Colorado authorities in contact with feds to prevent any possible hacks, terror near Election Day

DENVER – Local officials say they have not received word of any local threat in Colorado after terrorism task forces Friday warned that several states may be targeted by terrorists or hackers near Election Day.

Reports from the Associated Press and CBS Newssaid New York, Texas and Virginia were specified as possible targets from the unnamed sources speaking to the news outlets.

The FBI told CBS News that authorities are planning for worst-case scenarios ahead of the election.

In Colorado, experts say Coloradans should also remain vigilant to watch out for any suspicious activity and to report anything out of the ordinary.

“The worst thing that we could do is allow an external actor, like ISIS, to shape how Americans normally vote,” said Nader Hashemi, the Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver. “We have the right to vote in this country and we should not let emotions dictate how we vote.”

The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office says it has been working with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Association of Secretaries of State “for several months” to ensure the election process in the state is safeguarded from potential hackers.

The office says it is in regular contact with DHS and the FBI.

But some local voters Denver7 talked with Friday said they weren’t nervous to perform their civic duties Tuesday.

"As a country, we had an election during a war -- the Civil War. So while people were fighting here in the United States, we still had democracy,” said Tim Hickey. “So even under the threat - you have to participate, I feel."