Officials say about a dozen ballots were “intercepted” and filled out in Colorado, with three votes counted

MESA COUNTY, CO (KKTV/Gray News) – Colorado officials believe ballots in the upcoming presidential election have been “intercepted,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced Thursday.

The alleged voter fraud reportedly occurred in Mesa County.

Griswold, a Democrat, claimed her Mesa County ballots were intercepted and filled out without their knowledge. The alleged criminals then mailed the fraudulent ballots to the clerk’s office using U.S. mailboxes.

Griswold did not comment on whether any suspects had been identified or arrested, but added that he would release details as soon as possible. It is unclear whether a U.S. Postal Service employee or official was involved.

“This fraud was discovered early in the process in Mesa County and action was taken,” Griswold explained.

Griswold said her office was alerted Wednesday morning and she believes Mesa County officials began investigating the situation on Tuesday.

Griswold stated that she believed the ballots were intercepted during the signature verification process, adding that three had already been counted and those votes could not be reversed. However, according to reports, these voters will be given a second ballot.

Griswold could not comment on whether more than three fraudulent ballots may have entered the ballot.

This pattern was identified during the signature verification process, which compares signatures on absentee ballots with signatures on file by the state for each voter.

“We will have to wait until the investigation is completed. We don’t know the motive,” Griswold said

She encouraged voters to go to a trusted source for information.

Republican Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Bobbi Gross released a statement expressing her displeasure with Griswold calling the press conference.

“Our priority is to conduct this investigation with the utmost care and diligence. I believe that premature disclosure of details could jeopardize 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 very important that we follow appropriate procedures to ensure a thorough and effective investigation without notifying those involved. The people of Mesa County deserve transparency and accountability, but it must be done in a way that protects the integrity of the investigation.
We ask for your patience as we proceed carefully to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for our community.”