Allies of Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk imprisoned for her involvement in an election conspiracy, are advocating for her transfer to federal custody as a strategy to secure her release. This move has drawn the attention of state officials, prompting them to urge Colorado Governor Jared Polis not to comply with requests from the Trump administration.
Peters is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple felonies linked to a scheme that sought to manipulate local voting systems under the guise of investigating voter fraud in the 2020 election. Her actions were part of a larger narrative propagated by former President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed widespread electoral fraud. Trump’s supporters, including Peters herself, have long referred to her predicament as a political hostage situation.
In response to the pressure for Peters’ transfer, which could potentially enable Trump to issue her a pardon, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein both sent letters to Governor Polis. They emphasized that transferring Peters could undermine the integrity of Colorado’s judicial system. They argue that her case falls entirely within state jurisdiction and that any federal interference would not only be unnecessary but could facilitate an illegal release.
The Colorado County Clerks Association echoed these concerns, stating that moving Peters out of state custody could damage the integrity of election officials who have been unfairly targeted due to Peters’ unfounded claims. Many clerks have faced threats and harassment since the 2020 election, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding election integrity in Colorado.
Carly Koppes, the Republican Clerk of Weld County, expressed that a transfer would feel like a slap in the face to dedicated election officials. She noted the emotional and physical toll that standing up for the truth has taken on clerks across the state, while Pam Bacon, the Republican Clerk in Logan County, voiced her fear that such a decision would drive away even more election personnel.
The governor’s office is currently reviewing the letters, along with input from the Colorado Department of Corrections. Polis has historically opposed any moves to release Peters, standing firm against pressures from Trump’s administration. The office acknowledged the significance of Colorado’s election integrity, which is consistently highlighted as one of the most trustworthy systems in the nation.
As the situation unfolds, the decision rests with Governor Polis, who faces the challenge of balancing pressure from external political forces against the voices of Colorado’s dedicated election clerks, who have committed to preserving the sanctity of the electoral process. The outcome will likely resonate throughout the state, impacting both public trust and the morale of those who oversee election integrity in Colorado.