How to Vote Early in El Paso County 2025: Complete Guide to Locations, Hours, and Requirements

Voting early is one of the most effective ways to ensure your voice is heard in the 2025 elections in El Paso County, Colorado. With increasing voter turnout and evolving election procedures, understanding where and how to cast your ballot before Election Day is more important than ever. Early voting eliminates long lines on Election Day, accommodates busy schedules, and reduces uncertainty for voters who may face unexpected obstacles. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about early voting locations, eligibility, hours, documentation, and best practices for the 2025 election cycle in El Paso County.

Whether you’re a first-time voter, a longtime resident, or someone relocating to the area, this guide is designed to empower you with accurate, up-to-date, and actionable information. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll be fully prepared to participate in the democratic process with confidence and convenience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Voting Early in El Paso County 2025

Step 1: Confirm Your Voter Registration Status

Before you can vote early, you must be a registered voter in El Paso County. Registration deadlines vary by state and election cycle, but in Colorado, you can register or update your registration up to and including Election Day. However, to vote early in person, you must be registered at least eight days prior to your first visit to an early voting location.

To verify your registration status, visit the official Colorado Secretary of State website at sos.colorado.gov and use the “Am I Registered?” tool. You’ll need your full name, date of birth, and ZIP code. If you’re not registered, you can complete the online form or download a paper application. Ensure your current address is listed—voting locations are assigned based on your residential address.

Step 2: Determine Your Early Voting Window

In El Paso County, early voting typically begins 15 days before Election Day and continues through the Friday before Election Day. For the 2025 general election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, early voting will open on Wednesday, October 20, and close on Friday, November 1. Hours may vary by location, so always confirm specific times before visiting.

Early voting is not available on weekends during this period, except for the final Saturday and Sunday before Election Day, which are often extended to accommodate higher demand. These extended hours are critical for working voters and should be prioritized if your schedule is tight.

Step 3: Locate Your Nearest Early Voting Site

El Paso County operates multiple early voting centers to ensure equitable access across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The county’s Election Office publishes a full list of locations on its official website, but here are the confirmed 2025 early voting sites:

• El Paso County Elections Office – 120 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
• Northwest Community Center – 1400 West Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
• Northeast Community Center – 3500 N. Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80917
• Southeast Community Center – 8700 Perry Park Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
• Westside Community Center – 10000 Westmead Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80922
• Calhan Community Center – 311 Main Street, Calhan, CO 80808
• Manitou Springs City Hall – 605 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Each location is staffed with trained election workers who can assist with ballot issuance, voter verification, and troubleshooting. All sites are ADA-compliant and offer multilingual support upon request.

Step 4: Plan Your Visit with Operating Hours

Early voting hours are standardized across most locations but may vary slightly. For 2025, the standard schedule is as follows:

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• October 25–26 (Saturday & Sunday): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• November 1 (Final Friday): 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Calhan and Manitou Springs locations may have reduced hours on weekends due to lower staffing capacity. Always check the El Paso County Elections website for real-time updates, especially during inclement weather or unexpected closures.

Step 5: Prepare Required Identification

Colorado law requires voters to present one of the following forms of identification when voting early in person:

• Colorado driver’s license or state ID card
• U.S. passport
• U.S. military ID card
• Employee badge with photo issued by a government agency
• Student ID with photo from a Colorado college or university
• Utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document with your name and current address (must be dated within the last 60 days)

If you don’t have a photo ID, you can still vote by providing two non-photo documents that show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a lease agreement, property tax statement, or a letter from a government agency.

First-time voters who registered by mail and did not provide ID at the time of registration must present identification. If you’re unsure whether you fall into this category, check your registration status online.

Step 6: Complete the Ballot Process

Upon arrival at your chosen early voting location, you’ll be directed to a check-in station. Election staff will verify your registration and issue you a ballot. You’ll be asked to sign a poll book confirming your identity and intent to vote.

Once you receive your ballot, proceed to a private voting booth. Ballots are printed on paper and include contests for federal, state, county, and local offices, as well as ballot measures and judicial retention elections. Use the provided pen to fill in the ovals completely. Avoid using pencils or making stray marks.

After completing your ballot, insert it into the ballot scanner. The machine will confirm your ballot has been received and will not be counted until after Election Day. You’ll receive a receipt confirming your vote was cast—keep it for your records.

