Colorado officials reopen voting access for flood-hit southwest counties
Archuleta and La Plata counties adjusted polling locations and drop boxes on Monday to ensure residents displaced by severe flooding can cast their ballots before the deadline.
By Mateo Thompson ·
Election officials in Archuleta and La Plata counties modified voting infrastructure on Monday in response to severe flooding in the region. The changes allow affected residents to access replacement ballots at any polling center within the state.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold confirmed that the Archuleta County polling center at the Ross Aragon Community Center and the Town Hall drop box in Pagosa Springs are closed due to flood risks. To replace these sites, officials activated two new voting centers and a new drop box. The new locations include the Archuleta County Courthouse at 109 Harmon Park Drive, the Pagosa Springs Election Office at 305 Village Drive, the Archuleta County Extension Office at 344 U.S. 84, and the Pine River Library at 395 Bayfield Center Drive. Additional drop boxes are now situated at 10 Solomon Drive in Pagosa Springs and 333 Milton Lane in Arboles.
The Pine River Library will operate as a joint voter center for both Archuleta and La Plata counties. Residents who visit a voting center in their home county will receive a ballot containing all local and state races. Those who travel to a different county to replace their ballot will only have the option to vote in statewide races.
La Plata County did not close any existing voting locations. However, the county clerk is deploying mobile voting centers to local evacuation shelters to assist displaced voters. Griswold stated that these measures ensure Coloradans can make their voices heard despite the weather conditions.
"Through thick and thin, Colorado election workers continue to deliver for every eligible voter in the state," Griswold said.
Voters who cannot visit a physical location or return their mail-in ballot due to flooding may request an emergency ballot online. A complete list of active voter centers and drop box locations is available on the Colorado Secretary of State's website.
