DENVER (KDVR) — Election officials from around the state reacted to the sentencing of former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters. Peters was sentenced to nine years behind bars on Thursday for tampering in the 2020 presidential election.
County clerks breathed a sigh of relief, saying the punishment fits the crime.
“Tina is not representative of the dedicated election officials in Colorado and throughout the country," said Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Gonzales.
Gonzales said she is thankful the judge made sure to send a message to current and future election officials around Colorado that these actions will not be tolerated.
“There is little that is more dangerous in the long run to our communities than individuals who are attempting to dismantle and undermine our democracy," said Gonzales.
Matt Crane with the Colorado County Clerks Association agreed.
“Her crimes are very serious and I think the penalties show that they warrant that," said Crane.
Crane testified in the case, saying he was more than willing to take the stand to try and bring back voter confidence to the ballot box.
"She had these fanciful ideas that weren’t true and it has seriously undermined voter confidence," said Crane.
In a poll FOX31 conducted in the 8th Congressional District, it was found that 22% of people who responded felt "not too confident" in election security, while 10% didn’t feel confident at all.
Both Gonzales and Crane hope this ruling reestablishes some faith from the public in the state’s systems.
“We have some of the best laws in the entire country and I think this just illustrates how well they work," said Gonzales.
They said election workers everywhere are working hard to make sure your vote is secure.
"Vote with confidence in so far as your ballot will be cast and counted exactly as how you marked it," said Crane.
Crane also strongly encourages that if you have any questions, feel free to contact your county clerk and even set up a tour of election facilities.
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