By Andy Bixler
Yesterday, the Senate passed two bills to enhance Colorado’s voting systems and ensure they remain free from attempts at intimidation or coercion.
Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) and Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County) the Vote Without Fear Act, prohibits a person from openly carrying a firearm within 100 feet of any drop box, voter service and polling center (VSPC), or central count facility while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress to ensure Coloradans can continue to cast their ballot without fear of intimidation.
“The sacred right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it’s imperative that Coloradans can participate in our democracy without fear,” said Fields. “We must ensure that voters who wish to make their voice heard at the ballot box feel safe to do so in Colorado, and this commonsense bill will implement critical protections to keep our polling places safe and defend voting rights throughout our state.”
“Participating in democracy should never be a scary experience. Every voter deserves to feel safe when exercising their sacred right to vote,” said Jaquez Lewis. “I’m proud to support legislation that further strengthens our elections by ensuring Coloradans can make their voices heard without fear of intimidation.”
SB22-152, Residence of Voter Whose Home is Destroyed, will allow registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to continue using their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or is uninhabitable. Sponsored by President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Jaquez Lewis, the bill will codify a standard practice that county election clerks have historically followed for displaced voters.
“The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Fenberg. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this legislation will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.”
HB22-1086 now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. SB22-152 moves to the House for further consideration; track the progress of the bill here.
Andy Bixler is Senate Majority Communications Director.