Ballots were mailed to registered voters in Jefferson County on Oct. 11. The deadline to return your ballot is Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.(postmarks do not count - ballots must be received by the deadline). You can return your ballot early at any of the thirty eight ballot drop boxes conveniently located throughout Jeffco.

Jefferson County Election Resources:



• General Information: Find information on election security, voter registration, ballot tracking, election judges, and more on the Jeffco Elections webpage.
• In-Person Voting: The first in-person vote centers will open Monday, Oct. 21.
• Election Results: Leading up to Election Day, you can see the number of ballots returned and some demographics of the voters who have returned ballots on the Voter Turnout Dashboard. Between 7:15-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, the early and unofficial results will be posted for review.

Mountain pine beetles are native to Colorado and always present in low numbers, but experience epidemic outbreaks every ten to thirty years. Jefferson County last experienced a major outbreak from 1996 to 2004. The latest outbreak was first noted in 2023. Landowners can reduce the spread of Mountain pine beetle by managing their forest and removing newly infested trees. 

Simms Street in northern Jefferson County reopened for public travel on Oct. 11. This vital roadway was reconstructed in a new alignment between the intersections of 112th Avenue and CO 128 to enhance street connectivity and facilitate development as part of the Verve Innovation Park project.

The First Judicial District will hold its next Fresh Start event on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. Fresh Start will benefit individuals with outstanding warrants, cut down on costs to taxpayers, and allow law enforcement to direct resources toward offenders who commit higher level crimes.

The Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) Board of Trustees and staff are thrilled to be moving the fully funded Northwest Jeffco Library project forward and community engagement is underway. Visit the project page to take our community survey and learn about the newest project updates.

Congratulations to the Jefferson County Business & Workforce team, in partnership with Lockheed Martin. The team was honored for its dedication, innovation, and impact in workforce development. The Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program sets a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating collaboration and engagement in empowering individuals and shaping the future workforce.

The tax lien sale is the final step in the Jeffco Treasurer's efforts to collect taxes on real property, allowing taxing authorities to receive budgeted revenue without having to wait for delinquent taxes to be collected. Delinquent taxes are sold, not property. Property owners have three years to redeem a tax lien before the lien is eligible for the investor to apply for a treasurer’s deed on the property.

Join JCPL and get into the Halloween spirit with special and spooky programming, from creepy crafting and paranormal investigation events to movie screenings. Participate in a Halloween Costume Exchange, where you can swap old costumes for something new-to-you. All the Halloween fun leads to a family-friendly costume parade, so get dressed up and strut your stuff, if you dare!

As part of Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center’s Sector Partnerships, this month highlights careers in the behavioral health industry. Front Range Community College will highlight new academic programs in behavioral health on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 1-2 p.m. Industry experts will discuss trends, skills, and hiring needs during a panel discussion on Tuesday, Oct 29, from 12:30-2 p.m.

The Jeffco Clerk and Recorder's office will host a hauntingly fun wedding experience this Halloween. On Thursday, Oct. 31, couples coming in for a marriage license can tie the knot in a spooky setting and get a special edition seal. We'll be celebrating boo-tiful beginnings all day. Space is limited; appointments are required. Visit Jeffco's Marriage Licenses and Civil Unions page to secure your spot.

Imagine a library that grows with our community's evolving needs. What would it offer? How would it serve you? What new opportunities would it unlock? Take a short survey to help shape the future of Jefferson County Public Library so we remain a vital, innovative resource for all.

Did you know that 40% of Colorado youth report feeling frequently sad or hopeless? The Connect More guide will give you practical tips to strengthen your connection with your teen and improve their mental health. Ready to pump up your teen’s mental mojo? Tackle mental health talks with your teen for wellness wins.

Resource management is crucial for sustainability and financial responsibility. Jefferson County's Planning and Zoning Division has taken significant strides in reducing operational costs while contributing to environmental stewardship.

A key initiative that exemplifies a commitment to these goals is the recent conversion of postcard notifications to a more space-efficient format. The new format minimizes paper waste and contributes to substantial cost savings. Read the full article.

County Commissioners from across the state attended Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser's 3rd annual Opioid Abatement Conference to leverage opioid settlement dollars to help save lives.

Jeffco Commissioner Andy Kerr serves on the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council and Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper is proud to chair the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council (GROC). Learn about GROC.

Sarah Roddis joined Jefferson County in August as the new executive assistant for the Board of Commissioners. She has a background in community organizing, agile project management, and executive support. Sarah is passionate about taking a human-centric approach to improving processes at work. As a Jefferson County resident, she’s looking forward bringing her unique skill set and perspective to supporting the commissioners and making a positive impact in her community.

The Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) debuted its annual Historic Preservation Symposium, featuring five fascinating stories of Jefferson County history and how it is being preserved. This virtual presentation is available on the JCHC YouTube channel. Read more on the Historical Commission webpage.

Want a look behind-the-scenes at how your eligibility to vote is verified and your ballot counted? Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez is offering tours of the Jeffco election center that are open to the public. Learn about each step of ballot processing and the many layers of security in place.

In the latest edition of Get To Know Jeffco, we dive into the efforts and donations from Mark Crosby and #9908 Disc Sports Center that made possible the upgrades to this course, which not only resides on the grounds of the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Facility but is also newly named for the Crosby family matriarch.

