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Here's what to expect if you are voting in El Paso County today

Posted at 5:12 AM, Nov 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-03 08:52:02-05

COLORADO SPRINGS — Election Day is finally here, and county officials across southern Colorado are expecting people to come out in droves to cast their ballot in person.

Polling centers around the area are set to open up at 7 a.m. Tuesday. If you do plan on casting your vote, whether in person or if you plan on dropping off your ballot, here's what you need to know:

In El Paso County there are 37 secure 24-hour ballot drop boxes throughout the area. All boxes are open until 7 p.m. These boxes are emptied by bipartisan teams of election judges multiple times a day.

El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, Chuck Broerman, says they've had almost 300,000 ballots returned in the county so far, compared to the 327,000 ballots returned for the whole cycle in 2016.

County officials are thinking they'll hit 375,000 returned ballots; Far exceeding the total in 2016.

Broerman says with so many people voting, he's hoping folks who have at least already registered, will utilize the dozens of drop boxes securely placed across the county.

"It's more important than ever that people vote that mail ballot that they have at home that's been sitting on their counter for three weeks," Broerman explained. "Our vote centers are really designed for people who need that unique service on election day."

In other words, people who haven't registered to vote, residents who are disabled and may need help casting their ballot in person, and people who are first-time voters should be using the polling centers on a day like this, while the rest of us, according to Broerman, should use a dropbox location in an effort to keep election day as smooth as possible.

Remember all ballots must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder's office by 7 p.m to be counted. Broerman says the earlier you come the less waiting you'll have to do. Keep that in mind as you time out your day on this Election Tuesday.

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In Person Voting Locations and Ballot Drop Box Locations in Pueblo County for Election 2020