True or false: You can’t vote in a primary election until you turn 18. This is not a trick question.
Starting this year, you can vote in a primary at 17 years of age–if you will be 18 by Election Day, November 3. That includes the Presidential primary, which takes place on March 3. Those registering for the Democratic primary will get ballots prior to February 3, as will Republican-registered voters. Independents will get both ballots, but only one will count for the primary. Mail-in ballots will be accepted as of that date.
The February 3 deadline will be enforced for 17-year-olds registering for the primary, as well as those who want to change their party affiliation. County and state election officials will be running public service announcements to inform the public of the changes.
Boulder County will be letting students of the Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School District know that they can register with either party or declare an independent status while they are still 17 if their 18th birthday falls on November 3 or earlier.
In Colorado, this is the first election in 20 years to return to a primary system instead of a caucus. State officials also changed the caucus date to Super Tuesday (March 3) so that Colorado will be joining 13 other states in the nomination process. Colorado is also one of a number of states that permit voter registration on Election Day.
If you have a Colorado driver’s license or state identification card, you can register to vote or check your registration here. If you do not have a license or state ID card, you can register by mail at the same site linked above by downloading a form, or in person at any Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s office.