Trinidad, Colorado Public Records

Colorado voters can register online through the Colorado Secretary of State's website at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the Las Animas County Clerk's office. The state allows Election Day registration, enabling eligible residents to register and vote on the same day through Election Day at designated voter service and polling centers. Voters must provide identification and proof of residency; acceptable ID includes a Colorado driver's license, state ID, passport, utility bill, bank statement, or other government document showing name and address. Municipal elections for mayor and city council in Trinidad typically occur in April of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.), separate from general elections. The Trinidad City Clerk manages candidate filings and ballot questions for these municipal races. Voters can find information about candidates, local ballot measures, and polling locations on the city website (www.trinidad.co.gov) and through the Las Animas County Clerk. The city elects a mayor and six city council members, with terms and election schedules governed by the city charter. Residents of unincorporated county areas focus on county commissioner elections and special district boards for local governance. Colorado operates as a universal mail ballot state—all active registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election approximately 18-22 days before Election Day. Voters may return ballots by mail (postage-paid, must be postmarked by Election Day), drop them in secure 24-hour ballot drop boxes located throughout Las Animas County (including locations in Trinidad), or vote in person at voter service and polling centers during early voting periods and on Election Day. Residents can find their assigned polling place and ballot drop box locations using the Voter Service and Polling Center locator at GoVoteColorado.gov or by contacting the Las Animas County Clerk. Colorado law makes extensive election records public: voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted) are available for purchase for political purposes; campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are searchable through the Colorado Secretary of State's TRACER database (www.sos.state.co.us/campaign); candidate filings and nominating petitions are public records; and precinct-level election results are published by the Las Animas County Clerk and Secretary of State. In the November 2024 general election, Las Animas County reported approximately 4,800-5,200 ballots cast out of roughly 9,500 active registered voters, representing a turnout of approximately 50-55% for the presidential election—slightly below the statewide Colorado turnout of approximately 67%. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the area will decide several significant races. Colorado will elect a Governor (current Governor Jared Polis's second term ends in 2026, making this an open seat if he does not seek a third term), a U.S. Senator (Michael Bennet's seat is up for election in 2028, but John Hickenlooper's seat will be on the ballot in 2026 if he seeks re-election), all members of the Colorado House of Representatives, half of the Colorado State Senate, and various state executive offices including Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Treasurer. At the Las Animas County level, voters will likely elect County Commissioners (three-member board with staggered terms), County Clerk and Recorder, County Assessor, County Treasurer, County Sheriff, and County Coroner. Specific district attorney and judicial retention questions may also appear on the ballot depending on term expirations in the Third Judicial District.