Colorado Common Cause Reminds Voters “Election Night is not Results Night”

Election officials expect to have over 3 million ballots to count if 2020 turnout numbers hold 

Denver, CO — Colorado voters have until 7 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 8 to cast a ballot in person or to hand return their mail ballot to a drop box or a Voter Service and Polling Center for the 2022 midterm election. As voters head to the polls, Colorado Common Cause is reminding the public that it may take several days for election officials to finalize results.  

“It’s crucial every voice is heard in this election and that means counting every vote,” said Elena Nunez, director of state operations for Colorado Common Cause. “It takes time to count every vote accurately and that’s why election night is not results night. Even if we don’t know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every voter’s ballot is counted accurately.”

Before election officials can begin counting ballots, they must first process ballots, which includes checking to make sure the declaration on the outside of the envelope is signed by the voter and that the signature matches the signature on file. If a voter’s signature is missing or does not match the signature on file, elections officials must notify that voter and give them an opportunity to “cure” the problem. All of these steps take time.

Colorado is one of 10 states that permit election workers to begin processing and counting ballots before Election Day.

“Even though we may not know the election winners when we go to bed, what matters most is making sure every eligible voter’s ballot is counted accurately,” said Nunez. 

In 2020, 87% of Colorado voters turned out to vote, with over 3 million ballots cast. If voter turnout numbers hold, Colorado can expect to see similar numbers again in this year’s midterm election.