Colorado has approved a first-of-its-kind voting service specifically designed for individuals in jail. Governor Jared Polis (D-CO) signed a bill on Monday requiring election officials and law enforcement to provide voting services at county jails and detention centers, including in-person voting on Election Day.
Law enforcement and election officials will provide a six-hour voting window for inmates to cast their ballots, with mail-in voting remaining an option.
Colorado is the first state to implement such a statewide mandate. This program allows individuals awaiting trial, including those charged with felonies, and those convicted of misdemeanors to vote in the general election. Under Colorado state law, convicted felons will still not be allowed to vote.
Currently, eight jails in the United States, including two in Colorado, allow voting behind bars, as reported by Prison Policy. In 2020, 136 eligible inmates voted in Denver. In November, 61 jails and detention centers will offer in-person voting to inmates.
