Note: To search for a specific word or phrase, use Ctrl + F.
What is the Judges’ “Unofficial Abstract”?
This is the initial count that is posted ASAP at the polling place.
The election judges are required to make an abstract of the count of votes containing the names of the offices, the names of the candidates, any ballot issues or ballot questions voted upon, and the number of votes counted for and against each candidate or ballot measure. The form will be provided by the DEO.
Immediately upon completion of the count, the required abstract must be posted in a conspicuous place that can be seen from the outside of the polling place or the mail ballot voting location. The abstract may be removed at any time forty-eight hours after the polls close.
C.R.S. Section 1-13.5-615
Judge’s unofficial abstract: SD-22.5
What is the Election Judges’ Certificate (of election returns)?
This is the judges’ official tally, which is completed ASAP after the unofficial abstract is posted. If UOCAVA ballots were sent, it could delay the certification since they may be received as late as 8 days after election (unless none were sent or all received by election day)
The Canvass Board’s certification deadline is 14 days following the election.
As soon as all the votes have been read and counted (and after the abstract is posted), the election judges shall make a certificate stating:
(a) the name of each candidate, designating the office for which each candidate received votes;
(b) the number of votes each candidate received, which number must be expressed in words, at full length, and in numerical figures; and
(c) the ballot issue or ballot question, if any, voted upon and the number of votes counted for and against the ballot issue or ballot question.
(2) (a) In addition, the election judges shall make a statement in writing showing the number of ballots voted, containing a separate statement that identifies and specifies each of the following:
(I) the number of ballots delivered to electors;
(II) the number of ballots not delivered to electors;
(III) the number of unofficial and substitute ballots voted;
(IV) the number of spoiled ballots; and
(V) the number of ballots returned.
(b) all unused ballots, spoiled ballots, and stubs of ballots voted must be returned with the statement described in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2).
C.R.S. Section 1-13.5-613
Judge’s certificate of election returns: SD-23 (PP), SD-24 (MB)
What is the Canvass Board’s Certificate of Election Results?
These are the final, official election results that show the winning candidates and/or ballot questions or ballot issues, and are certified by the 14th day after the election. This certificate is also filed with DLG.
Sometimes, there are multiple polling places (or mail ballot drop-off locations) and judges. The Canvass Board will add up the multiple judges’ tallies. But one is most common.
In districts with only one polling place, there isn’t much to review
No later than the fourteenth day following the election, the canvass board shall make statements from the official abstract of votes that show the names of the candidates, any ballot issue or ballot question, and the number of votes given to each. The canvass board shall certify the statement to be correct and subscribe their names thereto. The canvass board shall then determine which persons have been duly elected by the highest number of votes and shall endorse and subscribe on such statements a certificate of their determination.
C.R.S. Section 1-13.5-1305(1)
Canvass Board election certificate: SD-25
What is given to the newly elected/reelected directors?
Districts may do something ornate, if they like, or just send a copy of the Canvass Board’s election certificate.
The DEO shall make and transmit to each of the persons thereby declared to be elected a certificate of the person’s election.
C.R.S. Section 1-13.5-1305(2)
Which entities receive copies of the Certificate of Election Results?
Just DLG.
Not the County.
Not the Secretary of State.
The DEO shall file a copy of the certificate with the DLG in the department of local affairs.
C.R.S. Section 1-11-103(3), 1-13.5-1305(1)
What happens if there is a tie vote for directors?
If any two or more candidates receive an equal and highest number of votes for the same office, and if there are not enough offices remaining for all such candidates, the canvass board shall determine by lot the person who shall be elected. Reasonable notice shall be given to such candidates of the time when such election will be so determined.
C.R.S. Section 1-13.5-1304
What happens if there is a tie vote on a ballot question or ballot issue?
If any ballot issue or ballot question is approved by less than the majority of the votes cast, the issue or question shall be considered to have failed.
C.R.S. Section 1-11-102.5