Dear Editor,

On November 8, 2018, electors voted in favor of Proposition 107, which recreated a presidential primary to be held in March every 4 years.

On March 5, 2024, we will be holding the second Presidential Primary since Prop 107 passed. Many people are unaware that the rules are different for a primary than for a regular election. For example, only electors registered as Democratic, Republican or Unaffiliated voters will get a ballot this election. No other party has chosen to hold a primary. However, IF you are affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican party and wish to change your affiliation, you must do so before February 12, 2024. If you are registered with any other party and wish to participate in this election, you must change your affiliation before February 12, 2024. If you wish to participate in a party’s caucus, you must be registered with that party by February 16, 2024. If you are an unaffiliated voter and wish to become affiliated with a party, you can do so at any time until 7 p.m. on March 5.

Starting the week of February 12, active Democratic voters will get a Democratic ballot. Active Republican voters will get a Republican ballot. Unaffiliated voters will get a packet containing both ballots, BUT you can only vote and return ONE. Your vote will not be counted if you vote and return both ballots received in the packet. Please destroy the ballot you are not voting! Please do not give it to a family member or a neighbor etc., as they can only vote for the party they are registered with. For example, to return a Republican ballot when you are a registered Dem, or to return a Democratic ballot when you are a registered Rep, will void that vote.

Prior to casting your ballot, please confirm that your candidate is still in the race! Several candidates have dropped out since ballots were printed. You are not able to retrieve your ballot to change your vote once you submit it. Votes cast for a candidate that has withdrawn will not be reported.

As always, I encourage everyone to check their voter registration to make sure it is active and that it has the correct information, including your residential address, your mailing address, and your party affiliation. Register or update your registration at GoVoteColorado.gov.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other upcoming election (there is one in June and one in November this year!) please do not hesitate to reach out to elections@gilpincounty.org or 303-582-5321. Make a plan to vote!

Honored to serve,

Sahari McCormick

Gilpin County Clerk & Recorder