As Colorado approaches its 2025 off-year elections on November 4, early data from the Secretary of State’s office reveals a notable surge in voter engagement compared to previous years. With over 354,000 ballots already returned by late October, Colorado is on track to experience its highest off-year election turnout since 2019, signaling a renewed enthusiasm among residents for local and statewide issues.
Unlike federal election years, off-year elections in Colorado focus primarily on selecting leaders for school boards, municipal offices, and addressing local ballot measures. This cycle, voters are considering two significant statewide ballot propositions, LL and MM, which aim to secure continued funding for Colorado’s universal school meals program—a topic of increasing importance across the state.
One consistent pattern remains clear: older Coloradans continue to lead the charge at the polls. More than half of the early ballots have been cast by individuals aged 65 and older. Meanwhile, younger voters aged 18 to 34 have contributed less than 9% of early returns, highlighting ongoing challenges in mobilizing this demographic during off-year contests.
Politically, unaffiliated voters, who represent about half of all active Colorado registrants, are the most active so far, having returned over 142,000 ballots. Registered Republicans slightly outpace Democrats in early returns, with 107,000 and 100,000 ballots respectively, illustrating a competitive environment ahead of Election Day.
Colorado’s voting system is designed to maximize accessibility. All active registered voters receive mailed ballots approximately three weeks before Election Day. For those yet to register or without a ballot in hand, the state offers last-minute registration options both online and at polling locations until 7 p.m. on November 4. Local officials recommend returning completed ballots via secure drop boxes or in-person to ensure timely counting, although mailed ballots remain valid if received by Election Day evening.
Voters can also benefit from BallotTrax, a tracking tool that notifies when a ballot has been received and counted. This is particularly helpful given that about 1-2% of ballots tend to face rejection due to issues like signature discrepancies. In such cases, county officials reach out to help voters resolve problems swiftly, safeguarding their participation.
The encouraging uptick in Colorado’s 2025 voter participation reflects a broader civic engagement trend and suggests that concerns over off-year election turnout may be easing. As election day nears, Coloradans from all walks of life have a clear opportunity to influence decisions on impactful local governance and critical statewide programs.
To participate, eligible voters should visit GoVoteColorado.com to register or update their information. With the deadline for mailed ballot requests fast approaching, this year’s Election Day promises a robust showing — a true testament to Colorado’s vibrant democratic spirit.
