Virginia Chau Claims Termination Was Response to Publicly Addressing Election Worker Safety Issues
Virginia Chau, a former Denver election worker, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was dismissed in retaliation for discussing election worker safety concerns on comedian Jon Stewart’s show. Chau alleges that her comments on rising threats and lack of training for election workers led to her dismissal and violated her First Amendment rights.
Background: Speaking Out on “The Problem with Jon Stewart”
Chau, a polling center supervisor and attorney, appeared on “The Problem with Jon Stewart” in 2022, a streaming show where she discussed the lack of resources and protections for election workers facing heightened threats since the 2020 presidential election. On the program, she addressed a growing wave of harassment directed at election workers nationwide, a trend largely fueled by false claims of voter fraud during the 2020 election.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges that shortly after her appearance, Denver elections division director R. Todd Davidson informed Chau that her public comments were grounds for removing her from her supervisor role. According to Chau, Davidson suggested she could take a hotline representative role to avoid public recognition, a move she perceived as a demotion. Chau declined the position, ultimately resulting in her termination.
Allegations of Retaliation and First Amendment Violations
Chau’s lawsuit names Davidson, Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez, and the City of Denver as defendants. The complaint states that officials failed to consider Chau’s safety recommendations for election workers and instead targeted her for raising awareness. Chau claims her removal was intended to silence her and accuses city officials of retaliation.
“Instead of heeding Ms. Chau’s call for more resources and training for election officials facing threats to their personal safety, Defendants decided instead to retaliate against one of their best, and most passionate, election workers,” the lawsuit states.
Chau seeks reinstatement, unspecified damages, and a court ruling to prevent further retaliation against election workers speaking about safety issues.
Nationwide Rise in Election Worker Harassment
The lawsuit comes amid a national spotlight on election worker safety as the 2024 election cycle begins. Since 2020, election workers across the U.S. have faced threats, particularly in states with close election outcomes. Numerous election offices have since bolstered security measures, including implementing protective protocols for workers and equipment.
Officials from Clerk and Recorder Lopez’s office, including spokesperson Mikayla Ortega and city attorney representative Melissa Sisneros, declined to comment on the case, citing pending litigation.
Chau’s case joins other legal actions by election officials and workers nationwide who allege wrongful termination or retaliation for speaking out about workplace safety. As election season ramps up, the case highlights ongoing concerns about safeguarding those responsible for the integrity of U.S. elections.