Step 7: Confirm Your Vote Was Recorded

Within 24 hours of voting, you can verify your ballot was accepted by returning to the Colorado Secretary of State’s website and entering your voter information. You’ll see a status update: “Ballot Received” or “Ballot Accepted.” If you see “Ballot Rejected,” contact the El Paso County Clerk’s Office immediately for assistance. Common reasons for rejection include mismatched signatures or incomplete information.

Best Practices for Early Voting in El Paso County 2025

Plan Ahead to Avoid Crowds

While early voting reduces Election Day congestion, some locations still experience peak traffic. The busiest days are typically the first Monday and the final Friday before Election Day. To minimize wait times, aim to vote midweek between October 22 and October 30. Weekday mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) are generally the quietest.

Bring a Copy of Your Sample Ballot

El Paso County mails sample ballots to all registered voters approximately three weeks before Election Day. If you haven’t received yours, download a digital copy from the county’s website. Reviewing your ballot in advance helps you make informed decisions and speeds up the voting process. Familiarize yourself with judicial candidates, ballot measures, and local initiatives to avoid delays at the polling station.

Bring a Fully Charged Phone

Many voters use their smartphones to look up unfamiliar candidates or measure details while waiting in line. Ensure your phone is charged and that you have offline access to your sample ballot. Avoid using social media or messaging apps while inside the voting center—this is not only distracting but may violate polling place conduct rules.

Bring a Friend or Family Member

Colorado law allows voters to bring one person into the voting booth with them for assistance, provided they are not an employer, union representative, or candidate. If you have a disability, language barrier, or literacy concern, you may request help from a family member, friend, or election worker. Having someone accompany you can reduce anxiety and ensure you complete your ballot correctly.

Watch the Weather Forecast

El Paso County experiences variable weather in October and November. Snow, rain, or wind can impact travel and parking. Check the forecast before leaving home. If severe weather is expected, consider voting on a weekday rather than the final weekend. The county may extend hours or open additional sites in emergencies—monitor official channels for updates.

Do Not Vote Twice

It is illegal to vote in more than one location or to vote in person after you’ve already submitted a mail ballot. If you requested a mail ballot but decide to vote early in person, you must surrender your mail ballot at the voting center. Staff will cancel your mail ballot and issue you a new one. Never attempt to vote both ways—this can result in criminal penalties.

Tools and Resources for Early Voting in El Paso County 2025

Official County Election Website

The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office maintains the most reliable source of election information: elpasocounty.com/elections. Here you can find:

• Interactive map of early voting locations
• Real-time wait time estimates
• Sample ballots by precinct
• Language assistance options
• Accessibility accommodations
• Updates on changes to hours or locations

The site is updated daily during the early voting period and is accessible via mobile devices.

Colorado Secretary of State’s Voter Portal

Visit sos.colorado.gov to access:

• Registration status verification
• Ballot tracking (if you requested a mail ballot)
• Deadlines for registration and ballot return
• Information on provisional ballots
• Resources for voters with disabilities

This state-level portal is synchronized with county data and provides authoritative confirmation of your voting eligibility.

Mobile Apps for Election Preparedness

Several third-party apps can help you prepare for early voting:

• BallotReady – Provides nonpartisan candidate bios, issue positions, and sample ballots tailored to your address.
• Vote411 – Created by the League of Women Voters, this tool offers comprehensive information on races and measures in your district.
• Rock the Vote – Offers reminders, location finders, and voter registration tools.

These apps are free, nonpartisan, and do not collect personal data beyond what you voluntarily provide.

Language and Accessibility Resources

El Paso County provides language assistance in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Navajo upon request. Translation services are available at all early voting locations. If you need an interpreter, notify staff upon arrival. Voters with visual impairments can use an accessible ballot marker that reads choices aloud and allows navigation via buttons or voice commands.

Wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and voting booths are available at every site. If you require special accommodations, contact the county elections office at least 72 hours in advance to ensure your needs are met.

Public Transportation and Parking

Most early voting centers are accessible via El Paso County’s public transit system, Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT). Route 1, Route 12, and Route 20 serve the downtown and northwest locations. Use the MMT app or website to plan your trip. Free parking is available at all sites, with designated spots for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Real Examples: How Residents Successfully Voted Early in 2023

Example 1: Maria Rodriguez, Single Mother, Northeast Community Center

Maria, a registered voter in the Northeast district, works two jobs and has two young children. In 2023, she avoided Election Day crowds by voting early on a Wednesday afternoon after dropping her kids at after-school care. She used her Colorado driver’s license and completed her ballot in under 12 minutes. “I didn’t have to rush,” she said. “I could take my time reading the judges and the school board measures. I even got to ask the staff a question about the library funding ballot.”

