Voting & Elections Guide
This guide provides information to new and returning voters, primarily in Weld County Colorado. Use the tabs across the top to proceed through the steps of becoming a registered voter, an informed citizen prepared to participate in the general election of 2008.
On this page, new and returning voters will find links and information for registering to vote in Weld County. Links to other counties are provided as well.
The page titled Candidates & Parties provides information and links for learning more about the people and organizations involved in this year's elections. National, State, County and municipal candidates and parties are presented.
The page titled Referenda/Ballot Issues includes information on those issues addressed in this year's election, with an emphasis on Greeley, Weld County, and Colorado. Non-partisan materials that assist in understanding the issues, including economic, social and political implications of each, are located on this page.
Get informed by exploring the information on the Mainstream Media and Balance pages.
Election Data & Analysis provides an historical view of previous elections. This page is particularly useful for a scholarly understanding and research projects.
Books and films provide information and analysis from varying perspectives. Sometimes documenting what actually has occured, or fictionalizing the past, present or future. These two tabs list some key titles and provide access to additional information.
Why Vote?
Why vote? Your vote makes a difference. College students' impact upon the 2004 election was significant. Read this fact sheet summarizing a post-election study that focused on college student registration and turnout in the 2004 presidential election.
Voting for the first time? Go to the 18 in '08 web site for more information.
New & Returning Voters
The Weld County Election Department
- Register to Vote
- Combination Voter Registration Form & Mail in (Absentee) Ballot Application
- Sample Ballot
- Early Voting Centers
- Weld County Polling Places
Election Information for Other Counties
Colorado Secretary of State Election Center
Use the interactive map on GovTrack.us, created by a "regular joe," to find your congressional district.
Step 1: Register
For a quick guide to the process of becoming an informed voter, follow the steps outlined below. More extensive or scholarly information is located on the tabs across the top of this site.
The deadline to register for the general election in November is Monday, October 6.
You can register here on campus at the University Center Information Desk Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
To be eligible to register, you must be a Colorado resident 30 days prior to the election and be at least 18 years of age on the date of the election, November 4, 2008.
If you have already registered, you may verify your voter registration information online at the Colorado Secretary of State's Election Center or the Weld County Clerk & Recorder's page.
Step 2: Get Informed
Read the Colorado State Legislative Council's Analysis of the 2008 Ballot Proposals to find a clear statement of the pros and cons of the proposals.
The Colorado League of Women Voters site provides non-partisan information.
Project Vote Smart compiles biographical information, interest group ratings, and much more about the candidates.
Visit OpenSecrets.org, sponsored by the Center for Responsive Politics, to research campaign finance. Who has donated to a candidate? Use the Donor Lookup database to find out.
Read the election news:
Step 3: Debunk the Ads
The following web sites can help you identify political bias in the campaigns:
Cut through the campaign rhetoric at Annenberg Political Fact Check, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
PolitiFact is a joint project of the St. Petersburg Times and Congressional Quarterly. See its "Truth-O-Meter."
Step 4: Keep Your Sense of Humor
To keep it all in perspective, enjoy the humorous satire on these sites:
Mark Your Calendar
On October 20th 2008, U.S. Senate candidates debated in Greeley. Democrat Mark Udall and Republican Bob Schaffer faced off at the Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., at 7 p.m.
Important 2008 Dates in Weld County
| October 6 | Last day to register to vote in the General Election |
| October 6 | Ballots available for pick up at Greeley Office |
| October 3-6 | Target dates for mailing out mail-in ballots |
| October 20 | Early Voting begins |
| October 20 | Ballots available for pick up at SW Weld Office |
| October 28 | Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot (to be mailed) |
| October 31 | End of early voting |
| November 4 | GENERAL ELECTION DAY – All mail-in ballots and emergency mail-in ballots shall be in the hands of the County Clerk no later than 7:00 p.m. |
Authors
Comments, complaints, and compliments should be sent to one of the authors of this guide:
Comments welcome!
While we work hard to present accurate information on these pages occasionally a misspelling or incorrect link does get through the editing process. Thanks to the comments of you, our audience, those errors can be corrected quickly.
If you see an error, please DO post a comment (at the bottom of the appropriate box). You are welcome to remain anonymous, but if you provide us your email address we can thank you directly.
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