1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to publicly oppose any clemency consideration for Tina Peters, the former Colorado county clerk convicted in a scheme to find proof of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Reports indicate that Colorado's Democratic governor is signaling openness to granting clemency amid pressure from President Trump. This would set a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law and accountability for those who attack our democratic institutions. Tina Peters was convicted through our judicial system for her role in a criminal scheme targeting election infrastructure. Her actions were not protected First Amendment expression. They were criminal acts that compromised election security and violated the public trust placed in an elected official responsible for safeguarding our voting systems. There is a fundamental difference between exercising free speech rights and committing crimes in pursuit of unfounded conspiracy theories. Granting clemency in this case would send a chilling message that elected officials can abuse their positions to undermine elections without facing consequences. It would embolden others who seek to destabilize our democratic processes through illegal means rather than legitimate legal challenges or political advocacy. The integrity of our elections depends on holding accountable those who exploit their official authority to compromise voting systems. I recognize that clemency powers exist for cases where justice demands mercy or where convictions are questionable. This is not such a case. Peters received due process, was convicted by a jury of her peers, and her crimes directly threatened the foundation of our democracy. No amount of political pressure should override the need for accountability when public officials betray their oaths and attack the electoral process itself. I urge you to make a clear public statement opposing clemency for Tina Peters and defending the principle that no one, regardless of political connections, is above the law when they commit crimes against our democratic system.