By Lawrence Pacheco
Attorney General Phil Weiser issued a public advisory today to remind Coloradans of their right to vote free from intimidation and to ensure polling places remain secure as the 2024 election approaches.
The advisory replaces a previous version issued in 2022 and reflects the enactment of new state legislation, Senate Bills 23-276 and 24-131.
The advisory outlines the importance of maintaining a secure, accessible voting process in Colorado, and provides clear guidance on what constitutes voter intimidation. It also details the penalties for violations, which include fines and imprisonment.
“Colorado’s democracy is built on the right of every eligible voter to cast their ballot safely and freely, without fear or intimidation,” said Weiser. “We will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity of our elections, and those who seek to intimidate voters or disrupt poll centers will be held accountable.”
Highlights from the public advisory:
- Voter intimidation is illegal: Under Colorado law, voter intimidation includes threatening, harassing, or coercing voters to influence their decision to vote or refrain from voting. It is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to 364 days, or both.
- No harassment near polling places: Campaigning or aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, age, or how they intend to vote within 100 feet of a polling center or ballot drop box is unlawful.
- Firearms are prohibited: A new law passed by the legislature this year now prohibits both concealed and open carried firearms (the prior law barred just open carry) within 100 feet of polling locations or ballot drop boxes on election day or during voting periods. Certain exceptions are provided for people on their private property, uniformed security guards, and peace officers.
- Certified poll watchers only: Poll watchers must be officially certified and may not interfere with or intimidate voters at any time.
For additional information, please download the public advisory, here.
Any person who witnesses or is a target of voter intimidation or election worker intimidation should contact their local law enforcement agency or county clerk and recorder for immediate assistance, or the Colorado Attorney General’s Office at ag@coag.gov or (720) 508-6000.
In case of an emergency, call 911.
Lawrence Pacheco is Chief Communications Officer for the Attorney General’s office.