Colorado election workers receive violent threats amid primary election

FREMONT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Ahead of the June Primary Elections, some election offices throughout the state report violent threats from voters accusing the offices of being complicit in disrupting election results.

Matt Crane, Executive Director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, said he received death threats toward him and his family. He's not alone in receiving them.

“We’ve had four or five clerks that have actually received specific death threats, or something like ‘we’re coming for you, we’re gonna kill you,” said Crane.

He said people have come to election offices with the intention to intimidate workers, pounding on the tables and yelling accusations.

As he watches the pattern of threats in Colorado, he said the clerk and recorders that are most outspoken in denouncing accusations of election fraud are the ones receiving the most threats.

Justin Grantham, Fremont County Clerk and Recorder, said his office has not received violent threats since the 2020 general election. However, he said he's heard of incidents in neighboring counties.

“I know Chaffee County, the Clerk and Recorder up there had to have an entire office remodel to put in bulletproof glass and bulletproof walls because the threats have gotten so bad," said Grantham. "I know that there was an incident where someone pulled up beside her and pulled out a water gun and sprayed her window, but you know, out the corner of your eye, that's a serious threat.”

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said her office is responding to all issues in the state's counties to ensure all residents have access to safe voting.

“When we identify a problem, whether it's intentional or not, that rises to a certain level, we need to make sure to intervene," said Griswold. "That's my job as Secretary of State, and I will always do anything in my power to protect the right to vote in our election infrastructure for all eligible Coloradans.”