Bill to Safeguard Voting Rights in Colorado Law Passes Senate

Colorado Voting Rights Act would strengthen voter protections and access amid federal uncertainty

DENVER, CO – In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, the Senate passed legislation to protect and strengthen the right to vote in Colorado today. 

SB25-001, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would codify stronger voter protections, expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibit discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back.

“The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power,” said Gonzales. “Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote – and now, it’s our turn. This bill would ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.”

The bill would expand access to multilingual ballots in certain local elections, protect access for eligible voters confined in local jails, require residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empower the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. The bill would also prohibit impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, and would create a publicly available, statewide database of election information, without compromising any personal voter data.

The bill was amended to ensure that people who cannot vote in person for a primary election, like military members overseas, have a way to participate in the election. 

SB25-001 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.