How Colorado is working to prevent another Tina Peters situation
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Colorado is better prepared this year to counter threats to the integrity of the 2024 election, experts say.
The intrigue: That's all thanks to Tina Peters, the Mesa County clerk sentenced to prison earlier this month for election tampering.
Why it matters: Colorado was the epicenter of efforts to unearth alleged voter fraud and overturn the 2020 presidential election results, but officials are determined this year to quell any concerns about threats to the vote.
What they're saying: "Her callous disregard for her sacred oath has strengthened our resolve and our processes to guard against someone inside an elections office taking advantage of their position to undermine our most cherished right to vote in free, fair, and secure elections," said Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado clerks association, in a statement at Peters sentencing hearing.
The latest: New laws strengthen prohibitions against elected officials from accessing election equipment and being in the room with voting systems without being accompanied by authorized individuals — a direct response to Peters' actions.
- Other new provisions require election officials to get certified — unlike Peters — and prohibit those convicted of election offenses from serving as county clerk.
Moreover, Colorado lawmakers tightened laws designed to protect election officials from threats and retaliation and prohibit false electors who would attempt to overturn the results.
The bottom line: Secretary of State Jena Griswold expressed confidence in the integrity of the election. "Colorado's elections are the nation's gold standard," she said in a statement after Peters' sentencing.
- "I am proud of how we have responded to the first insider election breach in the nation, and look forward to another secure and successful election in November."