Bill Signing Comes After Significant Advocacy from Colorado Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Volunteers During Legislative Process
The Colorado chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1086, The Vote Without Fear Act. The new law will prohibit the open carry of firearms near polling locations and other electoral facilities to prevent armed intimidation where Coloradans vote or where votes are being counted. Volunteers with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action were present at the bill signing ceremony and testified in support of the bill throughout the legislative process.
“We’re thrilled to stand alongside Governor Polis as he signs this critical bill to protect our democratic process and Colorado communities,” said Abbey Winters, a volunteer with the Colorado chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Our state continues to lead the way in advancing legislation to protect Coloradans from gun violence, and we’re proud of the strong work that has been done this session. We will keep fighting alongside our lawmakers to continue advancing policies that keep us safe and save lives.”
“This bill will take important steps to protect Coloradans as they exercise their right to vote – we are grateful to Governor Polis for continuing his strong history as an ally for gun violence prevention and signing this bill into law,” said Grace Taub, a volunteer with Students Demand Action in Colorado. “I’m proud to live in a state that is committed to not just saving lives, but creating a safer future for all of us.”
Colorado’s current law generally prohibits the open carry of a firearm on property or within a building where legislative hearings or meetings are held. HB22-1086 would extend this prohibition to other facilities critical to the functioning of our democracy during the electoral process by prohibiting the open carry of firearms near polling locations and other vote counting facilities.
According to Everytown’s new gun law rankings report, Colorado is among the top ten states with the strongest gun laws in the country. In an average year, 850 people die and 360 people are wounded by guns in Colorado. Gun violence costs Colorado $5.6 billion each year, of which $170.2 million is paid by taxpayers. Learn more about gun violence in Colorado here.
