USPS Worker and Acquaintance Face Election Fraud Charges In Colorado

People holding "Stop Election Fraud" protest signs.

Two women face serious charges related to election fraud in Colorado, revealing concerning flaws in the mail-in voting process.

At a Glance

Vicki Lyn Stuart and Sally Jane Maxedon arrested for mail ballot forgery.
Fraudulent ballots linked to identity theft and a public servant influence attempt.
16 ballot discrepancies identified; three fraudulent ballots counted.
Investigation ongoing with no evidence of forced mailbox entry.
Incident tests Colorado’s mail voting system security.

Unraveling Election Fraud in Colorado

In Colorado, a USPS mail carrier, Vicki Lyn Stuart, and her acquaintance, Sally Jane Maxedon, face a slew of allegations concerning election fraud. The duo stands accused of intercepting and dishonestly submitting mail-in ballots. Residents raised alarms after they encountered signature discrepancies on their ballots, despite not having submitted them. These concerns prompted an investigation revealing that mailboxes weren’t forcefully accessed, implying an insiders’ role in the alleged fraud.

The 21st District Attorney’s Office launched the probe after citizens reported discrepancies. Investigators suggest the scheme might have involved using “return to sender” markings misappropriately by Stuart. Sally Jane Maxedon admitted to having completed and submitted these fraudulent ballots, claiming her actions were an attempt to test the voting system’s signature verification. Both women were promptly arrested and charged with grave offenses, including forgery and identity theft.

Colorado postal carrier and a friend accused of forging stolen mail ballots to test voting secu – https://t.co/A8M5rCkh38

— Private Officer (@privateofficer) November 11, 2024

Implications for Secure Mail-In Voting

Colorado operates primarily through mail voting, reflecting a system designed for security and convenience. Signature verification remains a cornerstone of this process. Yet, the Mesa County incident exposes potential vulnerabilities if insiders exploit the system. At least 12 stolen ballots were initially found in the county. Despite only three of these fraudulent votes being counted, the impact on public confidence is considerable.

District Attorney Dan Rubinstein’s office released a statement that “said its investigators began a probe on Oct. 21 after residents who never submitted a ballot or ever received a ballot in the mail were notified that their ballots were not being counted because of discrepancies with their signatures,” according to the Associated Press.

The case highlights the need for continuous vigilance and robust security measures to maintain election integrity. Authorities emphasize the incident’s uncovering as a testament to the security measures in force. Despite their small scale, such breaches cast a spotlight on potential loopholes in mail-in voting systems, necessitating further improvements.

Colorado postal carrier and a friend accused of forging stolen mail ballots to test voting secu – https://t.co/A8M5rCkh38

— Private Officer (@privateofficer) November 11, 2024

Response and Repercussions

The arrests of Stuart and Maxedon convey a clear message regarding election security scrutiny. Bobbie Gross expressed gratitude toward the diligent efforts of the District Attorney’s Office for addressing the concerning matter. The charges underline the seriousness with which election fraud is regarded, reinforcing the importance of maintaining citizen trust in the electoral system.

“I am deeply grateful for the diligence and thorough efforts of the District Attorney’s Office in addressing this matter. I am proud our security measures are effective, and we will remain vigilant to safeguard the integrity of our elections,” said Gross.

While Colorado’s mail voting system predominantly reflects reliability, this incident serves as a significant reminder of the need for ongoing diligence and enhancements. Mesa County, having a history of election issues, remains under the microscope, ensuring such incidents don’t recur.