(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — According to the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, the county and State of Colorado are already in compliance with an executive order by President Donald J. Trump outlining new federal directives concerning mail-in voting. On Tuesday, March 25, President Trump signed Executive Order 14148, "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," which is aimed at "strengthening voter identification, securing voter registration lists, and establishing stricter mail ballot receipt deadlines," according to the El Paso County Clerk. In a press release sent on Wednesday, the El Paso County Clerk affirmed that many of the priorities outlined in the executive order are already well-established practices in Colorado and have long been part of El Paso County’s election operations. “We welcome conversations on election integrity, and we want voters to know that El Paso County and the State of Colorado already meet or exceed many of the standards emphasized in the Executive Order,” said Schleiker. “Our election system is secure, transparent, and nationally recognized for its accuracy and accessibility.” Key Comparisons – Executive Order vs. Colorado Law Ballot Deadline Compliance: The executive order requires all ballots be received by Election Day. Colorado law already enforces this, as ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Night to be counted. Postmarks do not count. Paper Ballots & Audits: The El Paso County Clerk said Colorado uses 100% paper ballots and conducts risk-limiting audits after every election. El Paso County enhances transparency with the Ballot Audit Tool, allowing voters to view digital images of their own ballots. Voter Roll Maintenance: Colorado regularly updates voter records using death data, address changes, and DMV records — all practices that align with federal list maintenance requirements. Non-Citizen Voting Protections: Only U.S. citizens are eligible to register and vote in Colorado. Applicants must attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury. El Paso County follows all state and federal verification procedures to ensure voter eligibility. In-Person Voting Access: While the executive order encourages limited mail voting, Colorado law provides both mail ballots and secure in-person voting options. El Paso County operates multiple Voter Service and Polling Centers with ADA-compliant equipment. The executive order also proposes future changes, including requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. The El Paso County Clerk said such requirements would necessitate federal rulemaking and may face legal challenges, but assured voters that the county would continue to monitor developments and coordinate with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on any required changes. “As always, our focus remains on ensuring fair, secure, and accessible elections for every eligible voter in El Paso County,” said Clerk Schleiker. “While I and my staff understand the executive order’s intent to reinforce integrity in elections, El Paso County already leads that state in many of the policy areas outlined, balancing security, transparency, and voter access. El Paso County will continue to implement Colorado law with the utmost integrity, and we remain committed to protecting the public’s trust in our electoral process.” ...read more read less