Tina Peters Declines Election Supervision Job in California
Tina Peters, known for her controversial involvement in tampering with voting machines, has declined a job offer for election oversight in Shasta County, Northern California. Clint Curtis, the county’s registrar of voters, expressed disappointment, stating, “Shasta County lost out.” Peters is focused on securing elections nationwide, Curtis explained.
Curtis had alarmed California by revealing plans to hire Peters, a former county clerk in Colorado, as a consultant. Her attorney, Peter Ticktin, mentioned that although Peters considered the offer seriously, the position wasn’t viable due to her commitments.
Political Backlash over Peters’ Potential Hiring
Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democratic lawmakers condemned the proposed hiring. Newsom criticized the idea, calling the job offer “a disgrace” and vowed to prevent Peters from working in California. He highlighted Peters’ conviction for election tampering.
Despite California’s stance as a “second-chance state,” Curtis remarked, “Except for Tina Peters. No second chance for her in Shasta County.”
Legal and Political Context
In 2024, Peters was convicted and sentenced to nine years for breaching voting machines in Mesa County, Colorado. Her actions aimed to prove the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence after pressure from Trump.
Peters’ involvement was related to MAGA conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell gaining unauthorized access to election equipment. She was released after serving less than a quarter of her sentence.
Shasta County’s Internal Dynamics
Curtis intended to hire Peters as a consultant, effectively as an assistant registrar. He aimed to bypass the lengthy hiring process. However, Brent Turner, the assistant registrar, confirmed that his position wasn’t vacant and was relieved Peters declined the offer.
Turner, on medical leave, expressed his displeasure at Curtis discussing his health publicly and emphasized the need to focus on current election responsibilities.
Curtis’ tenure came under scrutiny after erratic behavior, including sealing primary ballots with duct tape, leading to calls for investigations by the FBI. Curtis’ term ends in January after losing the primary to Joanna Francescut, whom he had dismissed as assistant registrar.