Colorado’s voter guide to the 2022 general election

CPR's guide to the 2022 election

The 2022 general election is shaping up to be contentious and consequential for Coloradans, as voters pick who will run the state and represent us in Congress. There are also nearly a dozen amendments and law changes to decide on, covering everything from affordable housing to psychedelic mushrooms.

The election comes at a time when COVID-19 continues to shape our lives and economists warn of an impending recession. The past two years since the last major election have also continued to be a time of upheaval in the nation, with challenges to the very operations of democracy itself. Through all of this, CPR has turned to Coloradans to tell us what is important to them, and what they want candidates to be talking about.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive non-partisan guide (with many links!) to help voters throughout Colorado understand their ballots — and helpful information about how to vote. And if you’re looking for a Denver-specific guide, you can find that on Denverite here. For those wanting a Southern Colorado-specific list, check out this guide from KRCC.

Happy voting.

Governor

Incumbent Jared Polis, Lt. Gov. Diane Primavera (Dem)
Challenger Heidi Ganahl, Lt. Gov Danny Moore (GOP)

Minor party candidates: Paul Noël Fiorino, Cynthia Munhos de Aquino Sirianni (Unity Party), Danielle Neuschwanger, Darryl Gibbs (American Constitution Party), Kevin Ruskusky, Michele Poague (Libertarian Party), Paul Willmon, Kathren May (unaffiliated), Zachary Varon, Sean Hoyt (unaffiliated)

Secretary of State

Incumbent Jena Griswold (Dem)
Challenger Pam Anderson (GOP)

Minor party candidates: Gary Swing (Unity Party), Jan Kok (Approval Voting Party), Amanda Campbell (American Constitution Party), Bennett Rutledge (Libertarian Party)

Attorney General

Incumbent Phil Weiser (Dem) vs challenger John Kellner (GOP)

Minor party candidates: William F. Robinson III (Libertarian Party), Stanley Thorne (unaffiliated)

Treasurer

Incumbent Dave Young (Dem) vs. challenger Lang Sias (GOP)

Minor party candidates: Anthony J. Delgado (Libertarian Party)

U.S. Senate Race

Incumbent Michael Bennet (Dem)
Challenger Joe O'Dea (GOP)

Minor party candidates: T.J. Cole (Unity Party), Brian Peotter (Libertarian Party), Frank Atwood (Approval Voting Party), John Carleton Rutledge (Libertarian Party), Robert Messman (unaffiliated), Joanne Rock (unaffiliated), Tom Harvey (unaffiliated)

U.S. House Races

Congressional District 1

Rep. Diana DeGette (Dem) vs. Jennifer Qualteri (GOP)

Minor party candidates: John C. Kittleson (Libertarian Party, Iris Boswell (Green Party)

Congressional District 2

Rep. Joe Neguse (Dem) vs. Marshall Dawson (GOP)

Minor party candidates: Gary L. Nation (American Constitution Party), Tim Wolf (Unity Party), Steve Yurash (Colorado Center Party)

Congressional District 3

Rep. Lauren Boebert (GOP)
Adam Frisch (Dem)

Minor party candidates: Marina Zimmerman (unaffiliated), Richard "Turtle" Tetu (unaffiliated), Kristen Skowronski (unaffiliated)

Congressional District 4

Rep. Ken Buck (GOP) vs. Ike McCorkle (Dem)

Minor party candidates: Ryan McGonigal (American Constitution Party)

Congressional District 5

Rep. Doug Lamborn (GOP) vs. David Torres (Dem)

Minor party candidates: Brian Flanagan (Libertarian Party), Christopher Mitchell (American Constitution Party), Matthew Feigenbaum (unaffiliated)

Congressional District 6

Rep. Jason Crow (Dem) vs. Steven Monahan (GOP)

Minor party candidates: Eric C. Mulder (Libertarian Party)

Congressional District 7

Erik Aadland (GOP)
Brittany Pettersen (Dem)

Minor party candidates: Ross Klopf (Libertarian Party), Critter Milton (Unity Party), JP Lujan (unaffiliated)

Congressional District 8

Yadira Caraveo (Dem)
Barbara Kirkmeyer (GOP)

Minor party candidates: Richard Ward (Libertarian Party), Tim Long (Colorado Center Party)

Ballot Questions

Amendment D: New 23rd judicial district for Elbert, Douglas and Lincoln counties
Amendment E: Extend homestead exemption to Gold Star spouses, explained
Amendment F: Changes to charitable gaming operations, explained
Proposition FF: Healthy meals for all public school students
Proposition GG: Giving voters more information about proposed tax changes
Proposition 121: Colorado state income tax cut
Proposition 122: Access to natural psychedelic substances
Proposition 123: Dedicate tax revenue to affordable housing
Proposition 124: Increasing the number of locations a liquor store chain can operate
Proposition 125: Allowing grocery and convenience stores to sell wine
Proposition 126: Third-party delivery of alcoholic beverages

How to register, where to vote, and what’s on your ballot

Need to register to vote? Register online here or complete a paper form here. You can register to vote in Colorado up until 7 p.m. on Election Day and still cast a ballot (however, if you get too close to that deadline, you’ll have to vote in person).

Not sure if you’re registered? Check here.

The state’s Ballot Information Booklet is prepared by nonpartisan staff at the capitol: English version here, Spanish version here, audio version here.

Find your sample ballot here.

Have questions about election security? Check out what the Secretary of State’s office has to say. Plus, check out our feature about everything you wanted to know about voting, election security and ballot counting in Colorado.

Remember these important dates:

Oct. 17 is the first day that ballots may be mailed to voters
Oct. 24 - Nov. 8 is when county drop boxes are open to accept ballots
Oct. 24 in-person voting starts at county Vote Centers
Oct. 31 is the last day to submit an application to register to vote through the mail or online to receive a mail ballot.
Nov. 8 — Election Day. All ballots must be turned in by 7 p.m. in order to be counted.

Still have questions? Check the Secretary of State’s election section here. You can also check out our FAQ on voting here.