Election 2022: What You Need to Know

Why vote?

Democracy depends on you.

Our country and our communities are counting on you to find out what’s on your ballot and make an informed decision.

This year, voters will be asked to make big decisions about the future of Boulder, our state and our nation. As someone who lives, works or studies—or all of the above—in this community, your voice is critical to ensuring the vote will reflect a broad array of voices.

Whether you are a CU Boulder student, faculty member or staff member, the candidates and questions on the ballot will have an impact on your life and your community.

Don't let others decide for you. Your ballot is your opportunity to voice your values. Make sure your values count.

Buffs are All In on Democracy

CU Boulder students have a proud history of being civically active.

In 2020, 80.3% of CU Boulder students voted in the election, earning the university the top platinum seal from the All In Campus Democracy Challenge.

CU Boulder’s 2020 voter participation rate was the best in the Pac-12 Conference.

This year CU Boulder will go head-to-head against other universities in Colorado and across the country for the highest voter turnout. Let’s prove that, in 2022, Buffs are all-in on democracy.

What’s on the ballot?

Many questions are on this year’s ballot. Here are a few that may be of special interest to the CU Boulder community.

In Boulder

2 Ballot Issues (TABOR)

A measure that would create a new Climate Tax that would fund city-level climate and resilience efforts and would consolidate existing CAP and Utility Occupation taxes
A measure that would allow the City of Boulder to increase debt if the voters approve the Climate Tax ballot issue

4 Ballot Questions

A measure that would overturn the City of Boulder’s 2021 annexation of the CU Boulder South property into the city limits
A measure that would establish the Boulder Public Library district, which would add an appointed governing body and change how taxes funding Boulder’s public library system are collected
A measure that would allow candidates for municipal offices to run for only one position at an election
A measure that would change regular municipal elections, which are currently held in odd years, to even numbered years

Full city of Boulder ballot measure language

In Colorado

A measure that would create the State Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) and dedicate one-tenth of one percent (0.01%) of state income tax revenue to fund affordable housing programs and projects
A measure that would decriminalize the personal use and possession (for adults age 21 and older) of certain hallucinogenic/entheogenic plants and fungi
A measure that would allow grocery stores, convenience stores, and other businesses that are licensed to sell beer to also sell wine and conduct wine tastings
A measure that would decrease the state income tax rate from 4.55% to 4.40%

Full State of Colorado Blue Book information

How to Vote

It's easier than an 8 a.m. class

It’s easy to vote, but, just like your classes, participation matters. Make a plan to research your ballot and vote by Nov. 8.

Colorado makes it easy to register and vote, but there are a few steps every voter must take to ensure they receive a ballot and can cast their vote. Every voter in Colorado receives a ballot in the mail, but you must be registered and your information must be up to date.

Update your address: If you plan to vote in Colorado, you can register to vote or update your registration online at GoVoteColorado.gov.
Receive your ballot in the mail: You must register or update your address online by Oct. 31 to receive a ballot by mail. You can also go to the Vote Center at University Memorial Center Room 235 starting October 24, or the Village Center Dining and Community Commons multipurpose room on Nov 7 and 8 to register to vote and/or get a ballot/vote in person. ID required (Buff OneCard accepted). Colorado does not have a registration deadline—you may register and vote up to and including Election Day, Nov. 8.
Research the candidates and the issues: What is on the 2022 ballot?
Fill out your ballot
Drop your ballot in the mail, at the UMC or Williams Village voter services center, or at an official ballot drop box: CU Boulder has two 24-hour drop boxes: One outside the south entrance of the UMC and one at Williams Village. Any Colorado voter may use these boxes or any other Boulder County drop box.
Out-of-state students: If you are registered in another state, you may request an absentee ballot from your home state or you can register to vote in Colorado. Act now! Deadlines may apply for out-of-state voter registration. Visit vote.gov to learn more.

Where to Vote

In-person registration and voting begins Oct. 24 at the UMC. Visit the Vote Center at the UMC to register to vote and/or get a ballot/vote in person. ID required (Buff OneCard accepted). Colorado does not have a registration deadline. You may register and vote up to and including Election Day, Nov. 8.

Hours for the Vote Center at the UMC

Oct. 24-28, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 5: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 7: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hours for the Vote Center at Williams Village

Monday, Nov. 7: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CU Boulder also has two 24-hour drop boxes: Outside the UMC closest to Euclid Avenue and one at Williams Village. Any Coloradan may use these boxes or any other Boulder County drop box (out of county ballots will be rerouted to the correct county). If voting an out-of-state ballot, please follow its ballot return instructions.

News & Events

November’s general election: What you need to know

Have you made your voting plan yet? Make a plan to confirm registration, research your ballot and vote by Nov. 8. Read more

Why only some voters have climate change on the brain this November

Assistant Professor Matt Burgess discusses the political polarization of climate change and efforts to reduce it, as voters cast their ballots in the midterm elections. Read more

Colorado voters have faith in statewide elections, concerns about the economy

A new survey of Coloradans led by CU Boulder finds nearly 71% of residents believe elections in the state will be conducted "fairly and accurately" in 2022. Read more

Resources

Pro tip. The most common reason a ballot is discarded is an inability to verify the signature on the envelope. Learn more about the importance of your signature in this Boulder County Clerk & Recorder video.

Chancellor's State of the Campus address. Chancellor Philip DiStefano shares his perspective on how universities can help support and sustain democracy.
University Libraries Election Resources.
Center for Teaching and Learning support for instructors.
University guidelines for employee campaign activity, expression.
Boulder County. Find more election information at the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office (available en Español)
Boulder County student voting guidelines
Boulder County sample ballot. See the issues and candidates on this year's local ballot.
Colorado Secretary of State. Find state election information, including arguments for and against ballot issues.
Free expression. Learn about free expression on campus.
Buffs vote. Center for Student Involvement election resources.
CUUF Policy. Learn about the Campus Use of University Facilities Policy as it relates to canvassing and other activities related to elections.

Election 2022: What You Need to Know

Helpful links:

Why vote?

Buffs are All In on Democracy

What’s on the ballot?

In Boulder

2 Ballot Issues (TABOR)

4 Ballot Questions

In Colorado

How to Vote

It's easier than an 8 a.m. class

Where to Vote

News & Events

November’s general election: What you need to know

Why only some voters have climate change on the brain this November

Colorado voters have faith in statewide elections, concerns about the economy

Resources

Get Help

Getting Around

Information for

Initiatives

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Election 2022: What You Need to Know

Helpful links:

Why vote?

Buffs are All In on Democracy

What’s on the ballot?

In Boulder

2 Ballot Issues (TABOR)

4 Ballot Questions

In Colorado

How to Vote

It's easier than an 8 a.m. class

Where to Vote

News & Events

November’s general election: What you need to know

Why only some voters have climate change on the brain this November

Colorado voters have faith in statewide elections, concerns about the economy

Resources

Get Help

Getting Around

Information for

Initiatives