MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) – Officials in Colorado believe ballots for the upcoming presidential election were “intercepted,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced on Thursday.
The alleged voter fraud reportedly occurred in Mesa County.
Griswold, a Democrat, said she believes about a dozen voters within Mesa County had their ballots intercepted and filled out without their knowledge. The alleged criminals then mailed the fraudulent ballots to the clerk’s office using U.S. Postal Service boxes.
Griswold didn’t comment on whether any suspects have been identified or arrested but added they will release details when they can. It isn’t clear if a member of U.S. Postal Service was involved or a member of the clerk’s office.
“This fraud was found early in the process in Mesa County and action was taken,” Griswold explained.
Griswold said her office was alerted Wednesday morning, and she believes the Mesa County Clerk started looking into this situation on Tuesday.
Griswold said she believes the ballots were intercepted during the signature verification process, adding three were already counted and those votes can’t be reversed. However, those voters are reportedly getting a second ballot to vote.
Griswold couldn’t comment on if more than three fraudulent ballots may have made it through.
The scheme was identified during the signature verification process when signatures on mail-in ballots are checked against the signatures the state has on file for each voter.
“We’ll have to let the criminal investigation play out. We don’t know the motive,” Griswold said
She encouraged voters to go to a trusted source for information.
Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Bobbi Gross, a Republican, issued a statement indicating she was displeased that Griswold had called a press conference.
“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.While we understand the Secretary of State’s desire to make public statements, this is our community and our investigation,” Gross said.
“It is critical that we 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.We ask for patience as we proceed with caution to ensure a just and fair outcome for our community.”
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