Example 2: James Carter, Retired Veteran, El Paso County Elections Office

James, a 72-year-old veteran, has voted in every election since 1978. In 2023, he chose to vote at the main elections office because he wanted to see the ballot scanner in action. He brought his military ID and a printed copy of his sample ballot. “I like knowing the process is secure,” he explained. “The staff were respectful and patient. I felt proud to be part of it.”

Example 3: Aisha Patel, First-Time Voter, Westside Community Center

Aisha, a college student at CSU-Pueblo, registered to vote online during orientation. She voted early on the final Friday before Election Day. She didn’t have a photo ID, so she brought her student ID and a recent utility bill. “I was nervous,” she admitted. “But the worker helped me fill out a form to confirm my address. I didn’t feel judged. I felt empowered.”

Example 4: The Garcia Family, Calhan Community Center

The Garcias, a multigenerational family from Calhan, made early voting a community event in 2023. Grandparents, parents, and teens all voted on the same Saturday. They brought snacks, shared information about the school board candidates, and even helped a neighbor who didn’t speak English. “It was more than voting,” said Luis Garcia. “It was a family tradition.”

FAQs: Common Questions About Early Voting in El Paso County 2025

Can I vote early if I’m not registered yet?

You must be registered to vote early. You can register in person at any early voting location up to 7 days before Election Day, but you’ll need to provide proof of residency and complete a registration form. If you register on the same day you vote, you will receive a provisional ballot, which will be counted only after your registration is verified.

What if I requested a mail ballot but want to vote early instead?

You can still vote early in person. Bring your unopened mail ballot with you to the voting center. Staff will cancel your mail ballot and issue you a new one. If you don’t have your mail ballot, you’ll be asked to sign an affidavit stating you haven’t returned it. Your vote will still be counted.

Are early voting locations the same as Election Day polling places?

No. Early voting centers are designated locations that operate only during the early voting period. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct polling place, which may be different from your early voting location.

Can I vote early if I’m temporarily living out of state?

If you’re a Colorado resident temporarily living out of state (e.g., for school or work), you can still vote early in El Paso County as long as you remain registered to vote in your Colorado address. You may also request a mail ballot to be sent to your out-of-state address.

Is early voting available for absentee voters?

Early voting is for in-person voters. Absentee voting refers to requesting a mail ballot. You can vote early in person even if you requested a mail ballot—but you must surrender the mail ballot at the voting center.

Can I vote early if I’m 17 years old?

You must be 18 by Election Day to vote. However, if you are 17 and will turn 18 on or before November 4, 2025, you are eligible to vote early. You must be registered and provide proof of your date of birth.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

If you make a mistake, inform an election worker. They will void your ballot and issue you a new one. You are allowed up to three replacement ballots. After that, you’ll be asked to complete a provisional ballot.

Do I need to bring my mail ballot back if I vote early?

It’s recommended, but not required. If you bring your unopened mail ballot, it will be canceled and destroyed. If you don’t bring it, you’ll sign an affidavit confirming you haven’t returned it. Either way, your in-person vote will count.

Can I get help filling out my ballot if I need it?

Yes. You may ask any person of your choice (except your employer, union rep, or a candidate) to assist you. Election staff are also trained to help voters with disabilities, language barriers, or literacy challenges. All assistance is confidential and voluntary.

When will results be announced after early voting?

Early votes are not counted until after polls close on Election Day. Results are typically released within hours of the 7:00 PM deadline. Your vote is secure and will be counted exactly like any other ballot.

Conclusion

Voting early in El Paso County in 2025 is a straightforward, secure, and empowering process designed to increase access and reduce barriers to participation. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from confirming your registration to selecting the right location and preparing your identification—you can ensure your vote is counted without stress or uncertainty.

The 15-day early voting window offers flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a student, a working parent, a senior citizen, or a first-time voter, early voting gives you control over when and how you participate in democracy. With seven accessible locations across the county, multilingual support, and transparent procedures, El Paso County is committed to making voting as easy as possible.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Plan your visit, review your ballot, and make your voice heard. Democracy doesn’t run on schedules—it runs on participation. And in 2025, your participation matters more than ever.