Elections
The Custer County Clerk & Recorder serves as the Chief Election Official for the county, managing voter registration, conducting elections, and ensuring every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote.
Upcoming Election
2026 Primary Election
Date: June 30, 2026
Voter Service & Polling Center (VSPC):
Custer County Courthouse
205 S. 6th St., Westcliffe, CO 81252
Phone: 719-783-2441
Important Dates:
- June 8-12: Week when ballots will be mailed out
- June 22-30: Voter Service & Polling Center Open
- June 22: Last day ballots can be mailed to voters
- June 30, 2026: Primary Election Day
Voter Service & Polling Center
Visit the VSPC to register to vote, get a replacement ballot, or vote on an ADA-accessible voting machine.
VSPC Services
Visit the Voter Service & Polling Center to:
- Register to Vote
- Get a replacement ballot
- Vote on an ADA
VSPC Hours
June 22 - June 30th
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 27th
8:00 am - 12:00pm (noon)
Election Day - Tuesday, June 30, 2026
7:00am - 7:00 pm
Ballot Drop Box Locations
Westcliffe Location
Custer County Courthouse
205 S 6th St, Westcliffe, CO 81252
(near the back door)
Wetmore Location
Wetmore Community Building
95 County Road 393, Wetmore, CO 81253
Caucus and Assembly Information
The Caucuses and Assemblies are conducted by the parties, not the county. Please contact the party chairs for specific dates, locations of events, and more information.
VSPC Service FAQs
When will I get my ballot?
Ballots will be mailed out:
- To Military and Overseas Voters: 45 days before the election
- To all other registered, active voters: Ballots will go out no sooner than 22 days before the election
How do I return my ballot?
- Place the proper amount of postage on the return envelope and mail to:
Custer County Clerk
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150 - Drop your ballot in one of the outside drop-box locations, either in Westcliffe or Wetmore
- Bring your ballot to the Custer County Courthouse and place it in the ballot box, inside, at the Clerk's office or at the Voter Service & Polling center when it is open.
What do I do if my ballot gets lost / never shows up?
Come in or contact the elections department at Custer County Clerk's Office at 719-783-2441.
Visit the Voter Service and Polling Center to:
- Receive a replacement ballot
- Vote a paper ballot while you are present
- Vote in person on the voting device
Will my ballot count if it is postmarked on or before Election Day?
Ballots must be received in the Clerk's Office by 7:00 pm MST on Election Day.
What do I do if I made a mistake on my ballot?
Follow the directions at the top of the ballot to make a correction.
Come in or contact the elections department at Custer County Clerk's Office at 719-783-2441.
Visit the Voter Service and Polling Center to:
- Receive a replacement ballot
- Vote a paper ballot while you are present
- Vote in person on the voting device
What is TXT2Cure?
TXT2Cure (Text to Cure) is a patented smartphone sign solution system that Colorado uses to assist voters in curing a missing or descrepant signature on their ballot.
Voters submit all information necessary to cure mail ballots from their smartphones via SMS text. No apps to download!
Better for voters: No need to sign paper affidavits, make copies of IDs, buy stamps, or return cure documents by mail.
Better for counties: Speeds up receipt and processing of mail ballot cures.
Better for Colorado: Increases number of ballots counted & decreases ballots rejected.
How do I TXT2Cure my ballot?
Use your smart phone to "cure your ballot" through Colorado's TXT2Cure (Text2Cure) system.
- Text "Colorado" to 28683 (2VOTE)
- Click "Cure my ballot"
- Enter your Voter ID
- Sign and take a picture of your ID
- Submit
- Done!
To find your voter ID (if it's not above your name on the letter):
- Go to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or Update my voter registration
- Find my registration
- Enter the requested information
- Search
- Look under Registration to find your Voter ID
What do I do if I receive a missing signature letter from the County Clerk?
- Fill out and sign the attached affidavit and make a copy of your ID.
- Return the affidavit and the copy of your ID to the County Clerk's election department prior to eight days after the election to go through verification and to have your ballot count.
- OR -
Use your smart phone to "cure your ballot" through Colorado's TXT2Cure (Text2Cure) system.
- Text "Colorado" to 28683 (2VOTE)
- Click "Cure my ballot"
- Enter your Voter ID
- Sign and take a picture of your ID
- Submit
- Done!
To find your voter ID (if it's not above your name on the letter):
- Go to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or Update my voter registration
- Find my registration
- Enter the requested information
- Search
- Look under Registration to find your Voter ID
What do I do if I receive a missing or discrepant signature letter from the County Clerk?
- Fill out and sign the attached affidavit and make a copy of your ID.
