Colorado Democratic Party – Full 2-Year Cycle
This timeline covers the full two-year cycle of the Colorado Democratic Party, starting with Reorganization and moving through Caucuses, Assemblies, Primaries, and the General Election.
Year 1 – Reorganization & Preparation Year (Odd-Numbered Years)
Step 1: January – February
County Party Reorganization
- County Democratic Parties hold Reorganization Meetings to elect leadership:
- County Chair, Vice-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and other officers.
- Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs) may be elected or re-elected.
- County parties set goals, plan engagement strategies, and prepare for the next election cycle.
Step 2: March – April
State & Congressional District Reorganization
- State Party Reorganization Meeting:
- The Colorado Democratic Party (CDP) elects new officers, including the State Chair.
- Congressional District Reorganizations:
- Each of Colorado’s Congressional Districts elects their party leadership.
- Democratic National Committee (DNC) Members from Colorado may also be elected.
Step 3: Spring thru Fall
Party Growth & Outreach
- Local Democratic parties focus on community engagement, voter registration, and fundraising.
- Training for volunteers, candidates, and campaign staff begins.
- Off-Year Elections (School Boards, Municipal Elections, etc.) take place in some areas.
Year 2 – Election Year (Even-Numbered Years)
- Precinct Caucuses (if held):
- Local party members gather to discuss candidates and issues.
- Delegates to County Assemblies may be selected.
- Precinct Organizing:
- Voter registration efforts increase.
- Candidates begin collecting petition signatures for ballot access.
Step 5: March
County Assemblies & Conventions
- Delegates elected to Congressional District and State Assemblies.
- County parties officially nominate candidates for local and state races.
- Resolutions and platform discussions may take place.
Step 6: April
Congressional District & State Assemblies
- Congressional District Assemblies:
- Delegates nominate candidates for congressional races.
- Delegates to the Democratic National Convention are elected (Presidential years only).
- State Assembly & Convention:
- Candidates for statewide offices (Governor, U.S. Senate) seek to qualify for the ballot.
Step 7: June
Primary Election
- Registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters select Democratic nominees for the General Election.
- State and local Democratic candidates begin full campaign efforts.
Step 8: July – October
General Election Campaigns
- Campaigning, debates, and Democratic outreach efforts intensify.
- The Colorado Democratic Party and local county parties mobilize volunteers and Get Out The Vote (GOTV).
Step 9: November
General Election
- Voters select elected officials for local, state, and national offices.
- Election results shape the party’s leadership and direction for the next two years.
Step 10: December – January
Post-Election Analysis & Transition
- Voters select elected officials for local, state, and national offices.
- Election results shape the party’s leadership and direction for the next two years.
Return to Step 1 - Reorganizations Begin Again
This cycle repeats every two years, ensuring the Colorado Democratic Party remains organized, strategic, and engaged with voters.