The Colorado Secretary of State’s office on Thursday announced it will be providing funding for any county that elects to open Voter Service and Polling Centers the Sunday before Election Day.
Colorado law requires early voting centers to be open beginning Oct/ 19, but excludes mandatory openings of voting centers on Sundays, according to a news release. The funding for Sunday voting is part of an initiative spearheaded by Secretary of State Jena Griswold to increase voting access, according to the release.
“As secretary of state, I have worked to increase voting access for Coloradans,” Griswold stated. “Early voting options are key to accessible elections, and for a presidential election during a pandemic, it’s important to provide Coloradans with many options to be able to cast their ballot and make their voice heard.”
Adams County is the first county to choose to open a Voter Service and Polling Center in Aurora the Sunday before the election, according to the release.
“As the Adams County clerk and an elections official, I see access to voting as an integral part of the American process,” said Clerk and Recorder Josh Zygielbaum. “I’m proud to partner with the Secretary of State’s Office, bipartisan organizations, and members of the community to expand the voting experience.”
Rosemary Lytle, state president of the NAACP for Colorado, Montanna and Wyoming, praised the move.
“Early and flexible voting is a critical tool for breaking down barriers to the ballot box and improving civic engagement. When people — especially in a pandemic — can decide when and where is best for them to vote, it increases voter participation, especially in traditionally disenfranchised communities. A demanding job or inflexible hours shouldn't be a barrier. And, no one should have to choose between voting and keeping their job," Lytle stated in the release.
Ballots will be mailed to all active registered voters beginning Oct. 9. Expenses for keeping Voter Service and Polling Centers open an extra day will be paid by the Secretary of State’s Office out of federal CARES Act funding for elections.
For more information, visit www.GoVoteColorado.gov.
