Everything you need to know before Election Day in El Paso County

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Election Day is just around the corner and 14 more voter services and voting centers are opening Monday. 38 polling stations are open Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We want to make sure every voter is within a five-minute drive of an election service polling place or a ballot drop box,” El Paso County Clerk & Recorder Steve Schleiker told 11 News. “So we specifically look at the map and reach out to the property owners.”

For those who decide to vote at the last minute, 11 News has everything you need to know before the polls close on Tuesday.

Voter registration

If you have not yet registered to vote, you can do so until Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

“If you enter a VSPC at 6:45 a.m., 15 minutes before the polls close, you can register and cast your vote,” Schleiker explained.

For residents who are currently in another state, the clerk and recorder said time to register is very short. However, they advise them to call the clerk's office and request an emergency election so they can do what they can. For those who live in Colorado but have their registered address elsewhere, it is also important to repeat the action listed above but call the clerk's office in your state.

Mail-in ballots

The deadline to send in mail-in ballots via USPS was last Monday, October 28th. Those who still have their ballots should definitely drop them off at the polling stations or at one of the 41 secure ballot drop boxes.

What's on the ballot?

The Clerk & Recorder website has resources to help you gain knowledge and better understand what the ballot entails.

“We have the Blue Book, which has all the proposals and amendments and everything,” Schleiker said. “It basically left out a lot of the legalese so you can absolutely understand it and make an informed decision. The other thing is we also published the Tabor Notice, so there are actual tax issues on the ballot, so you get the pros and cons.”

GREAT reminder from the clerk and note taker

Schleiker advises local voters to be sure to sign their affidavit and ballot envelope, otherwise they will not be able to process their ballot. It is the most important step in the voting process.

They also told 11 News that leaving questions off the ballot does not invalidate it… If you can't decide on a question.

Overall, the Clerk & Recorder advises everyone to go vote.

“Every voter gets a stone,” said Schleiker. “Once you cast your vote, you can place your building block in the foundation of our community and also in the foundation of our state.”

If you have questions or need assistance, call (719) 576-8683 or email ElPasoCO.com

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