We hope the outcome of Tuesday’s recall elections closes an ugly chapter in Colorado’s political history, an instance when recalls were used against elected officials not for malfeasance or corruption in office but for simply voting their consciences.

Colorado Senate President John Morse, a Colorado Springs Democrat who was targeted for his support of modest gun control measures, has lost his seat. He will be replaced by Republican Bernie Herpin. And Sen. Angela Giron, a Democrat from Pueblo who also supported gun control legislation, also failed to hold onto her seat and will be replaced by Republican George Rivera.

We have repeatedly said it was inappropriate to launch recalls against Morse and Giron simply for their votes instead of waiting one year for regular elections. It was also a colossal waste of taxpayer money that ran well into six figures.

But the voters’ will should be respected.

We also hope, perhaps in vain, that there will be no recrimination following the elections. Herpin and Rivera will become state senators and should be afforded all the courtesy and respect shown to any other. It’s time to move on.

It is not time, for either side, to ponder more ways to use the recall process to undermine our system of regular, democratic elections.

Enough already.