1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Dear Representative, I am writing to express serious concern regarding Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ decision to commute the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters after her conviction related to election security breaches was upheld on appeal. This decision carries consequences far beyond Colorado. Tina Peters became a national figure in the movement to delegitimize the 2020 election through conspiracy theories, misinformation, and deliberate attacks on public confidence in election systems. Her conviction represented an important affirmation that public officials who compromise election infrastructure and abuse public trust can and should be held accountable under the law. Governor Polis’ intervention undermines that message. At a time when election workers across the country face harassment, threats, and mounting distrust fueled by false claims of widespread fraud, commuting the sentence of a prominent and unremorseful election denier risks normalizing conduct that weakens democratic stability itself. Accountability matters precisely because faith in elections is foundational to constitutional government. I urge you to publicly speak out against efforts — whether at the state or national level — that minimize or excuse attacks on election integrity. Defending democratic institutions cannot be selective or politically convenient. It requires clear and consistent opposition to those who knowingly spread falsehoods that erode trust in lawful election outcomes. Many Americans are exhausted by the constant degradation of public trust and democratic norms. Decisions like this deepen that erosion. Public leaders should be strengthening confidence in elections and the rule of law — not signaling that political notoriety can soften consequences for those who undermine them. I hope you will treat this moment with the seriousness it deserves.