In a recent interview, Secretary of State Jenna Griswold of Colorado addressed the ongoing legal battle concerning the disqualification of former President Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot. Secretary Griswold expressed confidence in Colorado's ability to hold great elections regardless of the Supreme Court's ruling.
The Secretary of State stated that she expects an appeal from the former president and hopes that the court acts with urgency. With the presidential primaries rapidly approaching, Griswold emphasized the need for a definitive answer regarding Trump's eligibility for the ballot. She mentioned that Colorado will certify the names onto the ballot for the presidential primary this Friday.
If the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling is upheld, it is possible that mail-in and in-person ballots could differ in the state. However, Secretary Griswold reassured the public that Colorado's elections are considered the best in the nation and that provisions under state law already exist to address situations where a candidate is disqualified.
Griswold further expressed her belief that Donald Trump's actions during the insurrection make him a threat to democracy, the right to vote, and the future stability of the nation. She mentioned that courts in Colorado have already ruled that Trump engaged in insurrection, and she does not believe there should be a loophole in the Constitution for a president who tries to undermine the democratic process.
In response to concerns that removing Trump from the ballot could potentially turn him into a martyr and divide the country further, Secretary Griswold maintained that her role is to follow the law and uphold the Constitution, regardless of the political ramifications. She emphasized that every elected official in the nation should do the same.
The interview also addressed the concerning issue of threats received by Secretary Griswold and other election officials. The Secretary of State commented that such threats have been ongoing since 2020, with the intent to intimidate and push officials out of their positions. Griswold underscored the importance of not allowing these threats to deter their commitment to protecting free and fair elections.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Jenna Griswold remains committed to upholding Colorado's election process and ensuring every eligible voter, regardless of their political affiliation, can participate in a democratic manner. While facing challenges and threats, Griswold and her team are determined to prioritize the integrity and accessibility of Colorado's elections.
