Colorado Democrats approve law offering in-person voting to individuals BEHIND BARS this November

 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed into law a bill requiring election officials to provide voting services in 61 county detention centers and jails across the state for elections.

The new law, Senate Bill 72, will ensure that those awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanors can exercise their right to vote, a right that remains despite incarceration. Colorado law bars individuals serving time for felony convictions from voting but allows those awaiting trial or convicted of misdemeanors to participate in elections.

Under SB 72, law enforcement and election officials must provide six hours of in-person voting and registration services within detention facilities. Additionally, eligible voters will have the option to return mail-in ballots if they prefer. County staff members will be designated as poll workers and election officials will be granted access to Corrections Department data to prevent those with felony convictions from voting.  

State Sen. and Majority Whip Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), one of the main sponsors of the bill, stated that logistical challenges have historically prevented eligible voters in detention from casting their ballots. In line with this, Gonzales stressed the importance of this initiative for incarcerated individuals.

"One of the things that we heard from people who had previously been incarcerated was that being able to weigh in on these elections was so important for them to remember that even though they are navigating the criminal legal system, that they still are a member of a community, a citizen of Colorado, and that they still had rights and obligations," Gonzales said. 

SB 72 was signed on May 31 and will go into effect in time for the November election.

Colorado Democrats approve law offering in-person voting to individuals BEHIND BARS this November - STATIONGOSSIP

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