What's Happening?
Colorado's county clerks have called on Governor Jared Polis to reject a request from the Trump administration to transfer former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters into federal custody. Peters is currently
serving a nine-year sentence for attempting to interfere with the 2020 election results. The clerks argue that transferring Peters to federal custody could jeopardize election security and undermine public trust. Nearly three dozen clerks from across the political spectrum attended a virtual press conference to express their unified stance against the transfer. The Colorado County Clerks’ Association has sent a letter to Governor Polis urging him to decline the federal request, emphasizing the importance of respecting Colorado's judicial process. Despite the clerks' appeals, Governor Polis has not yet publicly addressed the issue, which they claim is causing harm and increasing threats against them.
Why It's Important?
The clerks' opposition to transferring Tina Peters to federal custody highlights concerns about election security and the integrity of the judicial process in Colorado. By keeping Peters in state custody, the clerks believe it will uphold the state's authority and maintain public trust in the electoral system. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by election officials, who have been subjected to harassment and intimidation due to Peters' false claims about the 2020 election. Governor Polis' decision on this matter could have significant implications for the safety and security of election officials in Colorado, as well as for the broader perception of election integrity in the state.
What's Next?
Governor Polis is expected to meet with the clerks to discuss their experiences with harassment and threats related to Peters' actions. His office has stated that he takes threats from the federal government seriously and is committed to protecting democracy. The decision on whether to transfer Peters to federal custody remains pending, and the outcome could influence future interactions between state and federal authorities regarding election-related matters. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Secretary of State Jena Griswold have also expressed opposition to the federal transfer, indicating potential legal and political ramifications.
