Why missing Colorado’s June elections could shape your November choices

The Overlooked Battle That Shapes November

Every four years, Colorado’s general election in November draws national attention—crowds gather, debates dominate headlines, and voter turnout soars. But just months earlier, in June, another election takes place. One that quietly decides the real winners in many races. And yet, this primary often goes ignored, especially by the over half of Colorado’s voters who are unaffiliated—the state’s largest bloc.

The irony? Many of these voters don’t even realize they have a say in June’s primary without joining a party. Or that skipping it could mean missing the only real choice in races where the primary winner is all but guaranteed to win in November.

The System That Works—If You Use It

Colorado’s primary election is designed for simplicity:

• Ballots arrive by mail, no need to trek to a polling place.
• Registration is a breeze, with options online, by mail, or in person.
• Information is abundant, from voter guides to candidate forums.

So why does participation stay low?

The biggest misconception is that November is where the real decisions happen. In truth, in many districts—especially in safe Democratic or Republican areas—the primary winner is the winner. That means June’s vote is often the only one that truly matters.

Independents Hold the Key

For the state’s 1.4 million unaffiliated voters, the primary is even more accessible. You can request a Democratic or Republican ballot without changing your voter status. No party switch required—just pick one and vote.

The catch? Too few unaffiliated voters realize how much influence they wield before the general election even begins.

Why Your Vote in June Changes Everything

More participation doesn’t just mean higher turnout—it means fairer representation. When more voices weigh in early, the candidates who advance better reflect the community’s priorities.

This isn’t about pushing one party over another. It’s about ensuring the best options rise to the top, so November’s ballot offers real choices—not just the default winners of a low-turnout primary.

The Bottom Line: Primaries Are the Real Deciders

Colorado’s June primary isn’t just a formality—it’s where the future of the state’s leadership is often decided. This year, taking five minutes to fill out a ballot could shape policy, representation, and governance for years to come.

The question isn’t whether you should vote in June. It’s whether you can afford not to.