Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a groundbreaking bill into law on Friday, mandating that election officials provide voting services at county detention centers and jails for statewide general elections. This statewide program is the first of its kind, as only a few prisons across the country currently offer in-person voting to eligible residents.

The implementation of this measure will see approximately 61 jails and detention centers across Colorado offering in-person voting for the November election, according to Jack Todd, a spokesman for the Colorado Secretary of State. While Colorado prohibits those serving time for felony convictions from voting, it remains legal for incarcerated individuals awaiting trial or serving time for misdemeanors to cast a ballot in the state.

State Senator Julie Gonzales, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, emphasized that lawmakers identified logistical hurdles as the primary reason eligible voters behind bars were not participating in elections. “In Colorado, we really pride ourselves on our gold star election system,” Gonzales said. “Yet we realized that there was a group of individuals who weren’t able to fully access the ballot.”

Under the new law, law enforcement and election officials are required to offer six hours of in-person voting services and facilitate the registration process for confined individuals. Additionally, there will be provisions for eligible voters to return mail ballots if they prefer to cast their vote that way. County staff will serve as poll workers, and the legislation ensures that election officials have access to Department of Corrections data to prevent those serving time for felony convictions from voting.

Restoring voting rights to the millions of Americans with felony convictions who have completed their sentences has been a popular policy proposal in recent years, but very few states have taken steps to encourage political engagement behind bars. Voting from behind bars can be difficult, voting rights advocates have long said, though many Americans are eligible.

Federal data indicates that nearly a half million people were behind bars and awaiting trial as of mid-2022, the most recent data available. Those who are citizens and do not have a disenfranchising felony conviction on their record maintain their rights, as do many of those serving time for misdemeanor crimes.

“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, they still are a member of a community, a citizen of Colorado, and that they still had rights and obligations,” Gonzales said.

The new law represents a significant step toward inclusivity and ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, regardless of their incarceration status. It underscores Colorado’s commitment to maintaining a comprehensive and accessible election system that recognizes the rights of all its citizens. By removing logistical barriers and facilitating the voting process for those behind bars, the state aims to uphold the principles of democracy and equal representation.

This initiative not only addresses the practical challenges of voting from detention centers but also reinforces the notion that civic engagement is a right and a responsibility that extends to all members of the community, including those who are temporarily deprived of their freedom. The success of this program could serve as a model for other states considering similar measures to enhance voter participation and uphold democratic values.

Furthermore, the law mandates that election officials and county staff receive training to handle the unique circumstances of providing voting services in detention facilities. This training will ensure that all involved parties understand the legal rights of incarcerated voters and the logistical requirements of facilitating in-person voting within secure environments. By doing so, Colorado is not only setting a precedent for prisoner voting rights but also ensuring that the process is conducted efficiently, securely, and respectfully.

The implications of this legislation are profound, as it acknowledges the civic rights of individuals within the criminal justice system and promotes greater political participation. As other states observe the outcomes of this initiative, Colorado's efforts may inspire broader reforms aimed at inclusive and equitable voting practices across the nation. The law signifies a progressive step toward ensuring that every eligible voter, regardless of their circumstances, has a voice in the democratic process.