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COLUMBUS — The long-awaited move for the Colorado County Elections Office has finally been completed after the department set up shop at 1117 Travis St., a former Justice of the Peace Office.
The move was completed in preparation for the 2024 elections throughout the year that begin with the March primaries. The county will be holding joint primaries this election season, meaning both Democrats and Republicans will vote at the same location at their designated polling place in their respective precincts.
There is still construction work being done on the exterior of the building, and the Elections Office is monitoring the situation to ensure that the front entrance is available for voters to enter through without concern. The exterior construction’s status is to be confirmed before the early voting period begins on Feb. 20.
The department cited a few reasons behind the move that provide ample justification for why it is beneficial. According to the Elections Office, the new center provides “a self-contained environment for election security.” It also provides more space for its voting area as well as “ease of access” for residents.
Early voting will also move over to the new Election Center as the Colorado County Annex will no longer be a polling location. Precinct 305 will also vote at the new location on Election Day as the Agricultural Building will not be a polling location either.
After entering the building and placing their votes, residents will be directed to exit through the side doors of the facility to help facilitate an efficient polling process.
Parking spots designated for Curbside Voting will be marked at the front of the building. Ballots by mail must be sent to the new address at 1117 Travis St.
The March primaries begin with an early voting period that begins on Feb. 20 and ends on March 1. March 5 is the date of Election Day for various local, state and national government positions.
Those who have not given themselves a party designation for the year 2024 may vote in either party’s primary. Once their vote is submitted, they have shown their affiliation and can vote in only that party’s run-off elections for the rest of the primary election season. Voters by mail must also designate which party’s primary they are voting for, which will also mark a party affiliation. Affiliations expire at the end of the calendar year on Dec. 31.
