Those were the words of Judge Matthew Barrett when he sentenced Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder and high priestess of election deniers everywhere. Coming as no surprise to anyone with common sense, Tina Peters is going to jail. Here’s a summary of the Tina Peters sentencing:
- Nine Years Behind Bars: Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was sentenced to nine years in prison for her role in a data breach of county voting machines. Her actions were part of an effort to fuel election conspiracy theories (Colorado Public Radio) (Sentinel Colorado).
- No Remorse: Judge Barrett didn’t mince words, calling Peters an “attention-seeking charlatan” and noting her complete lack of remorse. According to him, she would “do it all over again” if given the chance (Colorado Public Radio).
- Election Security Breach: Peters allowed unauthorized access to voting equipment in a 2021 software update, involving associates of Mike Lindell, a known proponent of election fraud claims (Sentinel Colorado).
- Costly for Taxpayers: Her actions didn’t just hurt the county’s reputation—they cost Mesa County $1.4 million in recounts and damages (Colorado Public Radio).
- Unapologetic Stance: Even after her conviction, Peters remains defiant and unapologetic, still embraced by some in the election denial movement (Sentinel Colorado) (Sentinel Colorado).
Looks like breaking the law for a lie comes with some serious consequences.
Ironically, I have a connection with Ms. Peters – she and I were in the same Leadership Program of the Rockies class (2018). She was quiet. I found her kind. I was running for County Commissioner in Weld at the time and she was running for Clerk and Recorder in Mesa, so we had a bond in common endeavors. My take on her does not excuse her subsequent actions as a Clerk. She broke the law and now she will go to jail.
There will be some that will further the conspiracy – “They had to shut her up.” You know the type and you will see their takes around social media very soon. I had many ask me if I had “read her reports.” No, I didn’t. I don’t have time to read hundreds of pages of folly.
Elections are the purview of County Clerks and Recorders. In Weld County, we have one of the best clerks in the state, if not nation, in Carley Koppes. I trust Carley implicitly. If she tells me our elections are sound – then they are sound. As a County Commissioner, all I do is approve or disapprove a Clerk’s budget requests. The clerk is the independently elected representative that runs, among many things, elections. I have no desire, nor am I qualified, to do Carley’s job. And I will approve her budgets because the voters elected her and I trust her.
Tina Peters broke the law. She was tried and convicted and she will now go to jail. After lengthy appeals and much press, of course.
People ask me if I believe “the election was stollen.” No, I do not. But I do believe there is cheating – in every election. People are sinners and fall short of the glory of God. So there will be cheating. Last election. This election. Next election. So we must ask ourselves how much fraud is acceptable. I say NONE!
So we must continue working to improve the security and fairness of our elections. That takes the active involvement of citizens like you and I. Poll watchers. Election judges. Participation. Fairness flourishes in bright sunlight, so let’s provide it.
Peters chose to lurk in the shadows and wallow in the mud. She enjoyed the limelight. Now she can serve her time.
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