FAQs

Q. How do I get my ballot? 

Every active-eligible voter now receives a mail ballot or you can surrender your mail ballot and vote in person at a voter service and polling center.

 Q. Can a post office box be used as a "home base" for voter registration purposes?

NO! A post office box may NEVER be used as a residence address. Voters must provide a physical location so the designated official can determine the appropriate candidates and issues to place on the voter's ballot. 

Q. When will my ballot be mailed and when will I get mine?

Mail ballots are mailed out 22 days before the election. Ballots for the 2023 Coordinated Election will be mailed the week of October 16, 2023. 

Q. Why didn't I get my ballot in the mail?
This can happen for several reasons (recent move, for example)... Contact the Routt County Clerk & Recorder's Office, 970-870-5558, if you did not receive a ballot and believe you should have. 

Q. What if I want to vote on a machine? 

 If you want to vote at the polls, you can surrender your mail ballot and vote in person at a voter service and polling center.

Q. What if I do not receive my ballot in the mail?
 If you have not received your ballot within a week of the ballots being mailed, contact the Routt County Clerk & Recorder's Office, 970-870-5558. They can verify that your voter registration record is current and active. If your record is current and active, they can mail you a replacement ballot up until October 30, 2023, after this date, the voter will need to visit the Routt County Clerk & Recorders office. 

 Q. Do I need to show proof of citizenship when I vote? 

You are not required to show proof of your citizenship when voting. Because you already affirmed your citizenship when you registered to vote. 

Keep in mind, however, that all voters are required to present ID when voting in person and sometimes when voting by mail. To make sure you do not run into any problems when voting, please see the list of acceptable forms of identification. 

Q. What if I need assistance with voting?

Voters with special needs have the right to have an election judge or any other person they choose assist them with voting.

Q. I will be out of town when the ballots are mailed. How will I get a ballot?
Contact the Routt County Election Division at 970-870-5558 or Email Staff to have your ballot mailed to you. You can also complete a voter registration form 

Q. What if I make a mistake, damage, or lose my ballot?
 You need to contact the Routt County Clerk & Recorder's Office, 970-870-5558, or stop by a designated VSPC (voter service and polling center) to request a replacement ballot.

Q. How long do I have to request a replacement ballot?
 You can request a replacement ballot to be mailed to you up until the 8th day before the election. For the 2023 Coordinated Election that day is October 30, 2023. After this date, you will need to apply in person to obtain a replacement ballot. This can be done up to and including Election Day, November 7, 2023.
 NOTE: Your ballot has been cast as soon as you deposit it in the mail or at a drop site. After that, you cannot receive a replacement ballot.
 
Q. What if I have moved and have not updated my address on my voter registration?
 You can submit a Voter Registration Application to the Routt County Clerk & Recorder's Office in person or mail to 522 Lincoln Ave Suite 21 Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. You can also go online, Go Vote Colorado to update your information and have a ballot mailed to you up until October 30, 2023. After this date, you will need to come in person to a designated VSPC (voter service and polling center) up to and including Election Day, November 7, 2023 and have a ballot issued to you.

Q. Do I have to return my ballot by mail?
No, you have the option to return your ballot by mail, deliver it to one of the drop-off locations listed on the Elections Website, or drop it in the secure 24-hour drop box located in the alley behind the historic courthouse.

Q. How much postage is required if I return my ballot by mail?
 You can return your ballot by mail for the price of adequate postage.

Q. Can I return more than one ballot in the same envelope?
 No. You may ONLY return ONE ballot per signature envelope.

Q. When do I need to return my voted ballot?

Your ballot must be RECEIVED in the Routt County Clerk & Recorder's Office by 7:00 pm on Election night, November 7, 2023. 
POSTMARKS DO NOT COUNT.

Q. Will I still be able to vote if I am in line past 7:00 PM on Election Day?
Voters who are in line at their polling location by 7:00 PM are allowed to vote no matter how long it takes for each person to cast his or her ballot. 

Q. If I do not vote on all candidates or measures will my ballot be counted?
 Your ballot will be counted for the measures and candidates you did cast a vote for.

 Q. Will my vote be counted if I forgot to put my ballot in the secrecy sleeve?
 Yes, your vote will still be counted.

 Q. What happens if I forgot to sign my return envelope?
You will be contacted by the Clerk & Recorder's Office in writing to obtain your signature before your ballot can be counted.

 Q. How will I know you have received my ballot? 
You can check your ballot status online at Go Vote Colorado or contact the Routt County Clerk & Recorder's Office at 970-870-5558.

 Q. When will the election results be known?
 Election results will only be announced after 7:00 pm on election night.

 Q. What political parties are recognized in Colorado?
 A list of the current Colorado political parties is listed online.