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New laws will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty, strengthen firearm intimidation protections DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed the Colorado Voting Rights Act into law. He also signed legislation to strengthen protections against firearm intimidation during campaigns and elections into law.
“With courage, conviction and sacrifice, generations of Black Americans fought for the Voting Rights Act, transforming democracy and ensuring equal access to the ballot for Black Americans and other minority groups,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. “With voter suppression and voter dilution tactics being used throughout the country, it’s imperative that we act now to protect the constitutional right to vote. This law makes it clear to Coloradans that, while the federal government continues to chip away at the Voting Rights Act, Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting voting rights.”
“The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. “Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote – and now, it’s our turn. This law will ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.”
“As the first Black person elected to represent my area, I know I stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB25-001. “Without the protections secured by that landmark legislation, my path to public office might never have been possible. I am proud to sponsor our own Colorado Voting Rights Act to expand on the foundation laid in 1965 and ensure that all Coloradans—especially those in historically marginalized communities—can access the ballot box freely and fairly. At a time when federal protections are under threat, it is more important than ever that Colorado leads in safeguarding our democracy and protecting the voting rights of LGBTQ+ people, tribal members, and our most vulnerable communities.”
In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1986, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, SB25-001 protects and strengthens the right to vote in Colorado. This law codifies stronger voter protections, expands access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibits discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back.
The law expands access to multilingual ballots in certain local elections, protects access for eligible voters confined in local jails, requires residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empowers the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. It also prohibits impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation and creates a publicly available, statewide database of election information without compromising any personal voter data.
In April, the US House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act that would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening the future of mail voter registration and disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, especially the almost 70 million Americans who have changed their name. This would make it impossible for many Americans who do not have a passport, REAL ID, or access to their birth certificates to vote.
Colorado is a national role model for administering secure, accessible and fair elections. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to reduce barriers to voting access for Native Americans and Indigenous people, incarcerated Coloradans and college students. In 2021, Colorado Democrats also passed a law to expand minority language ballot access beyond federal requirements.
Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country and voter registration rates. Over 93-percent of eligible Coloradans are registered to vote, which is nearly 10-percent higher than the national average.
HB25-1225, also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, expands protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities is considered intimidation. The law also allows an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse.
“Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, President Trump’s lies following the 2020 election continue to impact the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225. “While Republicans defend convicted criminals like Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used to intimidate voters and election workers. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this law, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as election workers, and volunteer for campaigns without fear.”
“Coloradans in rural and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by efforts to suppress voters,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1225. “This law will shore up protections for voters so that everyone, regardless of zip code or identity, feels safe participating in our democratic process.”
“The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This new law protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.”
“Colorado’s gold-standard free and fair elections are the backbone of our democracy,” said Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Increased threats of violence have put voters and election workers at risk of danger. This new law will strengthen protections for all people involved in our elections process so that everyone feels safe to be represented and make their voices heard.”
In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers.