Unlike past elections, Colorado Springs voters won't head to the polls on April 1, they'll vote by mail-in ballot.

But thousands of registered voters say they never received a ballot. According to the city clerk's office, that's because, if you did not vote in the previous election, you were put on the "inactive status" list.

However, there is still time to get a ballot. "What they need to do is obtain a form from our office that states that they have not had any changes to their voter registration, such as address," says Cindy Conway, Deputy City Clerk.

Once they complete that form, the clerk's office will issue them a ballot. That way, they can help choose the city's next mayor, three council members and decide if the Trails, Open Space and Park program should be extended.

Conway says the mail-in ballot is designed to increase participation by making it easier to vote. It gives voters more time to study the candidates and the issues, and it saves taxpayer money. "It's approximately $120,000 savings for us to conduct a mail ballot rather than the precinct election," she says.

The important thing to remember your ballot must be returned to the city on or before next Tuesday, April 1. If you don't want to rely on the mail, you can drop it off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at these 3 locations.

City Clerk's Office
30 South Nevada Avenue, Ste. 101

Falcon Police Substation
7850 Goddard Street

Sand Creek Police Substation
4125 Center Park Drive

For more information:

Colorado Springs City Election web site