Colorado Moves to Fortify Its Election Integrity Amid Trump’s Voter Suppression Attacks

Colorado is doubling down on its reputation for secure, accessible elections with new legislation aimed at safeguarding what state Democrats call their “gold standard” system. The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee recently passed HB26-1113, a bill sponsored by Senators Katie Wallace and Mike Weissman, designed to update and protect Colorado’s election infrastructure against mounting threats.

This bill was already underway before Donald Trump’s executive order tried to restrict mail-in voting and undermine state control over elections. But recent federal overreach attempts have made its passage more urgent. Wallace emphasized that Colorado’s elections are “safe, secure, and accurate” with some of the highest voter turnout in the nation. The bill extends the window to return mail ballots, increases drop boxes on college campuses, and ensures polling centers can stay open longer if supplies run short.

Critically, HB26-1113 includes protections against federal interference, a direct rebuke to Trump’s efforts to meddle in state-run elections. It prohibits sharing Colorado voters’ data with any third party, including the federal government, without a court order or the Secretary of State’s approval. It also empowers the governor to convene an election emergency advisory group during any threats to election administration.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump’s executive order, underscoring the state’s commitment to defending voting rights and democratic norms. The bill also codifies protections against voter intimidation and expands leave options for working voters, making it easier for citizens to cast their ballots.

This legislation builds on a series of recent laws aimed at protecting free and fair elections, including measures to prevent armed voter intimidation and improve ballot access for people with disabilities. HB26-1113 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where its fate will be decided.

In an era of escalating attacks on democracy, Colorado’s effort to shield its elections from authoritarian overreach is a model of resistance and accountability. We’ll be watching closely as this bill moves forward.