States United Democracy Center Statement on Tina Peters’ Sentencing

Washington D.C. — Tina Peters, a former Mesa County, Colorado Clerk and Recorder, today received a sentence of nine years and fines totaling $3,000 for her role in a 2021 breach of election equipment. Gillian Feiner, Senior Counsel at the States United Democracy Center, issued the following statement in response:

“Peters, driven by lies and conspiracy theories, betrayed her oath and abused the public’s trust by giving unauthorized individuals access to the voting equipment she was charged with protecting. The judge got it right. This 9-year sentence provides accountability for the immeasurable damage Peters caused. It serves as a stark warning: You cannot interfere with our free and fair elections and get away with it.”

In August, Peters was found guilty on three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one felony count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, one misdemeanor count of first-degree official misconduct, one misdemeanor count of violation of a duty, and one misdemeanor count of failure to comply with requirements of the Secretary of State. At today’s sentencing hearing, 21st Judicial District Judge Matthew Barrett delivered the following remarks before his ruling:

“You abdicated your position as a servant to the constitution and chose you over all else. Yes, you are a charlatan and you cannot help but lie as easily as it is for you to breathe. You betrayed your oath for no one other than you. This is what makes Mrs. Peters such a danger to our community. It’s the position she held, that provided a pulpit from which she can preach these lies—the undermining of our democratic process, the undermining of the belief and confidence in our election system.”

With the 2024 election underway, accountability efforts for those who try to interfere in elections and disregard the will of voters are crucial. The States United Democracy Center has taken a whole host of actions to hold these anti-democracy actors accountable.

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About the States United Democracy Center

The States United Democracy Center is a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections. We connect state officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners across America with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard our democracy. For more information, visit statesunited.org.