MESA COUNTY, Colo. — As the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential election, remnants of the rhetoric from the 2020 election are still prevalent. Conspiracy theories surrounding election integrity continue to spread, with former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters emerging as a prominent figure promoting these false narratives.
Peters was found guilty in August of first-degree official misconduct, violating her official duties, failure to comply with Secretary of State requirements, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and three counts of attempting to influence a public servant. On Thursday, Colorado District Judge Matthew Barrett sentenced her to nine years in prison. She was acquitted of identity theft, criminal impersonation, and one charge of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation.
During the sentencing hearing, Peters expressed her surprise at how negatively she has been portrayed, claiming she was merely trying to do her job. In response, Judge Barrett described her as “as defiant of a defendant as this court has ever seen,” criticizing her disrespect for government checks and balances, the court, law enforcement, and her colleagues.
Judge Barrett noted that Peters’ unwavering beliefs led her to manipulate election systems. He highlighted a troubling mindset that seems to affect many across the nation, where individuals become convinced that their perspectives cannot possibly be wrong.
Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, spoke in court, describing the atmosphere as surreal and tense. He highlighted the significant breaches of security that Peters committed, including allowing unauthorized access to her office and disabling the cameras that had been continuously recording for a decade. Crane stressed the serious implications of her actions, warning that they could enable malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in election systems.
Crane also explained that Colorado laws have been updated in response to Peters’ misconduct, imposing stricter regulations on clerks who fail in their responsibilities. He expressed hope that clerks will work diligently to restore trust with voters, acknowledging the ongoing challenge posed by Peters’ actions.
According to Crane, the rhetoric from former President Donald Trump significantly influenced Peters’ case. He pointed out that her lack of knowledge and failure to fulfill her responsibilities contributed to her illegal actions, which were fueled by misinformation about election integrity.
Crane emphasized that Peters’ case is closely tied to the national denial of the 2020 election results. He suggested that her quest for recognition led her down a path that resulted in her legal troubles.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the fallout from the 2020 election, Crane noted that some voters have chosen not to participate in elections due to perceptions of rigging. This, he argued, has created a hostile environment for election workers, leading to threats and disruptive behavior.
Despite these challenges, Crane affirmed that clerks across Colorado are dedicated to rebuilding trust with their communities. He encouraged voters to engage with their local election offices and approach inquiries with an open mind, reinforcing the importance of transparency and truth in the electoral process.