This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Many people are unaware that Colorado is one of the few states where voting rights have been restored. This spring a new voting reform became law, which restores the voting rights of people on parole. A person sentenced to parole is considered to have completed their full term of imprisonment according to the state constitution. Colorado is now unique in restoration of disenfranchised citizens as voters.
When canvassing petitions, there are a number of people who claim that they cannot vote. They believe that they are blocked by laws. While they certainly have an opinion, they do not vote. This is a false assumption in Colorado.
States control voting roles, not the federal government. Colorado is different. A former felon in Kentucky needs a pardon from the governor there to vote. If that person moves to Colorado, they may register to vote and exercise that right in any election. No special permissions or paperwork is needed.
Colorado voters can be people with a past criminal conviction; people currently in jail, but awaiting trial; people on probation; people currently in jail for a misdemeanor offense only. People convicted of crimes that are not felonies have no issue with voting. They can even vote from jail. A voter with a local address who is in jail will be a simple address change for the county clerk. It is up to the voter to inform the Secretary of State as to address changes.
When the sentence of a felony conviction in Colorado comes to end, the felon may resume being a voter, or begin if they were not registered before. The sentence and obligation to the court is over and rights are restored.
If any of this information impacts you or a family member or friend, be excited about voting. Your vote could make a profound difference. There have been many close elections and your opinion mattered. Let it be counted.
Be a citizen, not a serf.
Paul Tiger
Longmont
