Colorado Voting Rights Act, Election Intimidation Protections Signed Into Law
DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed the Colorado Voting Rights Act into law. He also signed legislation to strengthen protections against firearm intimidation during campaigns and elections into law.
With courage, conviction and sacrifice, generations of Black Americans fought for the Voting Rights Act, transforming democracy and ensuring equal access to the ballot for Black Americans and other minority groups, said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. With voter suppression and voter dilution tactics being used throughout the country, its imperative that we act now to protect the constitutional right to vote. This law makes it clear to Coloradans that, while the federal government continues to chip away at the Voting Rights Act, Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting voting rights.
The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power, said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote and now, its our turn. This law will ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.
As the first Black person elected to represent my area, I know I stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB25-001. Without the protections secured by that landmark legislation, my path to public office might never have been possible. I am proud to sponsor our own Colorado Voting Rights Act to expand on the foundation laid in 1965 and ensure that all Coloradansespecially those in historically marginalized communitiescan access the ballot box freely and fairly. At a time when federal protections are under threat, it is more important than ever that Colorado leads in safeguarding our democracy and protecting the voting rights of LGBTQ+ people, tribal members, and our most vulnerable communities.
https://www.cohousedems.com/news/colorado-voting-rights-act%2C-election-intimidation-protections-signed-into-law