In a healthy democracy, every citizen’s voice matters – and every vote must be protected. Safeguarding our elections isn’t just about ballots: it’s about transparency, trust, and ensuring that attempts to interfere with voting systems or restrict access are prevented.
That’s why we, the League of Women Voters of La Plata County, along with Leagues nationwide, are paying close attention to recent developments. From questionable federal actions, reported by The Brennan Center, a recent firebombing involving voting machines in Archuleta County, written up by U.S. News, to an alarming outreach to local election officials, reported by Axios Denver. It is essential that we all stay deeply engaged in defending the democratic process.
In April, the national LWV filed a federal lawsuit challenging an executive order that, among other provisions, requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote and expands federal access to voter data beyond what has been stipulated by our Constitution. We believe this order exceeds presidential authority and may violate constitutional protections which mandates that oversight is by the states and Congress, not the executive branch.
More recently, our concerns grew after reports revealed instances of local Republican election officials – particularly in Democratic counties – being contacted by individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice and/or Department of Homeland Security. These individuals asked to inspect Colorado voting machines and obtain sensitive voter data. This contradicts Colorado law, which strictly limits machine access to trained, authorized county election staff. These security protocols exist for a reason: to ensure elections remain fair, secure, and beyond reproach.
Colorado wasn’t alone. At least nine other states – including Florida, Minnesota, and New York – reported similar federal requests, asking for voter rolls, demographic details, voting histories, and, in some cases, physical access to election systems. These sweeping requests raise questions about voter privacy, data handling, and the potential misuse of information that could lead to eligible voters being unjustly challenged or removed from the rolls.
Fortunately, Colorado election officials responded with integrity. Clerks in both Weld and Fremont counties declined to provide access, citing legal restrictions and their duty to remain impartial. La Plata County Clerk, Tiffany Lee, was not contacted, but her office continues to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and public trust. To them – and local election officials across the country who uphold their state laws – we say “thank you.”
This moment calls for vigilance, not panic. It’s a reminder that democracy depends on the people and the institutions we’ve built to protect it. That includes local election officials, nonpartisan organizations like the LWV, and every community member who takes the time to vote, observe the process, or speak out when something feels wrong.
The League is especially focused on ensuring that efforts aimed at election “security” do not become back doors to voter suppression. Proposals like new voter ID laws or requirements for hard-to-obtain documents, such as passports or enhanced driver’s licenses, may sound reasonable on the surface, but can disenfranchise citizens. This particularly affects seniors, students, rural voters, and those who have changed their names since receiving their identification. Access and security must go hand in hand.
As voters, we must ask: Who benefits from making it harder to vote? And who is harmed?
We’re lucky to live in a country with a free press that sheds light on questionable practices, but sunlight alone isn’t enough. We all play a role – by voting, learning about our state’s election policies, asking hard questions, and holding all elected officials accountable, regardless of party.
The LWV remains nonpartisan and pro-democracy. We support secure elections, respect for state law, and equal access for every eligible voter. Working with election offices, community partners, and our neighbors, we will continue educating and empowering voters – because when every voice is heard, democracy thrives.
Let’s stay alert, stay engaged, and stand together to protect the vote. To find out more about what the LWV La Plata County is doing, visit lwvlaplata.org
Tara Kiene, Liz Mora, Adrea Bogle, Mady Miraglia, Jan Phillips, Wendy Pollack, Siggy Palmer, Cheryl Clement, Elli Morris, Nicole Garland, Martha Mason
League of Women Voters La Plata Board and Leadership Team
