Below are some of the legal and practical considerations the County Clerk's office uses when determining the location of a Vote Center in Larimer County.

Legal Considerations (beginning with the statute references for each):

1-5-102.9(1)(a)(I) For counties with at least twenty-five thousand active electors: (A) During the period designated for early voting, at least one voter service and polling center for each thirty thousand active electors; except that there much be at least one voter service and polling center in each such county; and (B) On election day, at least one voter service and polling center for every fifteen thousand active electors, but no fewer than three in each such county.  

1-5-102.9(1)(b)(I) On and after November 8, 2016, for the purposes of paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), the number of active electors in a county is the number of active electors registered in the county on the date of the previous presidential election.

1-5-102.9 (1)(c)(I) In designating voter service and polling center locations pursuant to subsection (1), each county clerk and recorder shall consider the following factors to address the needs of the county:  (A) Proximity to public transportation lines and availability of parking; (B) Geographic features, such as mountain passes, that tend to affect access and convenience; (C) Equitable distribution across the county so as to afford maximally convenient options for electors; (D) The existence and location of population centers; (E) Access for persons with disabilities; (F) Use of existing voting locations that typically serve a significant number of electors; (G) Use of public buildings that are known to electors in the county, especially to the extent that using such building results in cost savings compared to other potential locations; and (H) When private locations are considered or designated as voter service and polling centers in accordance with section 1-5-105 (3), methods and standards to ensure the security of voting conducted at such locations.  

1-5-102.9 (1)(c)(II) In designating voter service and polling centers, a county clerk and recorder shall solicit public comments

Practical Considerations:

• The number of Vote Centers in each geographic region needs to meet the voting population of that region (e.g. there are several in Fort Collins but only one in Red Feather Lakes).
• The site must have the square footage necessary to accommodate voting equipment and to meet anticipated voter turnout.
• There must be adequate parking, preferably on-site with good lighting and some parking spaces that are close to the building so they can be reserved for voters with disabilities.
• Locations on bus routes and major thoroughfares are preferable, for easy voter access.
• Easily identifiable buildings within the community are preferable, because they are easier for voters to locate.
• The site must be available for our use the day before (setup), Election Day and the day after (breakdown), and cannot be used for another event during this time.
• When possible, it is preferable to use the same locations year after year so that voters become familiar with where they can go to vote.
• While many schools would make great voter service and polling centers, most schools prefer not to be used because of their concern that opening the doors of schools to the general public may create a security concern for the children there.
• In consideration of fiscal responsibility, preference is given to donated space, but other low-cost options are sought if a donated space is not available or cannot meet the necessary location criteria.

If you have any questions, or would like to suggest a site, please contact the County Clerk & Recorder's Elections office at (970) 498-7820.