Colorado election officials are preparing for potential disruptions, misinformation, and voter intimidation ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election, as a federal plan to monitor Adams County polling places brings a new layer of scrutiny to the state’s election procedures.
Adams County Clerk and Recorder Josh Zygielbaum, a Democrat, declined to comment on specific security measures, citing safety concerns.
“Counties in Colorado each have their own robust security plans,” Zygielbaum said. “In Adams County, we coordinate with state, county, and local agencies to guarantee security. For security reasons, we cannot disclose details.”
The county has hired more than 600 people to help administer the election, he said, with each receiving training specific to their duties.
The heightened attention comes as the US Department of Justice plans to send election monitor Adams County polling places in Colorado’s toss-up 8th Congressional District. Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colorado) is facing Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel in a race that could help determine control of the US House.
The Justice Department has said its observers are intended to monitor compliance with federal voting-rights laws. A department spokesperson told Colorado Newsline the county was chosen because it is covered by the Voting Rights Act’s language assistance requirements.
But the proposal prompted questions from Colorado officials about the monitors’ authority and the rules governing their presence. A DOJ spokesperson told Axios Denver that state or local approval isn’t required for the department’s monitoring.
On Oct. 29, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office said federal observers monitors could enter Adams Country polling centers only under state-imposed restrictions, including remaining in designated areas and being accompanied by state-appointed observers. The Justice Department rejected those conditions, saying its monitors would remain outside Adams County polling places and at least 100 feet from buildings, according to KUNC’s reporting on the dispute.
“There are more eyes on Adams County this year than there have traditionally been in years past,” Zygielbaum said. “CD8 is very evenly split, and the outcome could change the makeup of Congress. This has brought greater media attention, observers from all over, and monitoring by the Department of Justice.”
“Election watchers and observers are a normal and welcomed part of the process. The high number of watchers/observers is new.”
How voters can get help at Adams County polling locations
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat who is also on the Nov. 3 ballot as her party’s nominee for attorney general, told Courier Colorado the state’s election procedures are continuing as usual.
“Elections are running just like normal in Colorado,” she said. “As secretary of state, I have prioritized increasing security and accessibility in policy and funding decisions. We’ve worked with the legislature to ban guns near voting, fortify against voter interference, and make it a felony to compromise voting equipment.”
Griswold said her office has prioritized election security and accessibility through state policy and funding. The office made $5 million available to Colorado counties through election security and accessibility grants. As of the department’s FY2024-25 strategic plan, nearly $2.5 million had been awarded to 44 counties.
The grants supported improvements including security cameras, reinforced ballot drop boxes, backup power for voting systems and accessible voting equipment, according to the Colorado Department of State’s strategic plan.
Separately, Colorado has received $16.8 million in federal election-security funding through the Help America Vote Act, and is required to provide approximately $2.4 million in matching funds, according to a Colorado Legislative Council Staff budget briefing.
“Voter intimidation is illegal, and we are vigilantly monitoring this election.”
Zygielbaum echoed that message, adding, “We have strong plans in place to prevent any voter intimidation from taking place and should something happen, we will be able to respond quickly.”
In an Oct. 14 announcement on voter rights and protections, the Secretary of State’s office outlined protections against interference and harassment. State rules prohibit carrying firearms within 100 feet of voting centers and ballot drop boxes, with limited exceptions, and tampering with voting equipment is a felony. The office also urged voters to rely on official election sources for accurate information.
Zygielbaum said misinformation, particularly on social media, remains a concern.
“We have a very active communication and community outreach team who works diligently to combat misinformation and to provide accurate information to the public,” he said.
Election workers also prepare for a range of possible emergencies, not just incidents involving voters or observers. Zygielbaum said training covers all manner of disruption.
“We train for many different types of situations from things like power outages and snowstorms to fires and bomb threats,” Zygielbaum said. “We always hope for the best but prepare as best we can for any emergency that could arise.”
How voters can get help
Voters who encounter problems at Adams County polling locations can speak with an election judge, contact their county elections office or reach out to the Secretary of State’s office. Zygielbaum also advised voters to contact their local political party or call 911 in an emergency.
The state encourages voters to understand their rights and report harassment or threats. Official election information is available through GoVoteColorado.gov. Election officials say it’s too late to count on the mail, so voters should return ballots to a drop box or voting center by 7 p.m. Nov. 3.
Despite the heightened scrutiny, Zygielbaum said his office’s core responsibilities remain unchanged: protecting the process and ensuring valid ballots are counted.
“Get out and vote!” he said. “We run a safe, secure, and auditable election. Your voice will count.”
