October 29 - Department of Justice Declines Secretary of State Parameters, Affirms They Will Not Enter Voter Centers

Denver, October 29, 2026 - Shortly after the Colorado Secretary of State's Office's letter (PDF) today to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the DOJ responded. Secretary Griswold's office outlined that DOJ personnel could only enter Adams County voter centers with clear restrictions and accompanied at all times by the Secretary's observers, which the DOJ has refused. Consequently, the DOJ will not enter voter centers, and will remain outside and not come within 100 feet of voter centers.

Secretary Griswold has issued the following statement:

"My office provided reasonable restrictions on DOJ monitors, which they refused to accept. As a result, the DOJ will not be allowed to enter voter centers in Adams County. It is illegal for anyone, including the DOJ, to intimidate or interfere with voters outside of voter centers. My office will take any suggestion of voter intimidation seriously and will act accordingly."

Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum has issued the following statement:

"Adams County is committed to making sure every eligible voter has their voice heard, and election workers in my office will be ready to help any voter that needs it on Tuesday. I look forward to serving the people of Adams County and having another great election."

The Department of Justice's reply to the Department of State's letter outlining restrictions states, in full, "Thank you for your letter. While we appreciate your efforts to accommodate us, we will have to decline your offer. Our monitors will remain outside of polling places and not come within 100 feet of the building in accordance with Colorado state law."

On October 9, 2026, Secretary Griswold enacted amended election rules with immediate effect. Included in those rules were amended provisions regarding official observers. Specifically, Rule 8.17 (PDF) requires official observers to receive an authorizing letter outlining their access and permissible conduct, and notes that observers "may be removed by the Secretary of State if they fail to comply" with Colorado law or their authorizing letter provided by the Secretary of State. No authorized observer is allowed to take or record pictures, video, or audio.