The Colorado Presidential Primary is March 3, 2020 and the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office is working to educate unaffiliated voters on the voting process.

Unaffiliated voters are eligible to vote in the Primary Election without affiliating with a political party. However, they have the option of choosing a political party preference, either Republican or Democratic, by February 3 to receive that party’s mail ballot. They can choose a party preference at www.GoVoteColorado.gov. Choosing a preference does not affiliate the voter with that party.

If an unaffiliated voter does not choose either party, they will receive a packet with the ballot for both the Republican and Democratic parties. The voter must vote and return only one ballot. Tear up and discard the ballot not voted. If both ballots are voted and returned, they are disqualified, and no votes will count.

Active voters who are affiliated with a major political party, Republican or Democratic, will receive that party’s mail ballot. However, they may change their party affiliation also by the February 3 deadline, at www.GoVoteColorado.gov and will receive that party’s mail ballot.

“I encourage all voters to check their voter registration file and their affiliation now to make sure everything is in order and they do not miss deadlines. By taking the time to check your information, you will make sure your voice is heard in this Primary Election,” said Clerk Chuck Broerman.

The number of unaffiliated voters in Colorado and El Paso County has surpassed both major political parties. It is important these unaffiliated voters understand their democratic right to vote for one political party in the Primary, while keeping their unaffiliated status.

The Clerk’s Office asks unaffiliated voters to choose their party preference as soon as possible. By choosing a party preference and receiving just one party’s ballot, unaffiliated voters help the Clerk’s Office reduce the costs associated with printing and mailing two ballots to a voter. It also reduces the chance an unaffiliated voter mistakenly votes both ballots which are then disqualified.

In the 2016 General Election, Colorado voters passed Proposition 107 which established a Presidential Primary in Colorado to be conducted before the end of March in a presidential election year.

Voters may contact the Clerk’s Election Department at (719) 575-VOTE (8683) or elections@elpasoco.com, or click here for additional Primary frequently asked questions. A list of candidates for both the Republican and Democratic party ballots may be viewed on the Colorado Secretary of State site along with more information.