Sun Nov 23 14:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
Colorado officials and the Colorado County Clerks Association are urging Governor Jared Polis to reject a request from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to transfer Tina Peters, a convicted election denialist, from state to federal custody. Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder, was convicted in 2024 for allowing unauthorized access to a voting machine in 2021. Officials argue the transfer would undermine Colorado law, set a dangerous precedent for election workers facing threats, and embolden election denialism. They emphasize Peters’ actions were deliberate, criminal, and harmful, justifying her state-level incarceration. The Justice Department announced that it will review her case in March and Polis has yet to comment on the matter.
News Article:
Colorado Officials Fight Federal Attempt to Take Custody of Convicted Election Denier Tina Peters
DENVER (CBS Colorado) – Colorado officials are pushing back against a request from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to transfer former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters, a convicted election denier, from state to federal custody. The move has sparked outrage from the Colorado County Clerks Association and state officials who fear it would undermine the authority of Colorado courts and embolden election denialism.
Peters was convicted in October 2024 on multiple charges, including attempting to influence a public servant and conspiracy, related to allowing unauthorized access to a voting machine in May 2021. Her actions were linked to efforts to find evidence supporting false claims of a stolen 2020 election, allegations widely discredited and previously resulting in significant defamation settlements. She was sentenced to nine years of incarceration.
“Tina Peters stands alone as an example of the nefarious actions and outcomes of election denialism,” stated Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in a letter urging Governor Jared Polis to deny the transfer. “She violated Colorado law and her duty to administer Mesa County elections. She is incarcerated because she broke Colorado law.”
The Colorado County Clerks Association echoed Griswold’s concerns, arguing the transfer would endanger election workers across the country who are already facing increased threats and intimidation. “To remove Ms. Peters from Colorado custody now…would send a deeply damaging message to the clerks who upheld their oath under extraordinarily difficult circumstances,” the association stated.
Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López called the potential transfer a “betrayal” to bipartisan election workers.
Peters’ defense has argued the charges against her are politically motivated and that she was acting to preserve election data. Her attorneys have also cited major health concerns and asked for release on bail while she appeals her conviction. In February, Peters requested that she be released on bail while she appeals her conviction, citing major health concerns.
In a controversial move, the Department of Justice announced that it will review her case in March. Acting U.S. Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth said her sentence is exceptionally lengthy and that there are concerns over Peters’ prosecution.
Governor Polis has not yet commented on whether he will approve the transfer request, and the reasons for the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ interest remain unclear. The issue is expected to generate significant debate in the coming weeks.
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