COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (KKTV) – The 2024 general election is just hours away. This time Tuesday we will have some results on who will be our next representatives in Congress and what kind of new laws will be adopted in Colorado and while many wait for those responses, passion and emotions of voters are increasing.

11 News spoke with voters on all sides of the aisle. They tell us this election is important, not just at the top of the ballot but across dozens of ballot measures.

“There are more emotions involved in this one. Right now, I would say the fourth quarter game is on the line. We need a ‘Hail Mary’ victory. We need people to come together and emotions are running high,” said Michael Velasquez, a local voter.

Polls across El Paso County have been busy non-stop Monday as voters rush to make sure their vote is heard in the election. Steve Schleiker, county clerk and recorder, said that despite his pleas for people to vote early, more than 180,000 people will vote between Monday and Tuesday. It means results on election night may be slower.

“We have become such an instantaneous society. People will be sitting on the couch and will want to know the results. Please note that we cannot release results if we still have people in line at the polls or in-person voting centers,” Steve Schleiker, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder.

Schleiker said he understands voters’ enthusiasm, but wants to make sure the counting process is done correctly.

“This is an election like no other and I don’t think many of us will see another election like this in our lifetimes. Errors are not allowed in the electoral process,” said Schleiker.

Those participating in this year’s democratic process share with 11 News that at the end of the day and no matter who the winners are, we are a nation of united people.

“I really hope everyone can have a responsible experience with this. Whatever the case, try to remember to be patient and just be calm,” said Shaylin Johnson, a voter.

“We need our country to have high hopes. Not just hope, but really get going,” said Joe Garcia, another local voter.

Results will not be posted right at 7:00 pm in El Paso County, as all polls and voting centers must ensure that everyone who is inside before the deadline can cast their vote. The first round is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

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