In a landmark move to expand voting rights, over 2,300 incarcerated individuals in Colorado exercised their right to vote during the 2024 election. This significant increase follows the implementation of a new state law mandating in-person voting opportunities within county jails.
A Surge in Inmate Voter Participation
Data collected by Kyle Giddings, deputy director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, reveals a substantial rise in jail-based voting. In 2024, more than 2,300 inmates cast their ballots, a tenfold increase from the 231 who voted in the 2022 midterm elections. This figure encompasses both in-person and mail-in voting.
Legislative Framework: Senate Bill 24-72
The surge in inmate voting is attributed to the enactment of Senate Bill 24-72, signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in May 2024. This legislation requires county sheriffs to designate personnel to assist eligible voters in jails. It mandates the establishment of a temporary in-person voting center within each county jail, operational for at least six hours on a designated day.
Eligibility Criteria for Incarcerated Voters
In Colorado, voting rights for incarcerated individuals are delineated based on their legal status. Those awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees) and individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions retain their right to vote. Conversely, individuals serving sentences for felony convictions are disenfranchised during their incarceration but regain voting rights upon completion of their sentence.
County-Level Implementation and Experiences
Jefferson County exemplifies the law’s impact. Clerk Amanda Gonzalez reported a significant increase in inmate voter participation, from three voters in 2022 to 348 in 2024. One first-time voter expressed that casting his ballot was “one of the top five experiences of his life,” highlighting the profound personal impact of enfranchisement.
In Arapahoe County, proactive measures were taken to facilitate inmate voting. The county extended in-person voting over four days within the jail, anticipating higher interest during the presidential election. Arapahoe County Elections Director Bill Mast emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “We are just happy that all of our voters have an opportunity to get their voices heard, their ballots cast.”
Challenges and Considerations
Implementing in-person voting within jails presents logistical challenges. For instance, El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker noted the need for extensive planning to ensure security and accessibility. Despite initial concerns, the county successfully facilitated two full days of jail-based voting, with 308 inmates casting ballots.
Additionally, accommodating inmates from different counties poses challenges. In Arapahoe County, 47% of incarcerated individuals were residents of other counties, necessitating the use of statewide ballots. Mast highlighted the complexities involved, suggesting that counting such ballots within the county could streamline the process.
Statewide Impact and Future Outlook
While approximately 26 counties reported no inmate voters, 17 of these counties lack their own jails, accounting for the absence of jail-based voting. In counties with smaller jail populations, low turnout was anticipated. For example, Gilpin County, with about 32 inmates, saw 13 individuals choose to vote.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold expressed optimism about the program’s future, stating that her office looks forward to building on the first year of the jail-based voting program for future elections.
Conclusion
Colorado’s initiative to facilitate in-person voting within jails marks a significant step toward inclusive democracy. The substantial increase in inmate voter participation underscores the effectiveness of the new law and highlights the importance of ensuring that all eligible citizens, regardless of their incarceration status, have the opportunity to engage in the democratic process.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
