In general, the law prohibits a convicted felon after serving his/her time from registering or casting a vote in the U.S. However, a 2019 law restores the voting rights of parolees since felons in Colorado sentenced to parole are considered to have completed their full term of imprisonment.
Who Can Vote in Colorado
You can vote in Colorado if you are:
1. Past criminal convict and have finished the sentence. In Colorado, you will become eligible to vote again the day you are released from the detention facility.
2. Sentenced or released on parole or other federal supervised releases. A person who has been released from jail through parole or other federal supervised release has already been considered as having completed his/her sentence.
3. A pretrial detainee in jail awaiting trial. If the person is currently incarcerated in prison but is not yet convicted may still cast their vote. These individuals need to contact the jail administrator to coordinate the registration.
4. Released from jail through a Denver bail bonds service, awaiting trial. These individuals may coordinate with their 24-hour bail bonds company or local election officers for further assistance.
5. On probation for a felony or misdemeanor charge. These individuals are free to register or cast a vote in any election in the U.S.
6. Currently serving time in jail for a misdemeanor case. As long as it is not a felony charge, the convicted person can exercise their voting rights with the help of the jail administrator or other authorities.
7. Sentenced to serve time in a halfway house, such as a diversion client. These individuals are ex-offenders who have already been released from prison; therefore, their right to vote has been restored.
You cannot vote in Colorado if you are:
- Currently serving a sentence in a facility for a felony crime.
- On DOC, inmates are residing in a community corrections halfway house.
- On a non-residential status.
What If the Person Is Convicted in Another State?
Election law varies in each state, and the eligibility to vote depends on where a person lives. So, if you are convicted in another state, but are a resident of Colorado, you still have the right to vote in the State of Colorado.
Will an Individual Receive an Official Letter to Vote Legally?
In general, a person released from jail, either due to parole, probation, using a Denver bail bonds service, or completion of term imprisonment, won’t receive any official letter telling them that their voting rights have been restored. However, the division of adult parole must provide certain voter information to you at your initial meeting with them. It should include your voting rights, how to register or update your voter record, how to obtain or cast a ballot, how to get voter information materials, and so on.
What Happens If You Vote Illegally?
Casting a vote even if you are not eligible is a crime in Colorado. It is a Class Five Felony charge that a person will face.
If you are someone who is released while awaiting trial but wants to exercise the right to vote, you can ask your lawyer, your local elections official for further assistance, or your 24-hour bail bonds company, like Red’s Anytime at Tel: 303-623-2245.