Colorado election officials emphasize ballot security

DENVER — In Denver and across Colorado, voters are making their voices heard.

Of the nearly 500,000 registered voters in Denver alone, 7% have returned their ballots so far, according to Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López.

Statewide, Monday was the first day all county drop boxes were required to be open to accept mail-in ballots. State election officials took time to discuss Monday, with Election Day just 15 days away.

As mail-in ballots begin to pile up in drop boxes across the state, election officials also took time Monday to discuss the safety and security of the more than 400 boxes throughout the Colorado.

“I can confidently say that Colorado is the best prepared state in the country,” said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

During Monday’s press conference, Griswold heavily criticized voter intimidation and his efforts to ensure Colorado voters can vote without fear of who might be around them when they decide to do so.

“Voter intimidation is illegal and it will not be tolerated,” Griswold said. “We will enforce the law so that all Coloradans, Republican, Democratic and unaffiliated, have their rights respected and their voices heard.”

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl has openly questioned the security of Dropbox on X.

Ganahl even posted a link to sign up as a citizen observer for anyone interested.

“We thought: what’s better than ensuring transparency and accountability? she said. “One of the things we’ve found is that the security of the drop boxes, we have hundreds of drop boxes across the state of Colorado, is not where it should be.”

However, the Secretary of State disagrees, saying this is simply not true. Griswold supported the security mechanisms in place, adding that there is no tolerance for voter intimidation.

“As far as drop boxes go, the ones in Colorado are secure,” Griswold said. “We’re monitoring them all on video 24 hours a day. They’re safe in the ground. They’re stuck there.”

Although observers can be near drop boxes, those wearing campaign slogans and candidate attire cannot be within 100 feet of a drop box or voting center.

“As long as people follow the law, you’ll be fine. If you don’t, it will escalate to law enforcement very quickly,” Griswold said.

Colorado election officials emphasize ballot security 2 weeks before Election Day