Colorado voters chose nine electors to represent them in the Electoral College via a popular vote pitting incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama and his running mate, Vice President Joe Biden, against Republican challenger and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and his running mate, U.S. Representative Paul Ryan.

The race was widely expected to be won by Mitt Romney even on the day of the caucus, but a strong surge by Rick Santorum across all three races that day carried him to a close victory; however, the delegates were not legally bound to follow voter preferences and most voted for Romney.

Incumbent Barack Obama started off with a wide lead in polls ranging from 1 to 13 points, which continued throughout the early summer of 2012.

Romney gained momentum in October, and the race was essentially tied, with neither candidate taking a significant lead.

[3] The final pre-election poll showed Obama leading Romney 52% to 46%, which was accurate compared to the results.