Can a Felon Vote in Colorado? (Updated)

Colorado, named after the nearby Colorado River by the Spanish, was declared a state on August 1, 1876. With 1876 being 100 years prior to when the Declaration of Independence was signed, Colorado was also nicknamed the Centennial State. Its capital has a population of around 649,495 as of 2013.

There are a total of 19,619 inmates according to a June 2016 report from the government. The 17,768 majority of these convicts are men while the remaining 1,851 are women.

Those who have committed crimes should be given a chance to vote, especially since the constitution does not allow for excessive sanctions. Their right to vote can’t be permanently taken away.

Can Felons Vote in Colorado?

Similar to almost all states in the country, convicts cannot vote while confined in prison or out on parole. Those on probation, however, are allowed to vote.

The nature of the offense committed will not affect their right to vote or the absence of this right while they are serving their sentence.

According to government websites, there are no distinctions depending on the crime, only the fact that a person is currently a felon.

Therefore, an active felon is unable to vote according to the law. If he is an ex-felon who is not under any other convictions then he is free to vote.

How Felons Can Restore Voting Rights in Colorado?

There is no chance for you to appeal to become a voter in Colorado if you are currently serving time or are on parole. What you need to do in order to gain voting rights are the following:

Wait until you have finished your sentence. You can then qualify to become a voter

Check if you can be on probation. If so, being on probation will allow you to vote

If you are still awaiting trial or have a pending criminal case, then your voting rights will still be intact. Those who have registered prior to being convicted may register again after their sentence.