BECOMING A CANDIDATE THROUGH CAUCUS AND ASSEMBLY

This page explains how Democratic candidates take part in the caucus and assembly process before the primary election and how candidates earn a place on the Democratic primary ballot, not how to run a campaign.

Generally, candidates should file as soon as possible with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office and ensure they’re registered as a Democrat before all of the relevant deadlines listed below.

Find the full county caucus and assembly schedule here and the multi-county assembly schedule here.

Two Ways to Qualify for the Ballot

Democratic candidates can qualify for the primary ballot in one of two ways:

Through Caucus and Assembly
Through petition

This page focuses on the caucus and assembly path. Information about petition requirements and formal filing is available through the Colorado Secretary of State.

Before You Begin

If you plan to seek nomination through Caucus and Assembly, you should:

Be registered as a Democrat
File with the Colorado Secretary of State as early as possible
Pay close attention to deadlines

Filing requirements and deadlines are set by the Secretary of State.

Becoming a Candidate Through Caucus and Assembly

To seek nomination through Caucus and Assembly, candidates must complete three main steps:

1. Declare Your Intent to Run

Candidates must submit a written notice of intent at least 30 days before precinct caucus.

Who you must notify depends on the office you are seeking:

Single-county office:
County Chair and District Chair
Multi-county office:
County Chairs, District Chair, and State Chair
Statewide office:
State Chair

All notices should also copy: info@coloradodems.org

This notice ensures transparency and allows the party to properly prepare for the caucus and assembly process.

2. Take Part in the Assembly Process

Candidates who submit a notice on time may:

Speak to delegates at caucuses and assemblies, when allowed
Be voted on by delegates at the appropriate level
Advance through county, district, or state assemblies based on the office

Candidates may only be nominated from the floor if no other Democratic candidate submitted notice for that race.

Find the full county caucus and assembly schedule here and the multi-county assembly schedule here.

3. Earn Delegate Support

At assembly, candidates must earn a minimum level of delegate support to move forward:

30% or more of the vote → qualifies for the primary ballot
10–29% → qualifies only if the petition process was successful
Less than 10% → does not advance

Vote thresholds and requirements depend on the office and level of assembly.

Which Assembly Applies to Your Race?

Different offices move through different levels of the process:

County candidates (County treasurer, commissioner, coroner, assessor, sheriff and clerk) and single-county house and senate district candidates are nominated at the county assembly
State house, state senate and congressional districts candidates running in races involving multiple counties will be nominated to the ballot at their respective multi-county assembly held over Zoom. Delegates supporting these candidates will be elected at the county assemblies.
Candidates for Attorney General, SOS, State Treasurer, Governor and US Senate offices are nominated at the state assembly in person at Memorial Hall in Pueblo. Preference polls and straw polls are taken at the county assemblies. The US Senate preference poll determines the percentage of delegates for each candidate to the State Assembly.