Colorado § 31-10-610 - Counting paper ballots.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 31-10-610 — Counting paper ballots., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-10-610. Counting paper ballots.
(1) In precincts which use paper ballots, as soon as the polls at any election have finally closed, the judges shall immediately open the ballot box and proceed to count the votes polled, and the counting thereof shall be continued until finished before the judges of election adjourn. They shall first count the number of ballots in the box. If the ballots are found to exceed the number of names entered on the pollbook, the judges of election shall then examine the official endorsements upon the outside of the ballots without opening the same, and if, in the unanimous opinion of the judges, any of the ballots in excess of the number on the pollbook do not bear the proper official endorsement, they shall be put into a separate pile by themselves, and a separate record and return of the votes in such ballots shall be made under the head of "excess ballots". When the ballots and the pollbook agree, the judges of election shall proceed to count the votes. Each ballot shall be read and counted separately, and every name separately marked as voted for on such ballot, where there is no conflict to obscure the intention of the voter, shall be read and marked upon the tally sheets before any other ballot is proceeded with. The entire number of ballots, excepting "excess ballots", shall be read and counted and placed upon the tally sheets in like manner. When all of the ballots, excepting "excess ballots", have been counted, the judges of election shall estimate and publish the votes.
(2) When all the votes have been read and counted, the ballots, together with one of the tally lists, shall be returned to the ballot box, and the opening shall be carefully sealed, and each of the judges shall place his initials on said seal. The cover shall then be locked and the ballot box delivered to the clerk as provided in section 31-10-614.
(3) All persons, except judges of election and watchers, shall be excluded from the place where the counting is being carried on until the count has been completed.
Source: L. 75: Entire title R&RE, p. 1051, § 1, effective July 1. L. 81: (1) and (3) amended, p. 1504, § 23, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 31-10-610 as it existed prior to 1975.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 31-10-610
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 31-10-610 cover?
Section 31-10-610 ("Counting paper ballots.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 31-10-610?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 31-10-610" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 31-10-610 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.