Secretary of State Jena Griswold Statement on 10th Circuit Opinion in Baca vs. Colorado Department of State

Denver, August 21, 2019 – Yesterday the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the U.S. District Court’s decision holding that the 2016 faithless presidential electors may be required to follow the will of Colorado voters when casting their electoral college ballots. It also reversed the U.S. District Court’s decision that presidential electors are state officials who lack standing to challenge Colorado law. In doing so, the Court found that presidential electors may cast their electoral college ballots for any presidential candidate they wish without regard to the outcome of the majority vote in Colorado.

The following statement can be attributed to Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold:

“This court decision takes power from Colorado voters and sets a dangerous precedent. Our nation stands on the principle of one person, one vote. We are reviewing this decision with our attorneys, and will vigorously protect Colorado voters.”