Colorado civic guide
The laws and deadlines that matter when you want to change something in Colorado: how to get public records, how public meetings work, and how to vote.
Your 2026 election
General election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Register by
- Online Oct 26 · Mail Oct 26 (to get a mail ballot) · In person through Nov 3
- Same-day registration
- Yes, at voter service centers through Election Day
- Early voting
- Oct 19 – Nov 2 (all voters are also mailed ballots)
- Statewide ballot measures
- 14 on the ballot
- Cap the state income tax rate (Prop 136)
- Require ID for mail ballot voting (Amendment 84)
- Change how congressional districts are drawn (Amendment 86)
- + 11 more
Titles as listed by official sources. Read the full text and the official summary before you vote.
Public records
Anyone can ask a government agency for copies of its records. You usually don't have to say why.
- Law
- Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)
- Citation
- C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq.
- First response deadline
- 3 working days; up to 7 more working days in extenuating circumstances (§ 24-72-203(3)(b))
Open meetings
Most government boards must meet in public and post notice ahead of time.
- Law
- Colorado Open Meetings Law (Sunshine Law)
- Citation
- C.R.S. § 24-6-401 et seq.
Recording conversations
One-party consent
This is about recording conversations. Recording officials in public is a separate question that courts decide case by case.
More to know
- Pre-registration age (sign up before 18)
- 15 (lowered from 16 by SB24-210, effective Jan. 1, 2025)
- Ballot initiatives
- Yes. Citizens can petition to put new laws and constitutional amendments on the ballot.
What's bugging you in Colorado?
Pick an issue and we'll show you who handles it and help you write to them.
Start on Civic Ladder →Learn the skillsSources
- https://www.colorado.gov/governor/CORA
- https://www.rcfp.org/open-government-guide/colorado/
- https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/preregistration-for-young-voters
- https://news.ballotpedia.org/2024/07/16/new-laws-related-to-ranked-choice-voting-and-youth-voting-among-six-new-approved-election-bills-in-colorado/
- https://www.kktv.com/2026/09/07/colorados-2026-general-election-ballot-has-been-certified-what-you-need-know/
- https://ruvoting.rutgers.edu/states/colorado/
General civic information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change; confirm with the official office. Election details as researched 2026-10-17.