More El Paso County voters had returned their ballots than anywhere else in the state as of Sunday evening, beating out Denver and Jefferson counties ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections.
While El Paso County is the largest in the state by population, the sheer number of residents wasn’t driving turnout, Secretary of State records showed, because Denver, the second-largest county by population, was coming in third for the overall number of ballots returned, behind Jefferson County, which had a higher percentage of residents participating.
To help turn out voters, Democratic and Republican volunteers have been working to raise awareness about higher-profile races for governor and Congressional District 5, as well as newly competitive local races, including County Commission District 5 in southeast Colorado Springs.
Democrats are expected to dominate statewide races in November and so the primary races have brought out passion in volunteers working on individual campaigns, said John Jarrell, chairman of the El Paso County Democratic Party.
“People are really fired up to help support their favorite candidate,” he said, noting the party does not support individuals until the general election.
Volunteers with Peak Republicans, a group that helps candidates campaign, knocked on between 8,000 to 10,000 doors and gathered in highly visible areas this weekend “for honk and waves” to boost turnout, said Jody Richie, a founder. Peak Republicans formed in 2022 when the county party was not assisting all Republican candidates in their races.
She said it could be realistic for Republicans to boost their numbers in the state legislature, so they have better representation on committees to help shape better bills.
“If we can turn three or four seats, we will be in a conversation again,” she said.
The El Paso County GOP also worked to raise awareness about the election, knocking on 4,000 doors and representing all the GOP candidates equally with literature, said Ken Davis, party chairman.
The race among Barb Kirkmeyer, Scott Bottoms and Victor Marx in the GOP primary for governor is attracting the most attention, he said.
“That’s one where everyone is trying to get to know the candidates,” he said.
Turnover of 35% possible
As of Sunday night, state data showed El Paso County voters had returned 96,000 ballots, about 18% of active voters. Across the state, turnout was about 19%.
Jefferson County voters returned about 94,000 ballots, for a turnout of about 22%, and Denver County residents had turned in about 83,700 ballots.
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker said he expected large waves of ballots in the next two days, with about 20,000 on Monday and around 50,000 ballots on Tuesday.
He is hopeful the county could see an overall turnout of 35%. Turning out voters for a June 30 election, amid summer vacation season, is typically tough, Schleiker said.
Interest is expected to rise during the November midterms, particularly as the National Democratic Party helps fund the effort to oust Republican Rep. Jeff Crank, Jarrell said.
“We are expecting there to be a lot more investment in El Paso County,” he said.
Democrat Jessica Killin, a former Washington insider, and Joe Reagan, who has worked in nonprofits, are competing to challenge Crank.
Locally, Jarrell also expects to see competitive races for El Paso County Commission District 5 and House District 16, previously held by Rep. Rebecca Keltie, who is not running again.
Former Rep. Steph Vigil lost the seat to Keltie by three votes two years ago. Vigil is running again and will face either School District 11 Board Member Jill Haffley or Jamie Koch, the practical government school coordinator for Charis Bible College.
The Democrats also have a chance to elect someone to the El Paso County Commission for the first time in more than 50 years, following redistricting that united southeast Colorado Springs.
Former Colorado Springs City Councilwoman Yolanda Avila is facing community organizer Christian Seale in the primary for the seat.
Incumbent Lauren Nelson is running against former GOP chair Vickie Tonkins in the Republican primary.
Davis said he expected voters to prioritize a conservative county commission.
Voting in El Paso County
For those who have yet to cast a ballot, Colorado residents can register to vote on Election Day and ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Postmarks do not count.
El Paso County offers 44 drop boxes and eight in-person voter service centers.
The voter service centers are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
The centers are open at:
1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs
200 S. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs
6351 Wetzel Ave. Building 1525 Fort Carson
8830 N. Union Blvd. Colorado Springs
5650 Industrial Place, Colorado Springs
101 N. Main St., Fountain
10301 Angeles Road, Falcon
259 Beacon Lite Road, Monument