Senate Approves Bill to Expand Voting & Ballot Access

DENVER, CO – Legislation to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote and expand access to the ballot for candidates with disabilities cleared the Senate today.

SB24-072, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would require county clerks and county sheriffs to create and implement a plan to facilitate in-person voting for eligible voters in county jails and detention centers. Under current law, U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are not currently serving time for a felony conviction are eligible to vote.

“Every eligible citizen should be afforded the opportunity to participate in our democracy, full stop,” Gonzales said. “But thousands of people in county jails face numerous barriers to exercising their right to vote. This bill will require eligible confined voters to be given that opportunity, and will help ensure more Coloradans are able to cast a ballot and make their voices heard.”

While Colorado has a robust vote by mail program, voters in jails and detention centers face incredible difficulty accessing the ballot. In the 2020 general election, out of an estimated eligible population of 5,205 confined voters, only 557 individuals (6.97 percent) received a ballot. In the 2022 general election, there was an estimated eligible population of 4,876 confined voters, but only 231 individuals (4.73 percent) received ballots.

SB24-072 would mandate at least one day of in-person voting at each facility, alleviating the pressure on these voters to navigate the complexities of voting eligibility, which can change day-to-day, and helping ensure every eligible citizen is provided the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

SB24-072 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.