Cybersecurity

Conspiracy Theorists Jump on Election Snafus to Sow Doubt

In Colorado, a clerical error quickly spun into an election conspiracy. ‘This is voter-fraud fearmongering.’

Colorado Secretary of State Jena GriswoldPhotographer: David Zalubowski/AP
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A nightmare scenario unfolded for election officials across Colorado last month.

A clerical error resulted in 30,000 non-citizens being sent postcards encouraging them to vote, according to Secretary of State Jena Griswold. She said her office took swift action, issuing press statements and sending letters to those impacted alerting them of the mistake. By then, a conspiracy theory had taken hold that the mailing was an intentional ploy by Griswold, a Democrat, to flood the ballot with illegal immigrant votes.