It’s almost Election Day (for real)!

The New Era team turning out young voters on Election Day 2023.

ICYMI: It’s a big election year in Colorado and across the country. Voting on Election Day can feel intimidating, but don’t stress: we have all of the deets you need to help you fill out your entire ballot to make change in your community—right here, right now. 

In Colorado, it is never too late to register to vote. You can register to vote or update your registration online or at a Voter Service Center in your county—just be in line by 7 p.m. on November 5. 

Something we’ve heard a lot from young people this year is that we’re tired of the toxic political cycle that doesn’t deliver any real progress on Youth Agenda issues. The status quo isn’t making it easier for young people to make rent or afford reproductive care, and we need solutions that better our daily lives right now. That’s where voting comes in: with young people making up one-third of the electorate, there’s power in our numbers and the popularity of our ideas, like protecting abortion rights permanently. 

Voting is a choice to fight for the future we deserve. So why the f*ck not?!

You know you’re too grown for ghosting, so don’t leave your ballot on read. Do your research, ask questions, and know you can use your resources (like this one!) to help you fill out your ballot, at home or at the ballot box. Keep scrolling to learn what you need to know to vote for progress on the Youth Agenda! 

We know you probably have some questions. We got you.

Key Dates | Youth Agenda Champions | Who can vote? | How can I register to vote? | How Do I Vote? | Acceptable IDs

Key Dates

  • October 11: Check your mail! Ballots start to get mailed out to voters today. 
  • October 21: Go get your “I Voted” sticker! In-person voting starts as Voter Service Centers (VSC) and all 24-hour drop boxes will be open by this day! 
  • October 28: Moved since the last election? Want to make sure you receive your ballot in the mail? Make sure your voter registration is updated online by today. It’s also the last day we recommend mailing your ballot back to ensure it’s received by 7 p.m. on November 5. (Check your voter registration status at GoVoteColorado.gov.) 
  • November 5: It’s finally Election Day, bbs! Be in line at a Voter Service Center in your county by 7 p.m. to register to vote/update your registration or drop off your ballot at any drop box in the state!

Youth Agenda Champions

The power is already in our hands to turn our vision of the world into a political reality: this November, we can vote for Youth Agenda Champions who fight for our issues. When we elect Youth Agenda Champions who actually fight for our issues, people in power can’t ignore our voices or our priorities—because we become powerful. 

Learn more about our 2024 General Election Youth Agenda Champions!

Representative Stephanie Vigil, House District 16

Representative Stephanie Vigil (she/they) believes everyday people deserve to have the government support their interests and ensure that the basics of a good life are accessible to all. Their lived experience as a survivor of childhood trauma, mental illness, and disability has prepared them to create policy that is people-centered and focused on achieving freedom for all.

Katie Stewart, House District 56

Katie Stewart (she/hers) is a tireless advocate for Southwest Colorado. She’s committed to building partnerships with the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribe to create sustainable relationships that benefit Native communities in Southwest Colorado, expanding access to healthcare for rural communities, and creating affordable housing for everyone.

Yara Zokaie, House District 52

Yara (she/hers) believes that it’s time for people to elect someone who will represent them—not corporate interests. Yara’s experience as a tax attorney and belief that corporations should pay what they owe will help us fund policy demands for a more inclusive, equitable and anti-racist future.

Who can vote?

To be eligible to vote in Colorado, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 18 years old or older by Election Day (Tuesday, November 5)
  • Live in Colorado at least 22 days before Election Day (Monday, October 14)
    • Moved after October 14 and still want to vote? No worries, you may be eligible to still vote for the President and Vice President if you go to your local VSC!
  • People with past criminal convictions have the right to register and vote. For more information about voting with convictions, visit VotingWithConviction.org.

Yes, students can vote in the Colorado elections—as long as they’ve lived in Colorado for at least 22 days before Election Day. As long as you’ve lived in Colorado since October 14 you’re good to vote!

How can I register to vote?

There are a few different ways you can register to vote or update your voter registration: 

  • Register to vote online using your CO ID or your Social Security Number (last 4 digits) by October 28 to receive a ballot in the mail.
  • Voted in Colorado before but maybe moved since then? Check your registration at GoVoteColorado.gov. 
  • Starting on October 21, you can register in person at a Voter Service Center in your county up to and including Election Day. Find one near you. 
  • If you’re registering in person and want to check off voting in the same go, bring an accepted form of ID with you. 

How Do I Vote?

You have all the options for how to vote: In Colorado, voters can mail their ballot back, drop it off, or vote in person.

If you want to drop it off…. 

All you need to do to vote at a drop box is to drop off your ballot at any drop box or voter service center in the state by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November 5. 

If you want to vote in person… 

  • Head to the nearest VSC in your county, your one-stop shop to register, vote, update your address, or solve any election-related issue
  • Be sure to bring your ID with you (yes, Colorado student IDs are accepted!)
  • Be in line by 7 p.m. on Election Day

If you want to mail it in… 

  • If you want to receive a ballot in the mail and aren’t registered to vote in Colorado, make sure to register to vote online by Monday, October 28 
  • We recommend you mail your ballot back by Monday, October 28 in order for it to be received by Election Day at 7 p.m. (postmarks don’t count!)
  • Be prepared to include a photocopy of your ID (peep the instructions on your ballot for deets)
  • Put two stamps on it (just in case!) 

Still have questions? Text or call: 

  • 866-OUR-VOTE – English
  • 888-VE-Y-VOTA – Spanish
  • 888-API-VOTE – Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog 
  • 844-YALLA-US – Arabic 
  • 301-818-VOTE – ASL (video call)

Acceptable IDs

via JustVoteColorado.org*

Digital IDs can now be used for voting. Any officially accepted form of ID can be provided digitally, including digital student IDs. Other accepted IDs include: 

  • A valid Colorado driver’s license or valid identification card issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue (Note: documents issued to not lawfully present and temporarily lawfully present individuals under Part 5 of Article 2 of Title 42, C.R.S. are not acceptable forms of identification.).
  • A valid U.S. passport.
  • A valid employee identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. government or of Colorado or by any county, municipality, board, authority, or other political subdivision of Colorado.
  • A valid pilot’s license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration or other authorized agency of the U.S.
  • A valid U.S. military identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector.
  • A copy of a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the elector.
  • A Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaskan Native Blood.
  • A valid Medicare or Medicaid card issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate for the elector.
  • Certified documentation of naturalization.
  • A valid student identification card with a photograph of the eligible elector issued by an institute of higher education in Colorado, as defined in section 23-3.1-102(5), C.R.S.
  • A valid veteran identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration with a photograph of the eligible elector.
  • A valid identification card issued by a federally recognized tribal government certifying tribal membership. Verification that a voter is a resident of a group residential facility, as defined in section 1-1-104(18.5), C.R.S.
  • Verification that a voter is a person committed to the Department of Human Services and confined and eligible to register and vote shall be considered sufficient identification of such person for the purposes of section 1-2-210.5, C.R.S.
  • Written correspondence from the county sheriff or his or her designee to the county clerk indicating that a voter is confined in a county jail or detention facility.

Any form of identification listed above that shows your address must show a Colorado address to qualify as an acceptable form of identification.

*Just Vote! Colorado Election Protection is a non-partisan voter assistance project and is not affiliated with or promoting any party, candidate, or ballot issue. Just Vote! Colorado is not affiliated with or responsible for the content of this piece.