DENVER ( Associated Press) — A Colorado judge has barred a Republican running for secretary of state from overseeing this year’s election in her home county because of her role in election equipment and subsequent indictment.
Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters was already banned by a judge from managing last year’s local elections in her western Colorado county. She has become a hero to election conspiracy theorists led by former President Donald Trump, and is running for the GOP nomination to become the state’s top election official, despite being ineligible to run for election.
The Secretary of State’s Office asked the same Mesa County Judge, Valerie J. Robison to stop Peters from holding midterm elections. In a ruling release Tuesday evening, Robison agreed. “Peters and Nisley have committed dereliction of duty or other wrongful acts, such as being unable to perform duties required under the Election Code because of charges of criminal acts currently pending,” Robison wrote. Nisley was Peters’ deputy and has been charged with cybercrime for activities related to the break-in.
Data from Mesa County’s voting machines appeared on election conspiracy websites last summer, shortly after Peters appeared at a symposium about the election hosted by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Peters’ campaign did not immediately comment on Tuesday night. Peters is running against two other candidates for the GOP nomination for secretary of state. The winner will face incumbent Democrat Jenna Griswold in November.
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