Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams and Larimer counties will be the key swing areas to watch in Colorado on election night, said former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown (R-Denver) on Friday.

In a conference call with online media, Brown also predicted a record turnout in Colorado because of a "very hot" presidential race and a number of controversial referenda on the November ballot.

"I think the real swing will be in those more independent counties that tend to make up the majority (0f votes cast) when they turn out heavily," Brown said.

That, he said, includes Jefferson County, which  "used to be a Republican county (but) it's now very independent." He also mentioned Larimer County, "which is registered Republican but votes very independently," Brown said.

Many other Colorado political figures, including Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak, have also pointed to Denver metro counties like JeffCo and Arapahoe as the places to watch on Nov. 4.

A long list of ballot measures will also drive up turnout, he said.

"'Right to work' is on the ballot; there are four union measures that would shut down Colorado's economy that are on the ballot right now, as well as a variety of others that are generating tens of millions of dollars in donations - a record media campaign on both sides," Brown said.