Emotions running high among voters in El Paso County, officials ask for patience for results

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - We are just hours out until 2024′s General Election. This time Tuesday, we will have some results in likely who our next representatives in Congress will be and what type of new laws will be adopted in Colorado and while many wait for those answers, passion and emotions from voters are rising.

"There is more emotions involved in this one. This right now, I would say the fourth quarter game is on the line. We need a 'Hail Mary' win. We need people to gather and emotions are running high," said Michael Velasquez, a local voter.

Ballot boxes 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, the county's clerk and recorder, said that despite his pleas for people to vote early, more than 180,000 people will be voting between Monday and Tuesday. It means that results on election night may be slower.

"We have become such an instantaneous society. Folks are going to be sitting on the couch, and they are going to want to know the results. Please know we cannot push results out if we still have people in line at the ballot box or at the in person voting centers," Steve Schleiker, El Paso County's Clerk and Recorder.

Schleiker said he understands the excitement from voters, but wants to make sure the counting process is done right.

"This is an election unlike any other and I don't think many of us will see another election like this in our lifetime. There are zero errors allowed in the election process," said Schleiker.

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

"I really hope everybody can have a responsible experience with this. However it goes, try to remember to have patience and just be calm," said Shaylin Johnson, a voter.

"We need our country's hopes up. Not just hopes up, but really get going," said Joe Garcia, another local voter.

Results will not be released right at 7:00 pm in El Paso County, as all ballot boxes and voting centers have to make sure everyone inside before the deadline is able to cast their ballot. The first round is expected after 8:00 p.m.