Make sure you're ready to vote

The League of Women Voters (LWV) of La Plata County is an organization dedicated to educating the public about its right to vote as a part of our democracy and empowering voters with the information they need to exercise that right. We help community members be informed and work to motivate them to exercise their right to vote; we’ve been educating voters for more than 100 years.

If we choose not to vote, we cede power to those who do. Voting is the foundation of our democracy, so we hope you will make your voice known – and encourage others to do so as well.

?With November’s election fast approaching, LWV is encouraging all voters to check their voter registration status. We’re within 60 days of voting on Nov. 5, and now is the time for voters to double check their registration status to ensure they receive their ballot. Have you moved or changed your mailing address? Have you gotten married or divorced? Changed your name? Do you need an absentee ballot, because you’ll be out of the country on election day? These are all changes you can take care of now.

There’s an easy step you can take in advance of voting in federal elections to make sure your registration status is active. Just go online and check your status by using these sites: GoVoteColorado.gov; VOTE411.org; vote.gov; or IWillVote.com.

Each of these websites lets you check your voter registration status and make any necessary updates.  Once you’ve made any changes, LWV encourages you to take a screenshot, keep it handy, and if there are any issues, you’ve got proof that you’re an active voter. If there’s any question at the polls, you’ve got documentation.

For students who are currently studying abroad, they can request an overseas absentee ballot at: students.votefromabroad.org. 

If you have questions about this or anything regarding voting, contact our County Clerk Tiffany Lee, elections@lpcgov.org or (970) 382-6296.

Getting registered is the first step. It’s equally important to stay registered and make sure you protect your right to vote. Now you know how. Please, share this with everyone you know. Voting is too important not to.

For more information on candidates, ballot issues or other voter questions, please go to www.Vote411.org or check the LWV website at www.lwvlaplata.org for more information.

–Laurie Meininger and Jan Phillips, LWV La Plata; and Tiffany Lee, La Plata County Clerk and Recorder