- Return the affidavit and the copy of your ID to the County Clerk's election department prior to eight days after the election to go through verification and to have your ballot count.
- OR -
Use your smart phone to "cure your ballot" through Colorado's TXT2Cure (Text2Cure) system.
- Text "Colorado" to 28683 (2VOTE)
- Click "Cure my ballot"
- Enter your Voter ID
- Sign and take a picture of your ID
- Submit
- Done!
To find your voter ID (if it's not above your name on the letter):
- Go to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or Update my voter registration
- Find my registration
- Enter the requested information
- Search
- Look under Registration to find your Voter ID
What do I do if I receive a missing copy of ID letter from the County Clerk?
- Fill out and sign the attached affidavit and make a copy of your ID.
- Return the affidavit and the copy of your ID to the County Clerk's election department prior to eight days after the election to go through verification and to have your ballot count.
Voter Registration
Eligible Colorado residents can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Voter Service & Polling Center.
Voter Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to vote you must be:
- A United States citizen
- Citizens who are 16 and 17 years old may preregister to vote
- You must be at least 17 years old and turning 18 on or before the next General Election to be eligible to vote in a Primary Election
- You must be at least 18 years old to vote in any other election
- You must have resided in Colorado 22 days immediately before the election in which you intend to vote
- No person while serving a sentence of detention or confinement in a correctional facility, jail, or ther location for a felony conviction is eligible to register to vote or to vote in any election
List of Acceptable Forms of Identification:
Voter Registration FAQs
How do I register to vote?
Go online to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or update my voter record
- Find my registration
- Enter your information
- Edit necessary information
- Save record
- OR -
Fill out the Voter Registration Form (link)
Drop off the form or return it by mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
How do I change my name and / or address?
-
Go online to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or update my voter record
- Find my registration
- Enter your information
- Edit necessary information
- Save record
- OR -
Fill out the Voter Registration Form (link)
Drop off the form or return it by mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
How do I find my voter registration information?
Go online to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or update my voter record
- Find my registration
- Enter your information
- Edit necessary information
- Save record
What is the latest date that I can register to vote and be able to vote in an upcoming election?
You can register up to and on Election Day as long as you meet the voter registration eligibility requirements listed above.
How do I register to vote if I am a college student?
Go online to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or update my voter record
- Find my registration
- Enter your information
- Edit necessary information
- Save record
- OR -
Fill out the Voter Registration Form (link)
Drop off the form or return it by mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
If I'm a snowbird, how can I get my ballot?
Go online to www.govotecolorado.gov
- View or update my voter record
- Find my registration
- Enter your information
- Edit necessary information
- Save record
- OR -
Fill out the Voter Registration Form (link)
Drop off the form or return it by mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
Remember to remove that address for any election that you will be in Custer County. This will allow your ballot to be mailed to your local mailing address.
Note: The last day a ballot can be mailed is the Monday, a week prior to the election. Stop by or call the Clerk's office for additional assistance.
If I'm in the military, how can I get my register to vote?
The absentee voting process applies to you if you are:
- A service member in any branch of the uniformed services and their spouses and/or dependents who are absent from the state because of a service member's active duty
- Active and reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, active members of the National Guard, as well as the Merchant Marines
- An eligible spouse or family member of an active duty member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine
Fill out the Voter Registration Form (link)
Drop off the form or return it by mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
Link: Colorado's Online Ballot Access
For FAQ's & Additional Resources visit:
Uniformed and Overseas Electors FAQs and Additional Resources
If I'm a citizen living overseas, how can I get my register to vote?
The absentee voting process applies to you if you are:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizens who are living overseas, and whose last residence before leaving the country was in Colorado
- U.S. citizens who were born outside the U.S. whose parent or legal guardian is eligible to register and vote in Colorado
Fill out the Overseas Voter Registration Form (link)
Return your voter registration by mail, email, or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
Link: Colorado's Online Ballot Access
For FAQ's & Additional Resources visit:
Uniformed and Overseas Electors FAQs and Additional Resources
How can I withdraw my voter register?
Go online to www.govotecolorado.gov
- Click on "Withdraw my registration" to fill it out on-line
- Fill out a withdrawal form and return it in one of the following ways:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
More Election FAQs
Election Maps
Download precinct, commissioner district, and school district maps for Custer County.
Become an Election Judge
Help ensure fair and accurate elections in Custer County by serving as an Election Judge.
Become an Election Judge
Election Judges play a vital role in the democratic process by helping run polling locations and ensuring elections are conducted fairly and accurately.
Contact us to learn more:
Phone: 719-783-2441 or 719-783-0441
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Election Judge FAQs
How can I become a poll worker/Election Judge?
