FAQs

1. What is a Special Congressional Vacancy Election, and why is one happening?

   A Special Congressional Vacancy Election was triggered by Congressman Ken Buck’s resignation from the 118th U.S. Congress - District 4 on March 22, 2024, prior to his term ending on January 3, 2025. Governor Jared Polis set June 25, 2024 as the date for a Special Congressional Vacancy Election to determine who will serve the rest of the unexpired partial term of office for Congressional District 4 (CD-4).

2. How does a Special Congressional Vacancy Election differ from a Primary Election?

   Both elections will be held on June 25, 2024. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, who live in CD-4 are eligible to vote in the Special Congressional Vacancy Election. However, your party affiliation will determine your eligibility to vote in the Primary Election. The Special Congressional Vacancy Election winner for CD-4 will serve a partial term in Congress from July 2024 to January 2025. Primary Election winners will compete in the November 2024 General Election.

3. How were the nominees determined for the Special Congressional Vacancy Election without a Primary Election?

   Colorado law allows for each political party to convene a vacancy committee through which they each selected a nominee to appear on the Special Congressional Vacancy Election ballot.

4. When will the winner of the Special Congressional Vacancy Election for CD-4 serve? When will the winner of the Primary Election for CD-4 serve?
   • The Special Congressional Vacancy Election winner will serve the rest of the unexpired partial term of office in the 118th U.S. Congress, starting in July 2024 and ending in January 2025.
   • Each Party’s Primary Election winners will appear as candidates on the November 2024 General Election ballot. That General Election will determine who will serve a full term in the 119th U.S. Congress, starting in January 2025 and ending in January 2027.
5. Why are some candidates in the Special Congressional Vacancy Election but not in the Primary Election for CD-4?

   Because these are two different races for different terms in Congress.

6. I am a registered voter in Larimer County, what will I receive for the June 25, 2024 Election?

   It depends! One of the following scenarios should apply to you:

   • I live in CD-4 and I am affiliated with the Democratic or Republican Party.
     • You will receive your Party’s Primary Election ballot. The Special Congressional Vacancy Election will appear on the back of your ballot.
   • I live in CD-4 and I am unaffiliated.
     • You will receive both the Democratic and Republican Party’s Primary Election ballots. You may mark and return only one ballot. The Special Congressional Vacancy Election will appear on the back of whichever ballot you choose to return.
   • I live in CD-4 and I am affiliated with a minor party.
     • You will receive a ballot with only the Special Congressional Vacancy Election.
   • I do not live in CD-4 and I am affiliated with the Democratic or Republican Party.
     • You will receive your Party’s Primary Election ballot.
   • I do not live in CD-4 and I am unaffiliated.
     • You will receive both the Democratic and Republican Party’s Primary Election ballots. You may mark and return only one ballot.
   • I do not live in CD-4 and I am affiliated with a minor party.
     • You will not receive a ballot for the June 25, 2024 Election.

    If you have additional questions about what to expect on your ballot, you can view your sample ballot on the Secretary of State's website.

7. How do I know if I live in CD-4 or my party affiliation?

   Look up your voter registration on the Secretary of State's website. 

   1. Enter your first and last name, zip code, and date of birth.
   2. Your party affiliation will be listed under the “Voter Details” tab.
   3. Your Congressional District will be listed under the “County & District Information” tab.

   The last day to change your party affiliation for the June 24, 2024 Election is June 3.