A former employee of Denver’s election office has launched a federal lawsuit, claiming her dismissal was a direct result of her vocal concerns regarding safety issues, which she discussed on comedian Jon Stewart’s show. Virginia Chau, who served as a polling center supervisor, accused election authorities of attempting to suppress her free speech rights and retaliating against her for speaking out.
During a panel discussion on Stewart’s streaming program, “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” in 2022, Chau raised alarms about the threats facing election workers and highlighted the insufficient training provided to them. In light of increasing violence and intimidation faced by election officials, especially following the divisive 2020 presidential election, security measures have been ramped up nationwide. This rise in hostility is largely attributed to supporters of former President Donald Trump, who have perpetuated unfounded claims of electoral fraud.
Chau’s lawsuit outlines that R. Todd Davidson, the director of the Denver elections division, informed her that she would be removed from her supervisory position due to her comments on the show. Instead, he offered her a role as a hotline representative, suggesting that it would be less visible to the public. The lawsuit maintains that this offer amounted to a demotion, which Chau declined.
Additionally, the lawsuit asserts that Paul Lopez, the city clerk and recorder, failed to respond to Chau’s appeal for a reconsideration of her termination. The legal complaint states, “Rather than addressing Ms. Chau’s urgent request for additional resources and training for election officials at risk, the Defendants opted to retaliate against one of their most dedicated election workers.”
The lawsuit has been filed against the city, along with the elections director and clerk and recorder. In it, Chau is seeking reinstatement as well as unspecified damages for the treatment she has received. A spokesperson for Lopez, Mikayla Ortega, along with a representative from the city attorney’s office, Melissa Sisneros, indicated that they would not comment on ongoing legal matters.