During a major party caucus, individuals associated with that party sign up to become an election judge.
These lists are turned into the county clerk and they are where the initial list of judges for elections comes from.
How can I become a poll worker/Election Judge if I missed getting signed up during the party caucus?
Fill out the Colorado Voter Registration Form and at the bottom of the form, in “Section 10 – Optional Information”, mark the box next to, “I would like to be an election judge” and turn it into the county’s election’s department.
-
- These forms will be kept on file for use when extra judges are needed during an election.
In this case, you may receive a “Judge’s Interest and Availability” letter from the election department to determine your availability for the upcoming election. - These forms can be returned in one of four ways – drop off, mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
- These forms will be kept on file for use when extra judges are needed during an election.
If I am Unaffiliated or registered with a party other than the Democrats or Republicans, who hold a caucus, how can I become a poll worker/election judge?
Fill out the Colorado Voter Registration Form and at the bottom of the form, in “Section 10 – Optional Information”, mark the box next to, “I would like to be an election judge” and turn it into the county’s election’s department.
-
- These forms will be kept on file for use when extra judges are needed during an election.
In this case, you may receive a “Judge’s Interest and Availability” letter from the election department to determine your availability for the upcoming election. - These forms can be returned in one of four ways – drop off, mail, email or fax to:
Custer County Clerk & Recorder
205 S. 6th St.
PO Box 150
Westcliffe, CO 81252-0150
custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Fax: 719-783-2885
- These forms will be kept on file for use when extra judges are needed during an election.
I'm still in high school. Can I become an Election Judge?
Student Election Judge Program
The State Legislature enacted legislation that allows Juniors and Seniors in High School (ages 16 & 17) to work at polling places as Student Election Judges. The Student Judge experience exposes students to grass roots democracy in their community and enables them to earn money for working Election Day.
Since its inception in 2000, the Colorado Secretary of State's Election Judges Program has been a great success for students and a bonus for the county election officials and educators who have participated in the program.
During the 2012 Presidential Election, hundreds of students around the state joined the ranks of adult Election Judges working cooperatively setting up polling locations, processing voters, ballots, and tallying the votes cast.
Ultimately, we hope it motivates these students to become active voters in their communities and election judge resources for future elections.
Qualifications — Student Election Judges must be:
-
- Be U.S. citizens by the date of the election at which they are scheduled to work.
- Be willing to serve — Election Day starts as early as 6:00 AM and the tally of the vote can be as late as 8:00 PM.
- Be physically and mentally able to perform the duties of an Election Judge.
- Attend a mandatory Election Judge class prior to each election at which they work.
- Never have been convicted of election fraud, other election offenses, or fraud.
- Not be related to any candidate on the ballot in the precinct where they are working.
- Be at least 16 or 17 years old and a Junior or Senior "in good standing" at a public or private high school at the time of the election at which they plan to work. Home schooled students are also eligible.
- Have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
State statute makes the following provisions:
-
- Student Election Judges need not be registered electors.
- Upon approval by their school's principal or an administrator designated by the principal, Student Election Judges will be appointed by and will serve at the discretion of the local Election Official.
- School administrators must determine that the selected students can reasonably miss school on Election Day.
- Students should have their own transportation to the Polling Place, or must assure the Election Official that they will be dropped off at the Polling Place by 6:00 AM and picked up when the Election Day's work is complete (approximately 8:00 PM).
- Student Election Judges will assist in checking-in voters at the polling places, activating voting machines, and assisting electors in casting their ballots.
- Veteran Election Judges will supervise Student Election Judges.
- Student Election Judges will be compensated for working Election Day. Additionally, they may receive payment for attending the mandatory Election Judge class.
- Student Election Judges can serve as mail-in, mail ballot, or early voting judges.
- There are no party affiliation requirements for Student Election Judges.
Interested? Fill out and submit the Student Election Judge application (PDF).
Apply early! If hired as a Student Election Judge, you will have training prior to Election Day.
When you turn 18 you are able to vote and serve as a regular (adult) Election Judge!
What is the process to become an Election Judge?
- Attend the caucus and get on the judge's list.
- If you did not attend the caucus, turn in a Voter Registration Form to the election's department with the box in section 10 marked showing your interest in being an election judge.
- Watch for a letter from the county clerk's election department office asking for your "interest and availability".
- Fill in the form and return it to the county clerk's elections department.
- The elections clerk will work up the schedule.
Depending on the election and what is required for judge coverage, not all judges who return an interest/availability form may be needed or used.
Judges who return an interest/availability form will be notified if they will be called upon or not, for their services, for the upcoming election.
An election schedule showing the dates, times and location where each judge will be working will be sent to the participating judges.
