Jena Griswold, candidate for Colorado secretary of state

Party: Democrat

City of residence: Louisville

Profession: Small-business owner, voter-protection attorney

Campaign website: jenaforcolorado.com

What makes you the best choice for this office?

It's time for fresh leadership and new ideas in the Secretary of State's Office. I am the only candidate who can vow that my undivided attention will go to ensuring that Colorado has the securest elections and the most transparent government in the nation. I will make elections more accessible and secure, champion transparency and work to stop dark money in Colorado campaigns.

Describe your leadership style.

Collaborative. It's critical to get expert advice from government and the private sector. Colorado was targeted by a Russian cyberattack in 2016. Colorado's statewide voter system went down in 2016, causing two- to three-hour delays. We have great cyber and IT resources in Colorado in the private sector. As SOS, I am going to work with the top minds in government and private-sector cyber experts to ensure that we are ready for 21st century challenges.  

What are the most important duties of the secretary of state?

The Colorado secretary of state oversees our elections, campaign finance and business registration, among other duties. The secretary of state is critical to making sure that Colorado has safe and secure elections and that eligible voters are able to vote.

What improvements can be made to the way elections are run in Colorado?

In 2016, our election system went down, causing two- to three-hour delays. I will work to ensure that this does not happen again. We also received a B ranking in cybersecurity and must take immediate steps to ensure our elections are safe against Russian cyberattacks. It's critical that we improve our elections so that every eligible Coloradan can have their voice heard.

If elected, what will your top priority be in January?

I am running for secretary of state because I believe that every eligible Coloradan, Democrat, Republican or unaffiliated, should have their voice heard. That's why I plan to expand automatic voter registration. I will stop secret political spending in Colorado elections and make the Secretary of State's Office into a business resource center for first-time business owners and entrepreneurs.