[El Paso County, Colo. – October 23, 2024] Voters are urged to return their ballot early, before General Election Day on November 5, at 41 secure ballot drop-off boxes or at 38 Voter Service and Polling Centers.
As of Wednesday morning, October 23, more than 78,000 ballots have been cast. This is about 53,000 General Election ballots less than what was returned two weeks before Election Day in 2020. Voting early is beneficial for both voters and the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office for several reasons:
- Voting early ensures you cast a ballot in case of any unforeseen accidents or emergencies. It also gives voters more time to cure their ballot if there is a signature discrepancy or another reason their ballot isn’t accepted.
- Casting a ballot removes voters from campaign phone and email lists, meaning no more texts or calls asking for donations or telling residents who to vote for.
- Early voting leads to faster and more complete results on Election Night. The Clerk and Recorder’s Office can’t release results until the last person at a VSPC has voted.
“Your vote is your voice, and returning your ballot early ensures it’s heard loud and clear,” said El Paso County Clerk & Recorder Steve Schleiker. “By voting early, you help safeguard the process, reduce delays, and allow us to address any discrepancies swiftly. Let’s work together to make this election secure, efficient, and representative of our great community.”
Our office is anticipating significant voter turnout at ballot boxes and VSPCs on November 4 and 5, which is why voters are urged to vote early. There are currently six VSPCs open. An additional 18 are scheduled to open Friday, November 1. A total of 38 will be open November 4 and 5. This is also a reminder that Monday, October 28, is the recommended last day to return your ballot in the mail. Afterwards, voters must cast their ballot at a secure drop box or in-person at a VSPC.
Every election, voters fail to turn in their ballot by the 7 p.m. deadline, another reason to vote early. All voters must be in line at a VSPC or ballot box by 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 5 to vote. Again, the Clerk and Recorder’s Office can’t release election results until everyone has voted.