Garfield County begins mailing ballots on October 6 to all active registered voters for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election. All 24-hour ballot boxes are open to receive ballots beginning Oct. 7, and all ballot boxes close at 7 p.m. on election night.
Go to govotecolorado.gov to register to vote or to ensure that your voting registration information is current and correct. Register for ballot updates with Ballottrax, which provides text or email notification when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted.
Early voting centers open on Monday, Oct. 19, in Glenwood Springs at the Glenwood Springs Community Center, and in Rifle at the South Hall of the Garfield County Fairgrounds.
“I want to reassure the voters of Garfield County that there have been no changes to how elections are conducted in Colorado,” said Garfield County Clerk & Recorder Jackie Harmon. “Ballots are being mailed to all active registered voters, and voters may return their ballots using the same methods and processes that have been available in previous elections. Our election process remains safe, secure, accurate, and transparent.”
In effect as of 1 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026
After careful consideration, Garfield County, CO, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management – Upper Colorado River District, the U.S. Forest Service, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are moving from Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective 1 a.m. MST on Friday, September 4, 2026. The fire danger is still high but less than it was for the past several weeks when we were under Stage 2 restrictions.
Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability.
What Stage 1 Fire Restrictions mean in Garfield County
Fireworks are not allowed under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
All burn permits are postponed/canceled until further notice.
Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit). A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
No fires of any type including charcoal in undeveloped areas.
No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding” targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
Exercise common sense and industry safety practice when welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame always cleared safe area of vegetation and combustibles.
Penalties
Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.
Federal lands
The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.
Definitions
A “developed area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by land owner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.
An “undeveloped area” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.
Landfill near Rifle is closed on Monday, September 7
GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Monday, September 7, 2026, to celebrate Labor Day. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed.
The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685.
The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Garfield County Libraries seeking voter approval to extend existing mill levy
GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has approved a resolution request by Garfield County Libraries to submit a ballot issue in the November 3, 2026, General Election. The library district is requesting voter approval to extend a portion of its ad valorem property tax levy.
Library district revenues come from one quarter of Garfield County’s one-cent sales tax, and a 2.5 mill levy property tax (two different mills), all approved by voters. One mill of the overall rate that was passed by voters in 2006 expires in 2027.
“It’s not raising any taxes, it’s an extension of the mill levy,” said Garfield County Libraries Board President Adrian Rippy-Sheehy. “It was unanimously passed by all five of the library trustees present (at our meeting), and the two who were absent submitted letters of support.”
Revenues from the sunsetting mill can be used for repairs and ensuring the libraries are safe, clean, and accessible; to retain staff; to provide books, technology, and materials; support programs aimed toward seniors and children; support partnerships with existing nonprofits that support food security, or deal with mental health issues or domestic violence; and fund other library programs and services.
If passed by the voters, the district would continue collecting revenues from the one mill beginning in 2028, with no sunset provision this time.
The Board of County Commissioners supported placing the ballot issue on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot unanimously, 2-0, with Commissioner Mike Samson excused from the meeting.
Association of Immunization Managers, CDC honors Garfield County Public Health finance administrator
CDPHE PRESS RELEASE
August 13, 2026
Denver (Aug. 13, 2026) — The Immunization Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced Kathy Lancaster, a [Public Health] finance administrator for Garfield County, as Colorado’s recipient of the 2026 National Immunization Champion Award. The award, presented by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to advance immunization in their communities.
Lancaster’s commitment to promoting vaccinations in Garfield County is evident in her extraordinary 45-year tenure as a public servant. While her official role focuses on budgets and spreadsheets, her true influence lies in the heart she brings to public health. Lancaster serves as a vital bridge between the clinic and the community, consistently volunteering at off site vaccine clinics. By setting up vaccination stations, guiding families, and supporting staff, she helps create welcoming experiences that expand the clinic’s reach into neighborhoods that might otherwise face barriers to care.
Lancaster’s dedication goes far beyond her job description, particularly in her advocacy for the most vulnerable. She takes the initiative to make calls, coordinate schedules, and recruit nurses for home-based vaccinations. This vital effort sustains protection for homebound older adults and disabled residents who might otherwise simply go without vaccines. Inside the clinic, Lancaster’s humanity shines during pediatric appointments. When children struggle with fear during vaccinations, she steps in with a calm presence — holding a hand or offering a reassuring voice — helping families feel supported and ensuring the process goes smoothly.
Her passionate advocacy for public health is rooted in deeply personal experiences. As a cancer survivor, Lancaster understands firsthand the critical value of prevention, early intervention, and compassionate care. Her dedication is further fueled by her lifelong connection to the Garfield County community and her volunteer work at her church, where organizing senior dinners and outreach has given her a close view of the needs of older adults. These lived experiences drive her unwavering belief that protecting health can change the course of a life, making her a trusted leader who encourages friends, coworkers, and neighbors alike to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
“Kathy’s unwavering commitment to increasing vaccine access and offering a compassionate presence in her community is truly inspiring,” said Heather Roth, Immunization Branch Chief at CDPHE. “Her tireless work, from organizing home-visit vaccinations to comforting nervous children in the clinic, has made a significant impact on public health in Colorado. She is such a deserving recipient of this award.”
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