Colorado is one of the 14 states that will hold its presidential primary election on March 5, 2024, also known as Super Tuesday. This week, county clerks across the state began mailing out ballots to registered voters, who will have the opportunity to choose their preferred candidate from either the Democratic or Republican Party. This is the first time that Colorado will use a presidential primary system instead of a caucus, after voters approved Proposition 107 in 2016.
How the presidential primary works in Colorado
Colorado has a semi-closed primary system, which means that only voters who are affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican Party can vote for their respective candidates. However, unaffiliated voters can also participate by choosing one party’s ballot and returning it by mail or in person. Voters cannot vote for both parties’ candidates, as that would invalidate their ballot.
According to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, there are 3.5 million active registered voters in the state as of February 1, 2024. Of those, 1.2 million are Democrats, 1.1 million are Republicans, and 1.2 million are unaffiliated. The remaining voters belong to minor parties such as the Libertarian, Green, and American Constitution Party.
The presidential primary ballots will list the names of the candidates who have qualified for the ballot by either submitting petitions or paying a fee. The ballot order was determined by a random drawing on January 2, 2024. The Democratic ballot will have eight candidates, while the Republican ballot will have seven candidates. Some of the candidates may have dropped out of the race by the time the ballots are mailed, but their names will still appear on the ballot.
Why the presidential primary matters for Colorado
The presidential primary is an important way for Colorado voters to express their preference for the next leader of the country. The results of the primary will determine how many delegates each candidate will receive at their party’s national convention, where the official nominee will be selected. Colorado will have 87 delegates for the Democratic Party and 40 delegates for the Republican Party. The delegates will be allocated proportionally based on the statewide and congressional district results.
The presidential primary is also a chance for Colorado to have more influence and visibility in the national political scene. By moving the primary date from June to March, Colorado will join other states such as California, Texas, and Virginia in voting on Super Tuesday, when the largest number of delegates are at stake. This could attract more attention and visits from the candidates and the media, as well as increase voter turnout and engagement.
How to vote in the presidential primary in Colorado
Voters who receive their ballots in the mail can fill them out and return them by mail or in person. The ballots must be received by the county clerk by 7 p.m. on March 5, 2024. Voters can also vote in person at a voter service and polling center, where they can register, update their information, request a replacement ballot, or use an accessible voting machine. Voters can find their nearest voting location and track their ballot status online at GoVoteColorado.
Voters who have questions or need assistance can contact their county clerk or the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office at 303-894-2200 or sos.elections@state.co.us.
