The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners sent a letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis on May 20 regarding his decision to commute the sentence of Tina Peters. The commissioners said the commutation undermines the ability of county clerks across Colorado to protect election integrity and maintain public trust in democratic processes.
In their letter, the commissioners wrote, “We are writing to express our concern and disappointment regarding the consequences following your decision to commute the sentence of Tina Peters. This commutation undermines the ability of County Clerks across Colorado to protect the integrity of our elections and create trust and transparency in our democratic processes. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone to American democracy and must be held sacrosanct. Ms. Peters’ purposeful and deceitful actions, regardless of her motivation or rhetoric, demonstrated blatant disregard for every Coloradan’s right to vote.”
The board highlighted that efforts by Jefferson County’s Clerk & Recorder’s Office have been challenged by political hostility and misinformation stemming from doubt caused by Peters’ actions. Amanda Gonzalez, Clerk for Jefferson County, said, “Any action that minimizes accountability for election crimes threatens the trust voters have in us and our elections. The Tina Peters case has had lasting consequences for local clerks, election workers, and taxpayers. It’s fueled misinformation, increased security concerns and raised the cost of running elections.”
The commissioners also stated their support for addressing sentencing disparities through policy work but argued this was not an appropriate case for intervention due to its impact on public trust in elected officials: “As an elected official, Ms. Peters must be held to a higher standard and her crimes created substantial harm to the integrity and physical safety of both our Colorado elections and all public servants.” They further expressed concern that Governor Polis acted before judicial proceedings were complete.
In closing their letter, they wrote that they remain committed “to working with you and your successor to address inequities in our criminal justice system, safeguard the fundamental right to free and fair elections, and ensure all elected officials uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
