DOJ's Sweeping Election Records Request Raises Eyebrows Among Colorado Officials
Colorado election officials are questioning an unprecedented federal request for state voting records that may be linked to former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters' ongoing legal saga. The extensive Department of Justice inquiry, which first reported by NPR, comes amid heightened scrutiny of Colorado's election integrity systems.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold suggests the timing is suspicious, noting the request arrived shortly after former President Trump called for Peters' release from La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo, where she is serving a nine-year sentence.
Impact on Colorado Counties and Taxpayers
The sweeping federal request could burden Colorado's 64 counties with significant costs and administrative challenges. Matt Crane, head of the Colorado Clerks Association, expressed concern about the financial implications:
"To fill a request like this, will take a lot of man hours and be very expensive to the taxpayers of each county," Crane said, questioning whether local governments would bear the costs.
Questions About Request's Origins
Election officials have identified several red flags in the DOJ's request:
- Multiple typographical errors, including referring to Colorado as a "commonwealth"
- Unprecedented scope of records demanded
- Unclear justification for the extensive data collection
- Suspicious timing following high-profile commentary on the Peters case
Griswold characterized the letter as "sloppy" and "not something that you would expect from the United States Department of Justice," while noting her office has provided the state's master voter file in response.
Connection to Peters Case
The request's focus on record retention echoes arguments made during Peters' trial, where her defense claimed copying voting machine hard drives was necessary to preserve election records. This interpretation has been rejected by Colorado election officials, who maintain strict protocols for election data preservation.
Crane, drawing on his extensive experience, stated: "In 25 years of working in elections in Colorado, I've never seen a request from the DOJ or heard of a request from the DOJ as expansive as what this is."
As Colorado counties await further clarification, election officials are advised to consult with their legal teams regarding compliance requirements. The Secretary of State's office continues to maintain transparency while protecting the integrity of Colorado's election systems.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
