MESA COUNTY, Colorado (KKTV/Gray News ) – Officials in Colorado believe ballots for the upcoming presidential election were “hacked,” Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced Thursday.

The alleged voter fraud allegedly occurred in Mesa County.

Griswold, a Democrat, said she believes about a dozen Mesa County voters had their ballots tapped and filled out without their knowledge. The alleged criminals then mailed the fake ballots to the clerk’s office using US Postal Service boxes.

Griswold did not comment on whether any suspects have been identified or arrested but added that they will release details when they can. It is not clear if a member of the US 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 began investigating the situation Tuesday.

Griswold said she believes the ballots are being intercepted during the signature verification process, adding that three had already been counted and those votes cannot be reversed. However, these voters are reportedly given a second ballot to vote.

Griswold could not comment on whether more than three fake ballots may have gotten through.

The system was identified during the signature verification process when signatures on postal ballots are checked against the signatures the state has on record for each voter.

“We have to let the criminal investigation unfold. We don’t know the motive,” Griswold said

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

Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Bobbi Gross, a Republican, issued a statement indicating she was unhappy that Griswold had called a news conference.

“Our priority is to handle this investigation with the utmost care and thoroughness, and I believe that releasing details prematurely 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 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 way that protects the integrity of the investigation.
We ask for your patience as we proceed with caution to ensure a fair and just outcome for our community.”

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