by Cat Rimbach, staff writer

Voting is often an intimidating feat. For many younger members of the public and for those that aren’t quite sure where they stand on their ability to register. Colorado is one of the few states that makes this process more inclusive and generally easier.

April 4 is an important local election. We will be voting on a new mayor, new city council members, and an important issue concerning taxes in relation to the Trails and Open Space coalition. It is crucial that more voters who live in this city get up and vote, crucial that we choose our own future.

In 2023 Colorado was one of eighteen states that did not introduce any restrictive voting laws. Laws changing certain people’s eligibility or access to an easy voting system. One of these restrictions a few states implemented was the ability for everyone to turn in mail-in ballots. Due to the debacle in 2020, the false claims of voter fraud, many states believed ridding of mail-in ballots would be the best approach to voter fraud. However, this also makes voters feel less
inclined to get up and find a polling station, thus lessening the amount of voter input they receive.

In this upcoming election, the state has already mailed out the mail-in ballots and 24/7 drop boxes for everyone. This proves to be a much easier process and voters should rest assured in the fact that they are thoroughly regulated and safe. For those who want to vote in person, or who may need to because they registered after the mail-in ballots were delivered, you can visit any VSPC location to register and vote in person on election day.

Colorado elections are conducted by republican, democratic, and unaffiliated local officials, therefore ruling out a biased review. It should also be noted that, unlike many states, Colorado allows felons to vote as soon as they finish their “full term of imprisonment”. That means felons on probation or parole may vote, and even those people serving time for a misdemeanor may also vote.

In order to reach the younger generations and encourage them to vote, Colorado also allows seventeen year olds to preregister so by the time they hit eighteen they will automatically be registered to vote. Despite the misconceptions of such eligibility and ease, the state tries its best to make these elections
available for everyone.

Colorado voting is widely open and inclusive:

16 and up can vote
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/highSchoolRegistration.html
Facts on safety of voting
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ElectionIntegrity/factsVSmyths.html
Voters with felonies
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/FAQs/VotingAndConviction.html