Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races
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Colorado voters go to the ballot box this month to decide which candidates will advance to the November general election.
Why it matters: Now that the Democrats are the dominant party in Colorado, primary elections hold as much importance as the November vote, particularly in key races where the majority party is expected to win.
- And who Republicans nominate will determine whether the general election races are competitive.
Zoom in: Here's a quick guide to what you need to know.
Editor's note: This story will be updated with additional coverage ahead of the primary election.
How to vote
The primary election is June 30. All ballots must be submitted by 7pm on election day.
- Mail ballots were sent in early June to all active voters.
- Drop boxes and polling places are now open. Locations for both are posted on the local county clerk's website.
- It's too late to submit ballots through the mail, so take them to a drop box.
Zoom in: You must be 18 or older and a U.S. citizen to vote in Colorado. Register to vote with a valid ID through Election Day.
- If you're currently incarcerated, you cannot vote. But if you're on parole, probation or have served your sentence, you are eligible.
- Track your ballot to make sure it counts through BallotTrax. Sign up here.
Pro tips: If you are an unaffiliated voter, you will receive two ballot choices, the Democratic or Republican primaries.
- You can only submit one ballot, and which ballot you pick is a public record.
- If you want to vote in the Unity Party primary election for governor, ask your county clerk for the ballot. To vote on the Libertarian ticket, you must already be a party member.
- If you damaged or misplaced your ballot, request a new one from your county clerk.
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
The Democratic U.S. Senate race features incumbent John Hickenlooper and challenger Julie Gonzales, a state senator. Both are from Denver.
- On the Republican side, state Sen. Mark Baisley from Woodland Park is running unopposed for his party's nomination.
1-minute voter guide: Hickenlooper faces progressive challenger
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- Julie Gonzales qualifies for the primary ballot
- Hickenlooper vows to "fight like hell" against President Trump's policies
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Democratic primary for governor
The battle for Colorado governor between two Democratic heavyweights, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, is the premier race in the primary election.
- Both candidates and their supporters are raising big money and spending it on attack ads.
1-minute voter guide: Bennet and Weiser is a heavyweight Democratic battle
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Republican primary for governor
The three-way race for the GOP nomination for governor features an eclectic mix of candidates.
- State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer is the most established contender. She faces ministry leader and first-time candidate Victor Marx and conservative firebrand state Rep. Scott Bottoms.
1-minute voter guide: GOP faces major decision in governor's race
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Democratic primary for attorney general
This four-way contest is led by Secretary of State Jena Griswold. The three other contenders are Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, former assistant U.S. attorney Hetal Doshi and progressive nonprofit leader and attorney David Seligman.
1-minute voter guide: The crowded Democratic primary for AG
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Democratic primary for secretary of state
State Sen. Jessie Danielson and Jefferson County clerk Amanda Gonzalez are focused on election integrity in this Democratic battle to replace outgoing Secretary Jena Griswold.
1-minute voter guide: Danielson and Gonzalez outline their priorities
Republican primary for attorney general
El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen and attorney and U.S. Navy veteran David Willson are competing for the GOP nomination for attorney general.
1-minute voter guide: Allen and Willson offer different perspectives
1st Congressional District Democratic primary
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette faces two challengers in Wanda James and Melat Kiros for the Denver-based congressional seat.
- Because the district leans heavily Democratic, the primary's winner is heavily favored during the November election.
1-minute voter guide: DeGette faces serious primary challenger
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4th District Democratic primary
Former Republican and retired Navy Rear Adm. Eileen Laubacher, 57, enters the primary's final weeks as the favorite and faces write-in candidate Jenna Preston, a clinical psychologist from Parker.
1-minute voter guide: Laubacher set to face Boebert in 4th District
5th District Democratic primary
Two Democratic candidates, Jessica Killin and Joe Reagan, are competing for an opportunity to face off against Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank in November.
- Even though the 5th Congressional District is seen as strong Republican territory, Democrats believe they have an opportunity as growth is changing the electorate.
1-minute voter guide: Killin leads the way in top Dem race
8th District Democratic primary
State Rep. Manny Rutinel and former state Rep. Shannon Bird can agree on Democratic priorities but their paths to the race are what sets them apart.
- The primary winner will face Republican Rep. Gabe Evans in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
1-minute voter guide: Bird and Rutinel battle in much-watched race
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CU Regents 2nd District
Three candidates are competing for the 2nd Congressional District's Democratic nomination for the University of Colorado Board of Regents seat.
1 minute voter guide: Inside the CU regents race