Fowler, Colorado Public Records

The Fowler Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order within the city limits. The department works diligently to ensure the safety and security of local residents and visitors. Individuals seeking information about arrests, criminal records, or other law enforcement-related matters can contact the Fowler Police Department directly.

Fowler voters are served by the Otero County Clerk and Recorder, which administers elections for all residents of Otero County. The office is located at 13 West Third Street, La Junta, CO 81050 (phone: 719-384-8741, website: www.oterocounty.colorado.gov). Colorado voters can register online through the state's voter registration portal at www.govotecolorado.gov, which is managed by the Colorado Secretary of State. Voter registration deadlines in Colorado require registration at least 8 days before Election Day for mail registration, though online registration is available up to that deadline, and same-day registration is available during the early voting period and on Election Day at voter service and polling centers. Acceptable forms of ID for voter registration and voting include Colorado driver's license, state ID card, or for online registration, the last four digits of Social Security number. Fowler, as an incorporated statutory town, holds municipal elections for Town Board trustees and mayor; these local elections typically occur in April of odd-numbered years per Colorado municipal election statutes. The next Fowler municipal election will be in April 2025 for Town Board seats. Information about local candidates and ballot measures specific to Fowler can be obtained from Fowler Town Hall at 719-263-4221 or the Otero County Clerk. For locating polling places, Colorado voters can use the Voter Services page on the Secretary of State's website at www.govotecolorado.gov where entering a residential address provides assigned voter service center locations. Colorado has moved to a vote center model where voters can cast ballots at any designated location in their county during early voting periods, rather than being restricted to a single precinct polling place. In Otero County, voter service centers are typically located in La Junta and other accessible locations, and all registered voters receive mail ballots automatically under Colorado's universal mail ballot system. Colorado's public records laws make several election-related records accessible to the public: voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes under C.R.S. § 1-2-227, campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are searchable online through the Colorado Secretary of State's TRACER system at www.sos.state.co.us/tracer, candidate filings and statements are public records available through county clerk offices, and election results by precinct are published after certification. In the November 2024 general election, Otero County reported approximately 5,700-6,200 ballots cast out of roughly 8,500 active registered voters, representing turnout of approximately 67-73% for the presidential election, slightly above Colorado's rural county averages. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Fowler and Otero County voters will decide several significant races: Colorado's U.S. Senate seat will not be on the ballot in 2026 (next up in 2028), but Colorado's gubernatorial race will be decided in 2026 as Governor Jared Polis's term expires (he may seek re-election or the seat will be open). State legislative seats will be contested, including Colorado House of Representatives District 47 which includes Otero County, and potentially state Senate seats depending on district boundaries. At the county level, Otero County Commissioner seats, County Sheriff, County Clerk and Recorder, County Assessor, and other county offices may be on the 2026 ballot depending on term expirations. Fowler Town Board positions may also appear on the April 2026 municipal ballot if that cycle continues. To request an absentee or mail ballot in Colorado, voters need only be registered; Colorado automatically mails ballots to all active registered voters beginning approximately 18-22 days before each election. Ballots can be returned by mail (postage-paid) or deposited in secure ballot drop boxes located throughout Otero County, typically at the courthouse and other convenient locations, until 7:00 PM on Election Day. Voters can track their ballot status through the BallotTrax system at www.govotecolorado.gov to confirm when their ballot was mailed, received, and counted.