El Paso County voters are part of a tradition of secure, transparent, and accessible elections.  As we approach the Nov. 3 General Election, my goal as your Clerk & Recorder is simple: make sure every eligible voter in El Paso County is fully prepared, fully informed and fully confident in the process.

This year, our office is delivering the largest election infrastructure El Paso County has ever offered – 44 secure ballot drop boxes and 41 Voter Service & Polling Centers (VSPCs) across the county.  Whether you prefer to vote your mail ballot at home, drop it off in person or vote at a VSPC, you have more options than ever before.

Ballots will be mailed beginning Monday, Oct. 5, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3^rd.  Remember: your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.  Postmarks are not accepted.

To help you prepare, here is your comprehensive voter checklist, a practical, step-by-step guide to ensure your vote is ready, secure and counted.

Voter Checklist: From Ballot Mailing to Election Day

1. Verify Your Voter Registration

Make sure your registration is current, especially your address, mailing information and party affiliation.

Check your status at GoVoteColorado.gov.

2. Watch for Your Ballot Starting Monday, Oct. 5

All eligible El Paso County voters will receive a mail ballot the week of October 5^th.

If your ballot does not arrive within the week, contact our office at 719-575-VOTE (8683), or visit a VSPC for assistance.

3. Review Your Ballot Carefully

Before marking your ballot:

• Read each contest and question thoroughly.
• Use black or blue ink.
• Follow all instructions to avoid delays in processing.

If you make a mistake, you can correct the mistake by following the instructions contained in you ballot packet or request a replacement ballot at any VSPC.

4. Sign Your Ballot Envelope – Your Signature Matters

Your signature is how we verify your identity.

Sign the envelope exactly as your signature appears on your Colorado driver’s license or voter registration file.

If we can’t verify your signature, you will receive a letter and have the opportunity to cure it.

5. Return Your Ballot Early

You have three secure options:

• 44 secure 24/7 ballot drop boxes across El Paso County
• 41 Voter Service & Polling Centers
• USPS mail (recommended no later than Oct. 26)
• All ballot drop box and VSPC locations can be found in your ballot packet, or please visit: https://community.spatialest.com/co/elpaso-elections/#/VoterRegistration

6. Track Your Ballot Every Step of the Way

Colorado’s BallotTrax system allows you to see:

• When your ballot is mailed
• When it’s received
• When it’s accepted for counting
• To sign up, please visit: https://ballottrax.coloradosos.gov/voter/

7. Know Your Election Day Options

If you prefer to vote in person, need a replacement ballot or require accessible voting equipment, VSPCs are available:

• Open beginning Oct. 19
• Open through Election Day, Nov. 3
• All VSPCs close at 7 p.m. on Election Day

Why This Matters

El Paso County voters deserve a process that is secure, transparent, and accessible.  Our election system includes:

• Bipartisan teams handling every step of ballot processing
• Air-gapped tabulation systems
• Continuous chain-of-custody documentation
• Public logic and accuracy testing
• Signature verification by trained election judges
• Live video streams of ballot drop boxes and ballot processing
• Post-election audits required by Colorado law

These safeguards are not partisan; they are the backbone of election integrity.

A Final Word to Voters

Your vote is your voice.  Preparing early ensures your ballot is counted accurately and without delay.  Whether you vote from home, drop off your ballot or visit a VSPC, you can be confident that your ballot is secure and your participation matters.

If you have questions, concerns, or want to observe the process, our office welcomes you.  Transparency is how we build trust, and trust is how we strengthen our democracy.

Steve Schleiker is the El Paso County Clerk & Recorder.