Colorado Gov. Jarid Polis and Secretary of State Jena Griswold say the state has completed updating all the passwords on election machines. This comes after a set of passwords for the state’s voting system were leaked online on Wednesday.

To complete the effort, eight staff members from the Department of State along with 22 state cybersecurity personnel were directed to make efforts to protect the integrity of voting. Each member of the team was background-checked and underwent the proper training. Additionally, they worked in teams and were observed by county election officials.

Griswold announced the leak on Tuesday, saying a spreadsheet posted on her office’s website had a tab with partial passwords for Colorado voting machines.

Following the leak, the governor’s office says they responded quickly to safeguard the election. Secretary Griswold says she appreciates the action as protecting Colorado’s elections is a top priority.

“Colorado has countless layers of security to ensure our elections are free and fair, and every eligible voter should know their ballot will be counted as cast,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold in a press release.

On Friday, the state’s Bipartisan Election Advisory Commission met at the Denver Elections Division, where the recent issue was a topic of conversation.

“One password leak is not going to compromise the whole enchilada. It’s just not right,” said Denver County Clerk Paul Lopez. “You literally have to be Jason Bourne. You’ve got to be Mission Impossible, coming down in here with badge access, physical access, to tamper with anything.”

Lopez attended the event where dozens of volunteers worked to verify signatures by eye. Between each step of the process, they weigh the ballot on a sensitive scale to make sure it all matches up. Despite an occasional irregularity with a ballot, they have not seen any major issues or problems related to the password leak.

“Rest assured that your vote is safe and will be counted and it is transparent,” said Lopez. “If you have any questions whatsoever, don’t go to Facebook. Don’t go to Twitter. Don’t believe the hype. That is a lot of misinformation. Hit up your county clerk’s office.”

Despite efforts to calm concerns, the incident has sparked controversy about voting in Colorado. Unsurprisingly, it has also led to political backlash, with various members of the Republican Party, including presidential candidate Donald Trump, questioning the integrity of the elections in the state. Trump’s campaign is now suggesting that voting should be paused.

“The Secretary of State must immediately identify the counties affected by the security breach, notify them, direct them to halt processing of mail ballots, and prepare to re-scan all ballots,” said a letter from the Trump campaign. This process is laid out under Colorado law and would not disrupt the voting process, as counties are not permitted to disclose results until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.”

Colorado officials say there are multiple layers of security. For instance, the passwords shared were one of two passwords needed to make changes to the voting system. On top of that, these machines can only be accessed by someone in person. The machines are stored in a secure area that needs an ID badge to access and is under around-the-clock video camera recording.

Colorado Rapids faces Los Angeles Galaxy in an MLS playoff game on Friday, Nov. 1 2024 (11/1/24) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch on Apple TV+, via a subscription to the MLS Season Pass.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: MLS game

Who: Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles Galaxy

When: Friday, Nov. 1 2024

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

TV: N/A

Live stream: Apple TV+

Here’s a recent AP MLS story:

LA Galaxy (19-8-7, first in the Western Conference during the regular season) vs. Colorado Rapids (15-14-5, seventh in the Conference during the regular season)

Commerce City, Colorado; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Los Angeles +127, Colorado +164; over/under is 3.5 goals

BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rapids host the LA Galaxy in the Western Conference semifinals.

The Rapids are 12-14-3 against Western Conference opponents. Rafael Navarro leads the eighth-ranked scoring team in the league with 15 goals. The Rapids have scored 61.

The Galaxy are 18-7-5 against conference opponents. The Galaxy are ninth in the Western Conference drawing 169 corner kicks, averaging 5.0 per game.

The teams square off Friday for the fourth time this season. The Galaxy won the last meeting 5-0.

TOP PERFORMERS: Navarro has 15 goals and one assist for the Rapids. Jonathan Lewis has two goals and one assist over the past 10 games.

Dejan Joveljic has 16 goals and six assists for the Galaxy. Riqui Puig has eight goals and five assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rapids: 4-6-0, averaging 1.4 goals, 4.2 shots on goal and 3.6 corner kicks per game while allowing 2.4 goals per game.

Galaxy: 7-3-0, averaging 2.7 goals, 6.9 shots on goal and 4.2 corner kicks per game while allowing 1.6 goals per game.

NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY: Rapids: Djordje Mihailovic (injured).

Galaxy: Marky Delgado (injured), Martin Caceres (injured).

SOUTHERN COLORADO — Each week, News5 tries to compile a list of the fun-filled events happening across Colorado. From Dia de los Muertos celebrations to a Switchbacks FC playoff game, there’s plenty to enjoy this Halloweekend.

Dia de los Muertos Colorado Springs

A Dia de los Muertos celebration is happening in Colorado Springs Friday and Saturday at the Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. each day. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Latin American celebration dedicated to remembering loved ones who have been lost and honoring their impact on their community. More information here.

Dia de los Muertos Pueblo

El Pueblo History Museum set up a Day of the Dead altar at its location in downtown Pueblo earlier this month. They will be holding a ceremony on November 2 at 1 p.m. at the museum. The community is invited to put pictures of their loved ones on the altar to honor them publicly. More information here.

WATCH: El Pueblo History Museum sets up a Day of the Dead altar downtown

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Playoff Game

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC made it to the USL playoffs! They will host Oakland Roots SC at Weidner Field on Saturday at 6 p.m. for a first round matchup. Tickets for the game start at $35. More information here. Can’t make it to the game in person? Click here for information on how you can watch.

Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival

The 35th Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival kicks off Friday with a balloon launch at 9 a.m. in Rocky Ford. Hot air balloon launches continue at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The events are planned around Rocky Ford City Hall on Main Street and at Railroad Park, which is located nearby. More information here.

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