The Colorado Parks & Recreation Association shared an insightful article from Apex Parks and Recreation about a powerful summer internship partnership. “Apex, along with Jeffco Public Schools, and the Jeffco Business and Workforce Center, is building a world where every student can make a meaningful impact and create an inclusive future for everyone.” Learn more about careers for young adults.

Canada thistle leaves are four to eight inches long with spiny, serrated edges. The flowers are about .5 inches wide and one inch long. Purple to white flowers are present from June to August.

Canada thistle can be found in disturbed areas, fields, riparian areas, pastures, roadsides, and lawns and gardens. It is often found where there is good soil moisture. This is one of the most widespread noxious weeds in Colorado.

Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) was recently awarded a generous $100,000 grant from the Colorado Gives Foundation. This vital funding will help JPP continue its mission of empowering low-income families to overcome poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

One of the duties of the Jefferson County Treasurer is to invest county funds after county expenses. Investment income from January through September 2024 is in excess of $22.5 million. This information and other monthly reports are posted on the Financial Reports webpage. All numbers are unaudited.

Help support the Jefferson County Library Foundation, visit the Whale of a Used Book Sale at the Jeffco Fairgrounds from Oct. 18-20. There will be thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records. All genres, children’s, audiobooks, rare and collectible in one location.

Colorado Gives Foundation recently awarded $5.7 million to nonprofits working in Jefferson County to help the community thrive. This $5.7 million funding opportunity is the largest that the community foundation has ever made available to nonprofits serving Jeffco.

The Wadsworth Improvement Project started in late 2021 and remains on schedule. Active construction will wrap up by late 2025 with landscaping and other finishing work completed by the spring of 2026. More than 75% of the project is now complete, including all concrete pavement on Wadsworth Boulevard except for limited areas near the center median. Stay up to date on What's Up Wheat Ridge.

Shop Edgewater aims to support small, local businesses and reward community members for shopping in the city. Through the Open Rewards app, residents and visitors can earn cash back while supporting the businesses that make Edgewater unique. The program incentivizes consumers to dine and shop at participating local restaurants and retail stores, providing a win-win for businesses and customers alike.

Bring the whole family to Foothills Park & Recreation District’s BOO-rific Bash & Splash at Ridge Recreation Center on Oct. 25. This fun and affordable indoor trick-or-treating event allows children to dress in full costume, trick-or-treat among community business tables, and enjoy bounce houses and swimming for one low price. Entry for kids is $5. Adults accompanying children are free.

Join Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation for Trunk-or-Treat at Anderson Park (4355 Field St.) on Oct. 26, from 4-6 p.m. Experience a fun twist on trick-or-treating with creatively decorated trunks and festive games. Children can vote for their favorite trunk—the trunk with the most votes will win a prize.

Join the West Metro Chamber at Canstruction Jeffco this November. View large sculptures built out of canned foods in Belmar. Companies can sign up to build or sponsor. Public viewing will take place Nov. 8-14. All of the food will be donated to The Action Center for distribution following the event.

CASA of Jefferson & Gilpin Counties recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in our community. All it takes is a willingness to invest in a child. The next training class will begin on Monday, Oct. 28. Find out more about CASA's upcoming training and other ways to get involved.

Wheat Ridge City Council referred a ballot question to the residents of Wheat Ridge to amend the city charter related to building heights on the campus. Wheat Ridge voters will see Ballot Question 2C. Find more information on What's Up Wheat Ridge.

Kickoff the holiday season with a rollicking performance by the Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers, “Home for the Holidays – Thanksgiving Too” on Nov. 8-9. Guarantee a “white” Christmas with tickets for the whole family to the holiday classic musical, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” showing Dec. 6-22, co-presented by Performance Now Theatre Company.

Do you have a little one who is ready to meet friends and get ready for preschool? Enroll your child in Apex Park and Recreation District's pre-preschool Magical Mornings to get them prepared for preschool, our Tiny Tots program, or our Preschool and watch your child grow with our small class sizes, amazing teachers, and nurturing environment. Visit ApexPRD.org or contact Laina for more information.

Get ready for “Turkey Day" by signing-up to make a turkey-themed craft at Heritage Lakewood Park during the Craft-Tea on Nov. 16 or stopping by the Bear Creek Lake Park Visitor Center on Nov. 18 to participate in activities about wild turkeys. Learn more about both programs by using the keyword “Turkey” to search the Lakewood.

Jeffco Public Schools recognizes the incredible principals who lead the schools. This year, 97% of principals and 80% of teachers returned to lead schools, demonstrating their commitment to Jeffco students and the community. With 87% of staff living in Jefferson County, Jeffco Public Schools is deeply rooted in the success of its schools.

Do you want to learn how to support someone facing a mental health crisis? Mental Health First Aid prepares you to help in a mental health emergency, making the difference in the lives of those around you. Sign up for one of Jefferson Center's upcoming trainings.

Celebrate with Lakewood's mayor and city council members during this free holiday event at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park. Visit with Santa, enjoy sparkling lights, festive treats, and holiday crafts - plus the historic buildings will be open. Join the fun on Dec. 5 from 5-8:30 p.m.