Colorado’s primary turnout surged. The next election deadlines are already approaching
Colorado’s June 30 primary drew nearly 36% of the state’s approximately 4 million active registered voters, making it the state’s second-highest primary turnout since 2010 outside the 2020 pandemic election, according to finalized figures reported by Rocky Mountain PBS and Colorado Public Radio.
About 1.4 million valid ballots were counted, and 98% were submitted by mail. The primary selected party nominees and helped shape the choices voters will see in the November 3 general election, but the strong June participation does not guarantee equally high turnout in November.
Unaffiliated voters participated at a lower rate
Colorado permits unaffiliated voters to select a party ballot in a primary under the state’s applicable rules. They are not barred from participating.
Even so, only 28% of unaffiliated voters cast ballots in the June primary. Democratic turnout was 48%, while Republican turnout was about 41%. Unaffiliated voters make up more than half of Colorado’s registered voters and accounted for 46% of Democratic ballots and nearly 31% of Republican ballots.
People interviewed in the Colorado Capitol News Alliance report offered several possible explanations for the gap, including confusion about primary participation, limited outreach and differences in the number or competitiveness of races. Those comments are observations, not proof of one established cause.
The overall primary turnout was unusually high by Colorado’s recent historical standards. The same report noted that turnout in primaries since 2010 has been half or less than turnout in general elections, underscoring why June’s result should not be treated as a forecast for November.
November 3 is the next statewide election date
The Colorado Secretary of State’s 2026 Election Calendar lists Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as the general election date.
The calendar is a reference guide. The Colorado Constitution, state statutes and Secretary of State rules control if a conflict arises.
For voters, the practical step now is to check registration information and confirm that an address is current, especially after a move. The Secretary of State’s voter-registration FAQ directs registered voters to GoVoteColorado.gov to confirm their status and update an address or party affiliation.
October 26 is the mail-ballot registration deadline
Colorado voters may register through Election Day, but the method and timing affect whether they receive a ballot by mail.
Monday, October 26, is the last day to submit a voter-registration application and still receive a ballot by mail for the November 3 general election. The deadline also applies to voters who need to update registration information and want a mailed ballot.
Applications received seven days or fewer before the election must still be processed, but the voter will not receive a mail ballot. To vote, the person must go to a county Voter Service and Polling Center to register and receive a ballot.
Voter-registration drives have an earlier deadline
The state calendar lists Monday, October 12, as the last day to submit an application through a voter-registration drive for the general election. The date reflects the 22-day deadline and the calendar’s adjustment because the usual deadline falls around the Columbus Day federal holiday.
Voters who miss the mail-ballot or registration-drive deadlines are not necessarily excluded from the election. The Secretary of State’s FAQ says late registrants may register in person at a county Voter Service and Polling Center through Election Day.
Students and other Colorado residents who live temporarily away from home should also review their registration information and voting arrangements. The Secretary of State says eligible Colorado students may keep a Colorado registration and vote by mail, subject to the applicable rules.
County-specific voting-center locations, hours and other instructions should be checked through official Colorado election information as the general election approaches. The June primary showed unusually high participation by recent Colorado standards; the next statewide election will show whether that engagement continues.
Sources
- Colorado Secretary of State 2026 Election Calendar
- Rocky Mountain PBS/Colorado Public Radio: Turnout surged in Colorado’s primary election
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