# U.S. election preparations and ballot distribution > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-election-preparations-and-ballot-distribution > Updated: 2026-10-02T17:47:37.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Election preparations are advancing across several U.S. jurisdictions ahead of the November 3 general election. In Colorado, counties have begun the process of mailing ballots to registered voters. Under new state law, election clerks are permitted to distribute ballots up to a week earlier than in previous years. For example, La Plata County scheduled nearly 44,000 ballots for mailing in late September, while Garfield County planned to begin shipping ballots on October 6. In addition to mail-in options, jurisdictions are establishing physical voting infrastructure. In Colorado, ballot drop boxes in Garfield County are set to become available on October 7, with early voting centers opening in Glenwood Springs and Rifle on October 19. Similarly, San Diego County is preparing to distribute ballots the week of October 5, with drop boxes available starting October 4 and in-person voting beginning October 5 at the Registrar of Voters office. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: U.S. counties prepare for November general elections U.S. counties in Colorado and California are preparing for the November 3 general election, with mail-in ballots and early voting schedules being released to registered voters. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-counties-prepare-for-november-general-elections ### 2026-09-30: Colorado begins mailing midterm election ballots Colorado counties are mailing midterm election ballots early under new state law. The upcoming election features a lengthy ballot with significant influence from well-funded political groups and initiatives. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-begins-mailing-midterm-election-ballots --- Cite as: U.S. election preparations and ballot distribution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-election-preparations-and-ballot-distribution