Colorado’s former Mesa County election clerk Tina Peters, whose 2020‑election claims led to a criminal conviction, left prison in June after Governor Jared Polis shortened her nine‑year term. Within two months she was in Washington, D.C., holding meetings with senior members of the Trump administration.
Federal meetings and lunch with the former president
Peters sat down with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the Justice Department’s civil‑rights division. Both officials are known for supporting the former president’s efforts to reshape election policy. After the meetings, Peters joined former President Donald Trump for a private lunch at the White House, where she also met Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“She has a plan,” Peters’ attorney Peter Ticktin told CNN. “I don’t know whether she’ll get the support to make sure her plan gets implemented. But the point is, somebody needs to take this bull by the horns and move it.”
Background of the conviction
In 2022, Peters was convicted on state charges for attempting to breach Mesa County’s election‑management system while she was clerk, hoping to prove that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent. She was sentenced to nine years, but Governor Polis granted a commutation in June, allowing her early release.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, now the Democratic nominee for governor, condemned the Washington trip, calling Peters “a criminal who compromised elections and election equipment, who is entirely unremorseful.” He warned that her public advocacy could jeopardize confidence in the upcoming midterm elections.
Political reactions
Polis defended his decision, saying he was “disappointed but not surprised” that Peters continues to spread “baseless and inaccurate claims” about elections. He emphasized that while she retains free‑speech rights, she must obey the law and parole conditions.
Officials from Colorado’s Department of Corrections confirmed that Peters obtained the necessary travel permits for her Washington visit and remains subject to parole requirements.
Potential new role in California
Clint Curtis, Shasta County, California, election‑integrity activist, said he has offered Peters a consulting position on election security. Curtis noted that Peters would not have access to voting‑system logins, which he believes would protect the integrity of his office.
“Apparently, she’s still thinking about it,” Curtis told CNN. “I’m not sure if she’s going to take it or not. She’s really busy.”
Broader context
The trip underscores the ongoing effort by former President Trump and his allies to promote changes to election administration, including tighter voter‑ID rules and reduced mail‑in voting. Peters’ advocacy aligns with that agenda, as she continues to claim that the 2020 election was compromised despite multiple court rulings to the contrary.
While Peters’ supporters view her as a champion for election integrity, critics argue that her actions undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
