Are Convicted Felons Allowed to Vote in Colorado?

In less than 100 days, a pivotal presidential election will occur in America. No matter which side you fall on, it's important to get out and vote for a political candidate to take over the most important position in the country. With that, citizens should know their rights when it comes time to cast a ballot.

For example, some may wonder if convicted felons or those serving time are permitted to vote. The answer varies depending on the state.

According to the Colorado Secretary of State's website, convicted felons who have served their entire sentence are allowed to vote in Colorado. The same goes for those on probation, parole, or out on bond. You can vote while awaiting trial for any charge, even if incarcerated, as long as you have not lost your right to vote due to a prior conviction. You do not lose the right to vote if you are convicted of a misdemeanor in Colorado.

Legislation passed in 2024 now requires a temporary voter service and polling center to be created in the county jail and operate for one business day, any day 4-15 days before Election Day, and requires that it remain open at least six hours allowing confined eligible voters to vote. The General Assembly also passed a law requiring county clerks to work with county sheriffs to allow voting in jail for at least one day for those serving a sentence for misdemeanor convictions and to give all detainees information on voting eligibility.

That being said, felons who are incarcerated as part of their sentences are not legally authorized to vote. Eligibility to vote is restored after completing the full term of imprisonment. Payment of restitution is not a condition of voting eligibility in Colorado.

If you were registered to vote before being incarcerated for a felony conviction, your registration will have been canceled, and you must re-register to vote. If you have a Colorado State driver's license or ID card issued by the Department of Revenue you may register to vote online. Paper voter registration forms are also available on the Secretary of State's website.

Once you are eligible to vote in Colorado, you are eligible to vote in both state and federal elections

It is a Class Five Felony for anyone to illegally register to vote or vote in an election in Colorado.