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The Denver District Attorney has launched an investigation into the Colorado Secretary of State’s office after a technical error may have revealed hidden passwords.

On October 24, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, discovered that a spreadsheet had accidentally been published on her website. The state Republican Party sent out a mass email with a signed affidavit claiming someone downloaded the spreadsheet and was able to access a hidden tab containing voting system passwords. These passwords were reportedly available online for months before they were taken down.

9news reported more details on the leak:

Voting machines used by county clerks are listed on a spreadsheet on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website. The machines are listed by serial number, county, model and vendor. The leaked passwords are one of two needed to make changes to voting machines. Any changes require in-person access to the machines. In-person access is monitored 24/7 by video surveillance and tracked by badge ID logs.

A statement from the Secretary of State’s office indicates that they are working closely with the DA’s office and are aiming for a transparent investigation.

“The Department of State is supporting and working closely with the Denver District Attorney’s investigation into the staff’s posting of a file that included voting system component passwords. We welcome the additional transparency that this investigation will provide to the public,” the statement reads.

It was explained that there was no evidence anyone was able to access the machines at the time that the passwords were publically available, so it is unlikely this accidental leak impacted the outcome of the state or national elections.

Sierra Marlee
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