DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado voters will soon receive presidential primary ballots in the mail, but some of the candidates that have publicly suspended their campaigns may still show up on the ballot.
The primary election nominates candidates to be placed on the November general election ballot, which determines who holds office.
Registered voters affiliated with major or minor parties and unaffiliated voters can cast their votes from Feb. 26 through March 5.
County clerks have started mailing out ballots, and with that, some voters are concerned. Many viewers asked FOX31 what happens if they vote for a candidate who has withdrawn from the race.
What candidates have suspended their race?
According to a release from the Colorado Secretary of State, several candidates have publicly suspended their campaigns since the ballot was certified on Jan. 5.
Those candidates include:
- Chris Christie (Republican)
- Ron DeSantis (Republican)
- Asa Hutchinson (Republican)
- Vivek Ramaswamy (Republican)
- Marianne Williamson (Democratic)
However, the Secretary of State’s Office says none of these candidates have filed the formal paperwork to drop from the race in Colorado.
Will votes for candidates who withdraw count?
According to the Colorado Secretary of State, these candidates have not filed paperwork with the state to formally withdraw, so their names may still appear on the ballot.
“For our purposes, they remain candidates at this time and votes cast for them will be counted. If we receive formal withdrawal paperwork, the provisions of 1-4-1001(1)(c) will go into effect. That statute reads, in part, ‘if the withdrawal of candidacy is not made in time for the candidate’s name to be taken off the ballot, any votes cast for the candidate are invalid and shall not be counted,'” a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s Office told FOX31.
What about votes for Trump?
The United States Supreme Court has yet to determine if former President Donald Trump is eligible to appear on the Colorado Presidential Primary ballot.
The Colorado Secretary of State said votes for Trump will be counted if the Supreme Court rules in his favor. However, if the Supreme Court rules against Trump disqualifying him from the primary, votes for the former president will not be counted.
Voting deadlines and dates to know
Election offices began mailing ballots to registered voters on Feb. 12 and many drop boxes are already open. You can visit the Secretary of State’s website to find the location closest to you.
If you’re planning to return your ballot via the United States Postal Service, the state suggests that it be sent no later than Feb. 26 to ensure it is received and counted.
Voters must submit ballots or be in line to vote by 7 p.m. on March 5. Once a ballot is sent, voters can track it using BallotTrax.
