Colorado Election Officials Push Back Against Unprecedented DOJ Records Request

Colorado election officials and county clerks are defending the state's election integrity after the U.S. Department of Justice issued an extraordinary demand for "all records" related to the 2024 federal elections in Colorado, raising concerns among local election administrators about federal overreach.

The sweeping request, which according to documents obtained by NPR, has left Colorado's 64 county election offices questioning both the scope and timing of the federal inquiry.

Local Election Experts Voice Concerns

Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerk's Association, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the request:

"I've been in elections here in Colorado for 25 years. I don't remember any request from the federal government this expansive coming in."

"I've been in elections here in Colorado for 25 years. I don't remember any request from the federal government this expansive coming in."

Impact on Colorado Counties

The broad demand could affect Colorado communities in several ways:

• Access to sensitive voter registration information
• Disclosure of voting system activity logs
• Release of actual ballots from recent elections
• Strain on local county resources to compile records

State Leadership Responds

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold issued a strong defense of the state's election practices:

"Colorado runs the best elections in the nation and complies with all federal and local laws in doing so. I will always follow the law and protect our democracy, and won't be intimidated by this baseless inquiry."

"Colorado runs the best elections in the nation and complies with all federal and local laws in doing so. I will always follow the law and protect our democracy, and won't be intimidated by this baseless inquiry."

Local Election Officials Stand Firm

Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez emphasized protecting voter privacy:

"Our voters trust us to protect their elections from interference, and whether that's from foreign actors, domestic threats, or an administration that thinks it's above the law, we need to be protecting voters."

"Our voters trust us to protect their elections from interference, and whether that's from foreign actors, domestic threats, or an administration that thinks it's above the law, we need to be protecting voters."

What This Means for Colorado Voters

For Colorado families concerned about election integrity, local officials stress that:

• County clerks maintain strict control over election records
• State law requires 25-month retention of election materials
• Most 2020 election records have already been legally destroyed
• Local election offices will continue prioritizing voter privacy

As this situation develops, Colorado election officials remain committed to maintaining the state's reputation for secure, accessible, and transparent elections while protecting voter privacy and following established state laws.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.