Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser released the following statement regarding today’s guilty verdict in the Tina Peters trial:
“The freedom to vote is sacred in America. Many fought for — and even died for — establishing voting as a fundamental constitutional right. And it’s a right we continue to protect today. That’s because our democratic republic rests on the promise that every vote matters, every vote is counted, and the will of the people shall govern. We place a sacred trust in our elections officials to conduct safe, honest, and fair elections — ensuring that every vote is counted.
“[Former Mesa County Clerk] Tina Peters violated that trust with her fellow Coloradans. A Mesa County jury found her guilty on three counts attempt to influence a public official, and one count each conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first degree official misconduct, violation of duty, and failure to comply with secretary of state requirements. Today, she was held accountable for her criminal acts, which put the safety of our elections — and the freedom and safety of others — at risk.
“I want to thank the prosecutors from my team who worked side-by-side with Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein to bring justice in this case. They have worked for several years under difficult circumstances — including abhorrent threats. I am grateful for their commitment to the rule of law and sense of duty.
“Today’s verdict is a warning to others that they will face serious consequences if they attempt to illegally tamper with our voting processes or election systems. I want to be clear — our elections are safe and fair. In fact, Colorado’s election system is the gold standard of the nation. And make no mistake: my office will continue to protect it.”
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