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Read on to learn how you can use your voice to make an impact in your community!
In Colorado, a primary election is how political parties choose their candidates for the general election in November. Instead of everyone voting together, primaries happen within each party to decide which candidates move forward.
Colorado holds:
Presidential primaries in March during presidential election years, and
State and local primaries in June during even numbered years.
Colorado uses a semi‑open primary system, created by voter approval of Proposition 108 in 2016. Registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary, registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary, and unaffiliated voters can choose one party’s primary to vote in — without joining that party.
Unaffiliated voters automatically receive both major‑party ballots by mail, but they may return only one. If both ballots are returned, neither will be counted.
Voting in a party’s primary does not change an unaffiliated voter’s registration status, though the party choice becomes a public record.
Caucuses also play a role in primary elections. While primaries are run by the state and are open to unaffiliated voters, caucuses are in‑person meetings run by political parties and are only open to voters registered with that party. While parties still hold caucuses and assemblies to organize and help decide which candidates appear on the primary ballot, caucuses do not replace primary voting.
Primaries are often where elections are effectively decided, especially in districts where one party dominates. They shape who appears on the November ballot and which candidates gain momentum, media attention, and funding.
Because Colorado has a large number of unaffiliated voters, primaries are an especially important opportunity for people to make their voices heard early in the process.
Many of the decisions that shape affordable housing in Metro Denver are made at the local and state levels. Elected officials influence zoning laws, funding for affordable homeownership programs, and approval of housing developments that affect specific neighborhoods. When voters use their voice to support leaders and policies that prioritize affordable housing, they help ensure that housing remains part of public conversation.
Stable, affordable homes strengthen our entire community—supporting safer neighborhoods, better educational outcomes, a stronger workforce, and long‑term economic growth. Everyone who lives and works in Metro Denver deserves a safe, decent place to call home, and participating in local elections is one important way to help move that goal forward.
This June, with each primary election, make sure that you are registered to vote – Colorado makes it easy to check! Visit GoVoteColorado.gov to see your registration status and to register if you haven’t already. Voters must register online or by mail by Monday, June 26, 2026. You can also register in person on election day, Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Mail-in ballots must be received no later than 7 pm MST on election day. If you are not sure if your ballot will arrive in time, drop it off in person.
To find your local polling location and ballot drop box , please click here. And if you would like to track your ballot, please visit BallotTrax here.
Vote 411 is another great resource to learn about the candidates on your ballot. This site simplifies the language used on ballot measures that may be confusing.
Please remember that your voice matters, and please use it to make an impact on your community!
