Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Aug 22: US President Donald Trump on Thursday once again called for the release of Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk convicted for tampering with voting equipment in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. Trump warned that “harsh measures” would follow if she was not freed.

“FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting governor of the State. Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Peters, 69, was convicted in 2024 on seven charges, including four felonies, for breaching Mesa County’s election systems. She was sentenced in October to nine years in prison on counts of attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, and official misconduct.

A once-obscure clerk, Peters rose to prominence among election deniers after granting unauthorized access to Mesa County’s voting systems, claiming to search for evidence of voter fraud. No such evidence was ever found. She became the first election official in the country to face criminal charges connected to election security breaches tied to conspiracy theories about the 2020 polls.

Trump has been a consistent supporter of Peters, even urging the Justice Department in May to intervene on her behalf. This is his second direct appeal in recent months demanding her release. However, Peters’ conviction in a state court places her outside the scope of presidential clemency powers.

The president has frequently used Peters’ case to attack mail-in voting. Earlier in March, he signed an executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration and has since hinted at new measures aimed at curbing mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.