There is a required, in-person training and there are required online trainings for certain assignments.
Look over the schedule and make sure that you are available. Let the election's department know if you have a discrepancy.
Do Election Judges have to take training?
All judges have to attend a required, in-person training. If there is more than one election during that year, judges would have to attend the training only one time — before the first election they work in.
Depending on the assignment, judges may also have to take online training(s).
Do Election Judges get paid?
Yes, judges get paid for their time. Some judges choose to donate their time and that is fine also.
Candidate Information
Information for individuals interested in running for elected office in Custer County.
Running for Office
If you are interested in becoming a candidate for elected office in Custer County, please contact the Clerk & Recorder's office for information about filing requirements, deadlines, and procedures.
Contact Information:
Phone: 719-783-2441 or 719-783-0441
Email: custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
Candidate FAQs
What qualifications are registered to run for, or hold a local county office?
Assessor — C.R.S. Title 30, Article 10, Part 8
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the county for at least one year prior to the election
- Term Begins: 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
Clerk and Recorder — C.R.S Title 30, Article 10, Part 4
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the county for at least one year prior to the election
- Term Begins: 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
Commissioner (three seats) — C.R.S. Title 1, Article 4, Part 205; C.R.S. Title 30, Article 10, Part 3
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the commissioner district within the county, which they are a candidate of, for at least one year prior to the election
- Term Begins: 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
Coroner — C.R.S. Title 30, Article 10, Part 6
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the county for at least one year prior to the election
- High School diploma or equivalent or a college degree
- Complete set of fingerprints and receipt*
- No Convictions, guilty pleas, or no contest least to felony (if pardoned, eligible to run)
- Term Begins: 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
Sheriff — C.R.S. Title 30, Article 10, Part 5
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the county for at least one year prior to the election
- High School diploma or equivalent or a college degree
- Complete set of fingerprints and receipt*
- No convictions, guilty pleas, not contest pleas to felony (if pardoned, eligible to run)
- Term Begins: 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
Surveyor — C.R.S. Title 30, Article 10, Part 9
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the county for at least one year prior to the election
- Professional land surveyor
- Term Begins: 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
Treasurer — C.R.S. Title 30, Article 10, Part 7
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Registered elector
- Resident of the county for at least one year prior to the election
- Term begins 2nd Tuesday in January
- Term Length: 4 years
*Candidate has had a complete set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency and must submit a receipt evidencing the fingerprints at the time of filing the candidate acceptance form/write-in affidavit with the county clerk. See C.R.S. § 30-10-501.5 (for sheriff); § 30-10-601.5 (for coroner).
What resources are available to help me learn about the requirements of the Campaign and Political Finance Act & the Fair Campaign Practices Act (See Candidate FAQs link below)
County Candidate Information - See the Colorado Secretary of State website below to find information how to:
- Get your name on the ballot
- Become a Candidate
Municipalities:
** Contact the specific municipality for requirements and process.
Town of Westcliffe
** Contact the Westcliffe Town Hall for more information
Town of Westcliffe Website
Phone: 719-783-9626
Email: townclerk@townofwestcliffe.com
Town of Silver Cliff
** Contact the Silver Cliff Town Hall for more information
Town of Silver Cliff Website
Phone: 719-783-2615
Email: townclerk@silvercliffco.com
Special Districts:
** Contact the specific special district for requirements and process.
School Board Member
** Contact the Custer County School district for more information.
Custer County Schools Website
Phone: 719-783-4952
- Must be a registered elector
- Registered elector of school district for one year preceding his/her election
- Resident of the director district that will be represented (unless seeking an at-large director seat).
- Any person who has been convicted of commission of a sexual offense against a child shall not be eligible for the office.
- Term Begins: Within 10 days of receiving the certificate of election.
- Term Length: 4 years or 6 years, depending on the district
Fire District Board Member
** Contact the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District for more information.
Wet Mountain Fire Protection District Website
Phone: 719-783-9245
West Custer County Hospital District
** Contact the Custer County Medical Center for more information.
Custer County Medical Center Website
Upper Arkansas Valley Healthcare Website
Phone: 719-783-2380
More Candidate FAQs
Visit Candidate FAQs (link) on the Secretary of State's website page for more information
Contact Elections
Phone:
719-783-2441
719-783-0441
Email:
custerclerk@custercounty-co.gov
VSPC Location:
Custer County Courthouse
205 S. 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Hours:
June 22-30, 2026
Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm
Election Day: 7am-7pm
Ballot Drop Boxes
Westcliffe:
Court House (back door)
205 S. 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Wetmore:
Community Building
95 County Road 393
Wetmore, CO 81253