Posted October 29, 2026
Individuals in Denver’s jails will once again have the opportunity to cast their ballots in person for the 2026 General Election thanks to continued partnership between the Denver Sheriff Department (DSD), Office of Clerk & Recorder’s Elections Division, the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC), and the League of Women Voters through the Confined Voting Program (CVP). In-person polling locations are scheduled for the Downtown Detention Center from October 26 – 28, and the Denver County Jail on October 29 – 30.
Now in its eleventh year, this collaborative initiative ensures that eligible individuals in custody are informed about their voting rights and have sufficient time and access to register to vote. Participants may also choose to vote using a mail ballot. The program is supported by Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Clerk Paul D. López, and the Executive Director of Safety Al Gardner.
“From across the nation, we’ve heard stories of voter intimidation and suppression. In Denver, we believe in voter education and empowerment. Everyone who is eligible to vote should. That includes people who are in custody that are permitted to do so in jails throughout the State of Colorado,” said Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins.
Clerk Paul D. López added, “Local elections give us the power to shape the future of our communities. Because of our close, continued partnership with the Denver Sheriff Department, what we built in Denver successfully paved the way to become state law, serving as a model for the rest of the nation. Denver continues to lead in ensuring that eligible individuals in custody who retain their right to vote can meaningfully exercise it. Voting is a profound tool of hope, and everyone deserves the opportunity to use it.”
The Confined Voting Program guarantees that eligible voters housed at the Downtown Detention Center or Denver County Jail, whether awaiting trial or serving a misdemeanor sentence, can register and vote. The Clerk & Recorder’s Elections Division works closely with the Denver Department of Safety and the City Attorney’s Office to maintain accessibility and support. The program has grown into a model of innovative election access, including the integration of polling centers inside detention facilities.
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