Versión en Español

Q1. If I am incarcerated for a felony conviction, does this affect my voter status?

A1. In Colorado, it is illegal to register to vote or cast a vote while serving a sentence of incarceration or detention for a felony conviction.

Q2. If I am currently on parole for a felony conviction, can I vote?

A2. Yes. Persons serving a sentence of parole may vote. Persons sentenced to parole are considered to have completed their “full term of imprisonment” as that term appears in the state constitution.

Q3. Do I have the right to vote if I am in jail awaiting trial or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor conviction?

A3: Yes. An individual in either of these situations has the right to register to vote and vote in any election. Individuals in these situations should contact their jail administrator to coordinate voter registration if they are not already registered.

Q4. Do I have the right to vote if I am on bond and the criminal case is pending?

A4: Yes. You are eligible to vote if you are on bond as long as you are not convicted and serving a sentence of confinement or detention for a felony at the time of the election.

Q5. Do I have the right to vote if I am on probation?

A5. Yes. Individuals on probation may register to vote and cast their vote in any election.

Q6. I have a criminal conviction in my past. Do I have the right to vote if I have served my sentence?

A6. Yes. In Colorado, you have the right to vote after you have served your sentence. The day you are released from detention or incarceration is the day your eligibility to register to vote is restored.

Q7. Will I get an official letter telling me when I am eligible to vote?

A7. Though you will not receive an official letter telling you when you are eligible to vote, at your initial meeting with the division of adult parole, the division must provide certain voter information to you. This information includes (1) your voting rights; (2) how you may register to vote or update or confirm your voter registration record; (3) how to obtain and cast a ballot; and (4) how to obtain voter information materials, including an application for a mail ballot, a ballot information booklet, and forms used to register an elector.

Q8. Must I provide proof that I served my sentence to register to vote or vote?

A8. If you submit a voter registration application, but your name still appears in the database as an individual who is incarcerated or otherwise detained, the county elections official may ask for proof that you have completed your sentence. Once you have finished your sentence, your name should be removed from the database as being incarcerated or detained, but this can take some time.

Q9. What if I was convicted for a crime in another state?

A9. Election law varies from state to state, and your right to vote is determined by the state in which you live. If you are a Colorado resident and if you have completed your sentence you can cast a vote.

Q10. If I was convicted of a federal crime, do I have the right to vote in a federal election?

A10. It does not matter if you were convicted in a state or federal court. Once you are eligible to vote in Colorado, you are eligible to vote in both state and federal elections.

Q11. Do I have to pay off all my restitution before I can vote?

A11. No. Payment of restitution is not a condition of voting eligibility.

Q12. I was registered to vote before I was incarcerated. Do I need to register again?

A12. Yes. If you were registered to vote prior to your incarceration 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.

Q13. If I illegally register to vote or vote in an election, can I be charged with a crime?

A13. Yes. It is a Class Five Felony to for anyone to illegally register to vote or vote in an election. Please refer to Section 1-13-704.5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes for more information.