How to Vote in the November Midterm Elections

Vote by 7 p.m. MST Tues., Nov. 3, 2026.

Step 1: Register to Vote

Colorado residents have several options to register and get their ballot. Register online now. 

Tips: 

  1. If registering from another Colorado county home/residential address (El Paso, Mesa, etc.), make sure to list your local Boulder County mailing address too so the ballot can be mailed directly to you! Don’t rely on your parents. 

  2. If you live in a dorm, make sure to follow these instructions on how to list your residential and mailing addresses properly. 

  3. Include an email address so you can get notifications about the status of your mail ballot. 

  4. Register in person at the Boulder County Clerk’s office or at a Vote Center. Bring valid ID. See valid forms of identification here. Your Buff OneCard works.  

As a registered Colorado resident, you’ll receive a ballot in the mail if your address is up to date by Oct. 26, 2026 (after this date, simply go in person). This is the last recommended day to return a ballot by mail – otherwise, just use a drop box. Confirm or update your address at GoVoteColorado.gov. 

If you’re a student from out of state, you can choose to register in your home state with your home address or choose to register in Colorado. Where you register to vote will not affect your federal financial aid, but may affect whether you qualify for in-state tuition, according to vote.gov.

Student Voting Guidelines

Register to Vote in other States

Step 2: Vote

Key Dates

  • Oct. 2, 2026: Ballots begin mailing to eligible voters. 

  • Oct. 19, 2026: Vote Centers open. 

  • Oct. 26, 2026: Last day to register to vote and still be sent a ballot in the mail (after this date, go register and vote in person). Last recommended day to return a ballot by mail – otherwise, just use a drop box. 

  • Nov. 3, 2026: Election Day! Ballots due by 7 p.m. or vote in person. Postmarks do not count. 

Where and When to Vote

Early in-person voting is highly encouraged. The UMC will be open for voting starting Oct. 26 and Williams Village starting Nov. 2.  

24-Hour Drop Boxes

CU Boulder has 24-hour drop boxes outside the UMC and at Williams Village. You can also use Boulder County drop boxes. Any Colorado ballot can be returned to any official Colorado ballot drop box, including the ones on campus. Boulder County Elections will ensure the ballot is delivered to the correct county. Drop off your Mid-term Election ballot by 7 p.m. Nov. 3. If you’re voting in an election out of state, follow your state’s requirements, including all the recommended mail-by dates. 

*Pro tip: If voting by mail, the most common reason a ballot cannot be counted is an inability to verify the signature on the envelope. Make sure to include an email address with your voter registration so the elections office can get in touch if there are any issues with verifying your signature. You may also enroll in BallotTrax with your cell number to get text messages about the status of your ballot.