September 27, 2012 09:32 PM UTC

Attention 80,000 Mail Ballot Voters: "Permanent Isn't Permanent"

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• by: Colorado Pols

A coalition of nonprofit organizations including the Interfaith Alliance, Vote Vets Foundation, and the League of Women Voters sent out a press release this morning warning of some 80,000 Colorado voters who have opted for “permanent” vote by mail status, but are now “inactive failed to vote” in the voter registry simply for not voting in the 2010 elections.

Meaning the word “permanent” no longer applies to them.

As a result, thousands of Coloradans who are likely expecting a mail ballot won’t be getting one:

Mail ballots are increasingly popular, with more than 4 in 10 Colorado voters signed up to receive their ballots by mail.  However, Colorado is the only state that declares a voter “inactive” after missing only one election. When a voter is categorized as “inactive,” they are also removed from the “permanent” vote by mail list.

Inactive voters are still eligible to vote and can do so by requesting a ballot or voting in person.

Almost 80,000 Colorado voters who signed up for “permanent vote by mail” are now inactive because they did not vote in the 2010 election. They may be expecting a ballot, but it is not coming. [Pols emphasis]

“Permanent isn’t really permanent. No one sends you a card saying you’re off the permanent vote by mail list. Many veterans and military personnel who were on active duty in 2010 didn’t get the chance to vote. They may be expecting a ballot that will never arrive,” said Garett Reppenhagen of Vets Voice Foundation.

Full release text follows.

The only thing we can add to the rightful concern expressed by these nonprofits is to remind our readers of Senate Bill 12-109–legislation that would have resolved the status of so-called “inactive failed to vote” voters from 2010 by reactivating them, and would have put in place fairer procedures for managing the voter rolls than the present, hotly controversial practice of “inactivating” voters after missing only a single election.

Everybody remembers who killed that bill, right?

The same guy who hopes you didn’t check your voter status on your phone, right?

One of those “if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention” moments, folks.

Waiting for a Ballot to Arrive? Don’t Count on It!

Check Your Status at www.govotecolorado.com

A group of Colorado nonprofit organizations today launched a campaign to remind Colorado voters that mail ballots do not automatically arrive in their mailboxes in a presidential election.

The Interfaith Alliance, League of Women Voters, CLLARO (Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy and Research Organization) and Vets Voice Foundation are teaming up to make sure eligible voters don’t assume there’s a ballot in the mail with their name on it.

“The best advice is to check your registration status. So many elections are conducted through the mail now, but not presidential elections. It’s easy to check if you’re signed up to get a mail ballot at www.govotecolorado.com or at your county clerk’s office,” said Cath Perrone, President of the Colorado League of Women Voters.

“Election Day is the day that everyone’s voice counts equally. Your right to vote is too important – make sure your voice is heard. Check your registration now,” said Olivia Mendoza, executive director of CLLARO.  

Mail ballots are increasingly popular, with more than 4 in 10 Colorado voters signed up to receive their ballots by mail.  However, Colorado is the only state that declares a voter “inactive” after missing only one election. When a voter is categorized as “inactive,” they are also removed from the “permanent” vote by mail list.

Inactive voters are still eligible to vote and can do so by requesting a ballot or voting in person.

Almost 80,000 Colorado voters who signed up for “permanent vote by mail” are now inactive because they did not vote in the 2010 election. They may be expecting a ballot, but it is not coming.

“Permanent isn’t really permanent. No one sends you a card saying you’re off the permanent vote by mail list. Many veterans and military personnel who were on active duty in 2010 didn’t get the chance to vote. They may be expecting a ballot that will never arrive,” said Garett Reppenhagen of Vets Voice Foundation.

“There is immense pride in casting a ballot, especially in a presidential election. No citizen should miss that opportunity to have an impact on our country’s future,” said Jeremy Shaver, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance.

Voters can check their registration status at www.govotecolorado.com, or they can call their county clerk’s office.

Key Dates:

OCTOBER 9

Last day for new voters to register

OCTOBER 15

First day ballots can be mailed

OCTOBER 22

Early voting begins at local vote centers

OCTOBER 30

Last day to request a mail ballot be sent to you

NOVEMBER 2

Last day to request a mail ballot in person

NOVEMBER 6

Election Day