Second graders tour Mesa County Elections

In late October, second-grade students from Tope Elementary toured the Mesa County Elections office to learn about voting and civic engagement.

Bobbie Gross, Mesa County Clerk and Recorder, prefers to hold tours for students and the public during an active election, so they can see the ballot sorting, counting and verification process in action.

Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, the elections office was already busy processing ballots from Mesa County voters.

Students saw bipartisan volunteers work together to process ballots, asked a lot of questions, and even voted on unofficial ballots, with questions like "What's your favorite superpower?" and a Proposition for longer recess on Fridays.

"Teaching kids that their voice matters sets them up for lifelong habits of civic engagement," said Kaitlyn Sacco, Mesa County Election Specialist.

If you haven't voted or dropped off your ballot yet, find information on voter service centers and drop box locations on our website.