot in a drop box at the Larimer County Courthouse Wednesday in Fort Collins.

Maybe your ballot is on your kitchen counter. Maybe you don't even have it yet, or that pesky register-to-vote line on your to-do list is still unchecked.

Maybe you're holding out to watch one more Broncos game while under constant bombardment by election ads before you make your decisions. On second thought, let's scratch that last maybe.

No matter — there's still plenty of time to make sure democracy doesn't leave you in its dust on Election Day. But if you woke up this Monday among the ranks who have yet to vote, here are a few key steps to take to get off Uncle Sam's naughty list.

ELECTION CENTRAL:  Everything you need to know before Tuesday's vote

First things first: No matter what, do not mail your ballot. Seriously, don't even think about putting a stamp on that envelope. This late in the game, chances are slim to none that the county clerk will receive your ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day, which is Tuesday, unless you see to its delivery yourself.

Second: That deadline applies no matter how you vote: Dropping your ballot off at a 24-hour drop off box? You have until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Still need to register to vote? Be in line at one of the voter service centers before 7 p.m.

Election volunteers Len Pearson and Lary Steinhauer empty ballots from a drop box at the Larimer County Courthouse Wednesday in Fort Collins.

Third: You don't have to wait until then! Actually, you'd be doing us at the Coloradoan a solid by voting ASAP. But more on that later.

You can drop off your ballot literally this second, or anytime before 7 p.m. on Election Day. Still need to register to vote and do the deed itself? Larimer County voter service and polling centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and you can take care of everything in one fell swoop. On Election Day, the voter service and polling centers will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ELECTION QUESTIONS?:  Let our election bot answer them

Further, Larimer County Clerk Angela Myers encourages people not to wait until Election Day. Doing so could jeopardize the release of full results on Tuesday night, though partial results will be released as they come in. Myers said if more than 20,000 ballots come in on Tuesday, she'll have her vote counters come back rested on Wednesday, versus keeping them counting through middle of the night.

Still need to register to vote? You'll need a form of ID, which includes, but is not limited to, a Colorado driver's license, a current utility bill, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address, a Medicare or Medicaid card, or military ID card. The ID must show a Colorado address. A full list of accepted identification, and much more information about voting, can be found at www.VoteLarimer.org.

Where to drop off your ballot

24-hour drop boxes: 

  • Larimer County Courthouse, 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins
  • Loveland Vehicle Licensing Office, 205 E. Sixth St., Loveland
  • Estes Park Vehicle Licensing Office, 1601 Brodie Ave., Estes Park

Drop-off locations open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday

  • King Soopers, 2602 S. Timberline Road, Fort Collins
  • King Soopers, 1842 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
  • Safeway, 2160 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins
  • Safeway, 1426 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins
  • King Soopers, 1275 Eagle Drive, Loveland

Voter service and polling centers open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday

  • Larimer County Court House, 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins
  • North Ballroom, Colorado State University Lory Student Center, Fort Collins
  • Council Tree Covenant Church, 4825 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins
  • Christ Center Community Church, 2700 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins
  • Elks Lodge, 1424 E. Mulberry Ave., Fort Collins
  • Loveland Police and Courts Building, 810 E. 10th St., Loveland
  • Estes Park Municipal Building, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park
  • Windsor Faith United Church, 1020 Walnut St. (Weld County residents only)

Voter service and polling centers open Election Day only, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Drake Centre, 802 W. Drake Ave., Fort Collins
  • American Legion, 2124 W. County Road 54G, Laporte
  • Red Feather Lakes POA, 58 Firehouse Lane, Red Feather Lakes
  • Brookside Gardens, 619 E. Highway 56, Berthoud
  • River of Life Fellowship Church, 3161 E. County Road 62E, Wellington
  • King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2919 N. Wilson Ave., Loveland
  • The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland