The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling this week in favor of President Donald Trump’s attempt to limit mail-in voting will likely have little impact on Colorado’s midterm elections, according to state and local election officials.
“I would be surprised if anything changes prior to this November election,” said La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee.
Lee said she received a call from the Colorado Secretary of State Office almost immediately Monday afternoon following the ruling. She said Colorado will be making no change to its mail-in ballot process, but that could be subject to change.
“Tomorrow could be a different day – each day is going to be,” she said.
Earlier this year, Trump issued an order for the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to create a list of eligible voters in each state. The order directed the U.S. Postal Service to block the delivery of mail-in ballots to voters not on the list, and to block the delivery of ballots in states that refused to share their lists with the federal government. Monday’s Supreme Court ruling simply allowed Trump to move forward with his order, but its legality remains uncertain.
“Today’s decision does not address whether the President’s attempts to interfere with States’ administration of the November 2026 elections are lawful,” the Court wrote in its ruling. “Nor does it suggest that the Executive Branch has any constitutional or statutory authority to implement the President’s directives.”
The future of the mail-in ballot initiative is uncertain, and Colorado is watching the developments closely, ready to fight back if needed, said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
“Colorado relies on mail ballots, and I will use every legal tool I have to prevent the federal government from implementing any unlawful actions arising from the president’s unconstitutional executive order,” Weiser said in a statement. “We all must be vigilant and keep fighting for the freedom to vote.”
Lee said it’s a “wait-and-see” ruling and that the Colorado Secretary of State’s office will provide guidance statewide as voting regulations develop.
The Colorado midterm election is on Nov. 3. County clerks can begin issuing mail ballots as early as Sept. 19, according to the Colorado 2026 elections calendar.
gwallace@durangoherald.com
