GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — A Mesa County Court Judge removed Tina Peters as the Designated Election Official (DEO) for Mesa County. The ruling bars Peters from being able to serve as DEO through the completion of all election related activities this year, meaning she will not be allowed to oversee the upcoming election.

“The Court’s decision today bars Peters from further threatening the integrity of Mesa’s elections and ensures Mesa County residents have the secure and accessible elections they deserve,” said Secretary Jena Griswold, Peters’ opponent in the 2022 election. “Brandi Bantz has worked in Colorado elections for over 20 years, including as a Director of Elections in Mesa, and I am confident Mesa voters will have great elections this year. As Secretary of State, I will continue to provide the support and oversight needed to ensure the integrity of Colorado’s elections.”

Bantz, who will serve as DEO in Mesa County for 2022, has worked in Colorado elections for over 20 years. She served as the Director of Elections in Mesa County since May of 2020.

The ruling bars Peters from being able to serve as DEO through the completion of all election related activities this year.