For the sake of confidence in elections, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold should immediately resign

The role of Colorado’s Secretary of State is to bolster confidence in elections, maintain nonpartisan oversight, and safeguard the integrity of the democratic process. However, under Secretary Jena Griswold’s tenure, repeated failures and a pattern of politicization have critically undermined voter confidence and raised doubts about her ability to lead. This call for her resignation is rooted in well-documented instances where her actions directly contradicted her office’s responsibilities.

1. A Breach Mirroring Past Accusations

One of the most egregious recent examples of Griswold’s mismanagement is her office’s accidental disclosure of passwords for voting systems across 63 of Colorado’s 64 counties. This sensitive data was posted in an Excel spreadsheet online, accessible through a hidden tab, and remained exposed for months (Aspen Times) (The Post Millennial). The revelation came only days before the 2024 election, triggering bipartisan outrage. Yet, Griswold downplayed the incident, stating it posed no immediate threat because passwords required physical machine access (source: Aspen Times).

Ironically, Griswold had previously led the charge against Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters for a similar breach in 2021, labeling it a “serious breach of voting system security protocols” (Law Enforcement Today) (Colorado Public Radio). Peters faced criminal charges and harsh public condemnation for her actions. By contrast, Griswold’s own office’s similar misstep was brushed aside, highlighting a double standard that undermines her credibility as an impartial guardian of election integrity (The Post Millennial).

2. A Pattern of Mismanagement and Errors

This password incident isn’t an isolated case. Griswold’s tenure has been marred by a series of missteps, including:

Erroneous Mailings: Her office mailed voter registration postcards to approximately 30,000 non-citizens, creating widespread confusion (The Post Millennial).
Incorrect Voting Notifications: Colorado voters were mistakenly informed they hadn’t cast their ballots when, in fact, they had (Colorado Public Radio) (Law Enforcement Today).
Delayed Disclosures: Following the discovery of the password leak, Griswold did not promptly inform county clerks, choosing instead to pursue an internal investigation while coordinating with federal authorities. This delay further eroded trust in her transparency (source: CPR).

3. Failure to Maintain Nonpartisan Integrity

The Secretary of State’s office must be a beacon of neutrality. However, Griswold’s actions have been criticized for advancing a partisan agenda. By focusing on politically charged rhetoric and positioning herself against perceived threats from her opposition, Griswold has polarized her role. She has responded to criticism, particularly from Republican legislators and officials, by framing it as part of a campaign of “conspiracies” against her (source: Aspen Times, The Post Millennial).

4. Comparative Standards and Accountability

When Griswold condemned Mesa County’s Clerk for leaking passwords, she called it a significant breach, advocating for strict accountability. By those very standards, her own error should warrant similar consequences. The inconsistency in her responses suggests a lack of professional standards and raises serious questions about her impartiality and leadership (The Post Millennial).

5. Public and Legislative Response

The Colorado House Republicans, alongside other political and civic voices, have called for Griswold’s resignation, citing her repeated failures as a basis for their lack of trust in her ability to administer the office effectively. House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese stated, “Secretary Griswold’s reckless disregard for professional standards and consistent lack of transparency has threatened trust in our democratic system” (source: The Post Millennial).

Conclusion: A Need for Leadership Change

Colorado deserves a Secretary of State who embodies accountability, transparency, and unwavering dedication to protecting election integrity. Griswold’s history of errors, politicized handling of her office, and disregard for consistent standards require her resignation to restore public confidence in Colorado’s elections. The people of Colorado deserve leadership that prioritizes their trust and upholds the nonpartisan principles required for this crucial role.

Sources for Further Reading and Verification:

This is not a partisan demand, but a necessary step to ensure Colorado’s electoral system remains credible, trusted, and secure. To bolster confidence in the integrity of our elections, Jena Griswold should immediately resign as Colorado Secretary of State.