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Colorado County Clerk Sentenced to Nine Years for Election System Misuse

By Carmen Reyes-Wolfe, J.D. | Legally Reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq. | Last updated on

Authorities recently found a Colorado county clerk guilty of allowing an individual to misuse a security card to access the election system in the aftermath of the 2020 election. She subsequently misled authorities about the person’s identity. She was convicted in August on four felony counts and three misdemeanors stemming from the incident.

The former Mesa County Clerk, Tina Peters, had ties to Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, and was a prominent figure promoting unfounded election fraud claims in 2020. Peters used her fame from the widely-reported incident to run for Secretary of State in Colorado in 2022 while still under federal indictment. She came in third in the GOP primary and now faces a 9-year prison sentence.

Judge Has Strong Words for 'Defiant' Peters

District Judge Matthew Barrett did not mince words during sentencing. He expressed his disapproval of Peters, emphasizing that she failed to take her responsibilities as a County Clerk seriously and that, if given the chance, she would do it again.

Authorities arrested Tina Peters in 2022. She had once been a figure of admiration among election deniers. According to Judge Barrett, she showed no remorse for her actions in court. She argued that there was no malice in her actions and that her goal was simply to uncover what she believed to be election fraud.

Putting Election Workers at Risk

Judge Barrett called Peters “defiant” and a “charlatan” as he delivered the sentence. He further criticized Peters for making public appearances that benefited her personally, accusing her of taking advantage of her situation. In her appearances, she continued to assert unverified claims about “wireless devices” and fraudulent software in voting machines.

Peters’ actions raised alarms about the potential for partisan election workers to use their positions to undermine the voting process. Her actions have had significant implications. Matt Crane, Director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, testified that her behavior has led to threats against various election workers and their families, contributing to a climate of fear and violence.

Crane stated that Peters’ actions led directly to death threats toward election employees, their families, and himself. In response to the ruling, Crane expressed his satisfaction and asserted that justice had been served in this case. However, he cautioned that the repercussions of Peters’ actions would have a lasting impact for years.

Impact on 2024 Election

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Colorado County Clerks are working to restore Mesa County voters’ trust amid ongoing threats and staff turnover. According to Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis, this single case cost the local government $1.4 million in legal fees and lost productivity.

The County Commissioner stated that Peters’ actions were wrong, financially strained the community, and tarnished government officials’ reputations. He alleges that her actions have made the county a "laughingstock. "

In response to the sentence, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold asserted that the state will not tolerate threats to its electoral process and declared Colorado’s election process to be the “nation’s gold standard.” Attorney General Phil Weiser agreed with the sentiment and called Peters’ sentence “fair and just.”

 Tina Peters is currently serving her sentence in a Mesa County Detention Center.

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