Full Breakdown
Opposition Grows Against Transfer of Tina Peters to Federal Custody
11/24/2025, 12:20:40 AM
Background on Tina Peters' Conviction
Tina Peters, the former Republican clerk of Mesa County, Colorado, is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for multiple felony convictions related to her unauthorized access to voting machines in an attempt to uncover alleged voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election. Her actions have been widely criticized for undermining the integrity of Colorado's election systems.
Request for Transfer to Federal Custody
The Trump administration has formally requested the transfer of Peters from state to federal custody, a move that has sparked significant opposition from various Colorado officials. The Colorado Department of Corrections confirmed receipt of the request from the Federal Bureau of Prisons on November 12, 2025. Concerns have been raised that such a transfer could allow Peters to continue spreading false narratives about the 2020 election, potentially endangering election officials across the state.
Bipartisan Opposition to the Transfer
A bipartisan coalition, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, has urged Governor Jared Polis to deny the transfer request. In a joint letter, they expressed fears that Peters would exploit federal custody to further disseminate misinformation about election integrity, which has already led to harassment and intimidation of election officials. The Colorado County Clerks Association echoed these sentiments, warning that transferring Peters would send a damaging message about accountability in the electoral process.
Legal and Safety Concerns
Peters' legal team, led by attorney Peter Ticktin, has argued for her transfer to federal custody due to safety concerns in her current state facility. However, legal experts caution that such a move could lead to her premature release, a possibility that has been amplified by calls from Trump and other far-right figures who label Peters as a "political prisoner." The Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser, has stated he would "strongly oppose" any transfer, emphasizing that Peters' conviction was the result of a fair judicial process.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Polis has acknowledged the correspondence from various officials regarding Peters' transfer. His spokesperson stated that the governor appreciates the input from the Colorado Clerks Association and other stakeholders, reaffirming the state's commitment to maintaining a secure and transparent election system. Polis has indicated that he will consider any pardon request from Peters with the same scrutiny as any other, but has also made it clear that he will not grant clemency in exchange for political favors.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Shifting her custody to the federal government is an attempt to bypass our judicial system—all to offer a politically connected inmate the comforts of an easier sentence,” — Dan Rubinstein, Mesa County District Attorney
- “Allowing Trump’s transfer of Tina Peters would supercharge Trump’s attempts to re-write history and disseminate election lies.” — Jena Griswold, Colorado Secretary of State
- “Put simply, Ms. Peters is in prison today due to the crimes she committed that put Mesa’s election systems at risk and violated the public’s trust, and for no other reason,” — Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General
What's Next
As the situation develops, Governor Polis is expected to make a decision regarding the transfer request. The Colorado County Clerks Association has requested a personal meeting with the governor to discuss the implications of the transfer, emphasizing the need for local election officials to have their voices heard before any final decision is made.
