Two bills that restrict voting rights in Colorado will be heard tomorrow Thursday February 7, 2008 in the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee of the Colorado House of Representatives.  

 

·     HB 1177 would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

 

·     HB 1039 would require a photo ID to register and vote.

 

Please call or email members of the committee and El Paso County legislators asking them to preserve voting rights and reject these bills.

 

Sample Letter /Talking Points:

 

Dear Honorable Representative: __________________

 

HB 1177 and HB 1039 would deny voting rights to many Colorado citizens who do not have the proper documents to prove citizenship and who do not have a current, valid photo ID. Women, people of color and senior citizens would be disproportionately affected.

 

Fears of non-citizens trying to vote are unfounded. Exhaustive studies by the Brennen Center for Justice show there is no evidence of a widespread problem of individual voter fraud or non-citizens voting. We need not be afraid of an undocumented immigrant risking a $10,000 fine, 5 years in jail, and deportation just to vote.

 

In the absence of a compelling problem with voter fraud, I urge you to reject these unnecessary restrictions on voting rights that would surely disenfranchise many Colorado citizens.  Thank you for your consideration.

 

Please Call or Send Letters to These El Paso County Legislators on the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee:

 

Rep. Kent Lambert (cosponsor of HB 1177)

kent.lambert.house@state.co.us

303-866-2937

 

Rep. Douglas Bruce

Doug@DouglasBruce.com 

303-866-5525

 

Rep. Amy Stephens (cosponsor of HB 1177)

amy.stephens.house@state.co.us

303-866-2924