Election officials in Mesa County, Colorado, have launched an investigation after a dozen mail-in ballots were stolen and turned in.
Modifications to the ballots were found during the signature verification process, according to Colorado’s Office of the Secretary of State. One voter was notified that their ballot had been counted even though they never received it.
Three of the ballots were counted before they were found to be fraudulent.
“Colorado’s elections are safe and secure,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said. “This attempt at fraud was found and investigated quickly because of all the trailblazing processes and tools Colorado has in place like signature verification, ballot tracking, and the curing process. Every eligible Colorado voter will be able to make their voice heard this election.”
Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Bobbie Gross criticized Griswold’s public statement, saying it may compromise the county’s investigation.
“I am fully committed to ensuring the integrity and security of our elections. We are currently investigating attempted election fraud. Our priority is to handle this investigation with the utmost care and diligence, and I believe that prematurely releasing details could compromise our ability to hold those responsible accountable,” Gross said. “While we understand the Secretary of State’s desire to make public statements, this is our community and our investigation.”
Gross added that it is necessary that officials “follow proper procedures to ensure a thorough and effective investigation without tipping off those involved. The people of Mesa County deserve transparency and accountability, but it must be done in a manner that protects the integrity of the investigation.”
She noted that she is “committed to transparency and will provide updates as the situation evolves.”
