Miniature ballot box with and image of the Colorado state flag on a red background with slips of paper representing ballots

What Colorado voters can expect on Election Day

Eric Galatas

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(Colorado News Connection) A majority of adults in Colorado and across the U.S. say they are anxious about this year's presidential election, according to a recent poll.

Election experts are encouraging voters to be patient during a process that begins - but does not end - on November 5.

Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, said that patience could be tested as early as Election Day, with long lines for in-person voting.

Roadside-style sign with the words "Elections Ahead"

"What we are seeing," said Stewart, "depending on the jurisdiction - it could be 15 minutes, it could be 30 minutes or longer to vote - just based on how many people are turning out. So, be prepared for that."

Voters should also be prepared to wait for election results to become official. Coloradans have had the option to vote early - by mail, in-person, or at a ballot drop box - since Oct. 21.

But anyone standing in line when the polls close still gets to vote, which can push back initial counts.

And it can take up to three weeks for ballots from overseas military personnel to be counted and certified.

Tammy Patrick, executive director of the National Association of Election Officials, said all Americans should be skeptical of any candidate who claims victory before all votes are counted - especially in close races.

"Everyone wants the results to be in as quickly as possible," said Patrick. "But it's important to realize that on election night, those are projected winners. We do not have official results until much later."

Experts say voters can be confident that they will be able to safely cast their ballot, and that it will be counted.

But there are concerns about threats to voting officials, and potential violence leading up to a congressional Electoral College tally on January 6.

Stewart emphasized that no one can legally keep you from voting.

"In a worst case scenario," said Stewart, "if something happens, if there is some obstacle to you being able to cast your ballot - there's a voter hotline, 1-866-OurVote (1-866-687-8683)."