Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
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
Go deeper
- Julie Gonzales qualifies for the primary ballot
- Hickenlooper vows to "fight like hell" against President Trump's policies
- Hickenlooper's absence from campaign events draws scrutiny
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
Go deeper
- Without Bennet, Weiser dominates the assembly vote for governor
- Colorado AG Phil Weiser hits Trump with 50th lawsuit
- In 1st ad, Phil Weiser says Colorado needs a fighter
- Weiser's fundraising most aligns with Gov. Jared Polis'
- Trump looms large in Colorado's Democratic governor primary
- 5 takeaways from Colorado campaign fundraising reports in the governor's race
- Bloomberg drops $750K to boost Bennet in Dem governor primary
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
Go deeper
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
Go deeper
- Griswold, not Trump, is 1st target in Colorado's Democratic attorney general race
- AG race pivots on experience and Jena Griswold's false claims
- Colorado AG primary remains tight after party assembly
- Dem AG candidates clash over experience, leadership, Trump
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
Go deeper
- Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary
- DeGette won't back down in competitive Dem primary
- Progressive challenger tests DeGette's hold
- Wanda James downplays spoiler role in 1st District primary
- DeGette vows to stay in the fight as progressive challenger emerges
- DeGette avoids upset, makes 1st District ballot
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
Go deeper
- Rutinel and Bird take a negative race face-to-face
- Scoop: Piñata stunt fuels tensions in 8th District Democratic primary
- How Latino voters could sway key Colorado races
- The most effective state lawmaker in Colorado
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
