Avoid voting vexation

As Election Day, Nov. 3, approaches, keeping some important dates and other information in mind may help voters make sure their vote counts and evade potential election headaches.

In order for a ballot to count, it must be received by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. This includes ballots returned by mail.

Ballots will start being mailed to registered voters the week of Oct. 12. The last day to register online to vote and still receive a mail ballot is Oct. 26.

If voters miss that deadline, they can still register to vote by 7 p.m. Nov. 3, since Colorado allows for same-day voter registration.

If voters do not want to return their completed ballots by mail, they can drop them off at drop boxes. There is a drop box at Haxtun Town Hall, one at the Phillips County clerk and recorder’s office and a 24-hour drop box across Campbell Avenue to the east of the of the Phillips County Court House.

If voters are already registered and do not receive their mail ballot by Oct. 19, they should contact the county clerk and recorder’s office at 970-854-3131. Alternatively, they can vote in person at that office starting Oct. 19 if they did not receive their mail ballot.

Double-checking the name on the ballot before signing it can save voters time and help them avoid potential delays later. This is especially important in households with multiple voters.

Phillips County Clerk and Recorder Beth Zilla pointed out that voters should feel confident about the safeguards that are in place for the election.

“I want voters to know we have very good election judges representing Republican, Democratic and unaffiliated parties,” she said. “They’re very thorough with their signature verification.”

Zilla went on to note that if signatures don’t match, three different panels of judges are available to review the mismatch. If they are unable to come to an agreement, they will forward the issue to the district attorney for resolution.

Voters can visit www.govotecolorado.gov or www.sos.state.co.us to register online, review voter records to make sure their information is current and have further voting questions answered. They can also visit the Phillips County clerk and recorder’s office or call them at 970-854-3131.

Holyoke Enterprise

970-854-2811 (Phone)

130 N Interocean Ave
PO Box 297
Holyoke CO 80734