Individuals in Denver’s jails cast their ballots in person for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election in partnership between the Denver Sheriff Department (DSD), Office of Clerk & Recorder’s Elections Division, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC) and League of Women Voters through the Confined Voting Program (CVP). Polling centers were planned for the Downtown Detention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 28, and the Denver County Jail on Thursday, Feb. 29.
The joint partnership also ensured those in Denver’s custody who were eligible, had ample time to register to vote. This is the ninth year of educating those in custody about their right to vote and allowing them to register. Individuals can also choose to vote through the mail-in ballot process. This program is supported by the Honorable Denver Clerk Paul D. López, Executive Director of Safety Armando Saldate, and Mayor Mike Johnston.
“In 2020, we began providing polling locations in Denver jails for individuals in custody to vote, and it has been very well received,” said Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins. “It’s important that we allow those who are eligible to vote as it is their civil right.”
Clerk Paul D. López goes on to says, “every time we vote, there is an element of hope for a better and just future. We are committed to ensuring that no matter what situation people may find themselves in, we are giving them access to participate in the democratic process of voting during an election because democracy is powerful, it exists even in our moments of despair as a beacon of hope,” Honorable Clerk Paul D. López says.
The Confined Voting Program ensures that all eligible voters confined to the Downtown Detention Center or Denver County Jail who are in the pre-trial process or serving a misdemeanor sentence have access to register to vote and participate in the elections process. The Office of Clerk & Recorder’s Elections Division coordinates with the Denver Department of Safety and City Attorney’s Office to ensure accessibility for all eligible voters and has developed an innovative confined voting program that includes the addition of polling centers.
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