EL PASO COUNTY – Time is running out to turn in those ballots for the 2018 Midterm Elections.
As of Monday, about 1.5 million Coloradans had already voted. With about 3.7 million registered voters in the state there are plenty of people who still haven’t cast their ballot.
On Monday, last-minute efforts were going on to encourage everyone to voice their opinions.
Deb Walker, executive director of Citizens Project, said, “We’re trying to find new and engaging and fun ways to really get people to come out.”
Election results may not be in until Tuesday night, but on Monday at the Chapel Hills Mall a party had already begun.
Walker said, “Both today and tomorrow we’re having voter celebrations at both of our malls which also happen to be voter service and polling centers.”
Citizens Project and the League of Women Voters teamed up for this activity.
“Our main objective is to just let them understand that it’s easy and it matters…if that means we incentivize them to come to the mall and have a piece of cake, and sing some karaoke then that’s important to us.”
Michael Holland took advantage of this last-minute effort. He voted at the mall on Monday.
“You really have to do a lot of research to actually vote,” said Holland. “It’s good to take your time, study the material, know what it is that you’re voting for.”
He had some encouragement to those who haven’t voted yet.
“People have fought and died for the right to be able to vote…voting is something that everyone should not take for granted.”
Other Get Out the Vote efforts on Monday: the El Paso County Democratic Party conducted a virtual phone bank and the El Paso County Republican Party gathered at the county’s victory office.
Voter Dawn Parker said, “I vote every election. You don’t really have no excuse. If you don’t vote and then you turn around and complain, everybody needs to get out and really express their opinion…whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, or whatever the case may be.”
Tuesday’s voter celebration hosted by Citizens Project and the League of Women Voters will be held at the Citadel Mall from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If you need help registering, getting a replacement ballot, or anything else that can still be done Tuesday at polling stations.
Ballots need to be cast or dropped off Tuesday by 7 p.m.
