Colorado Gov. Polis Commutes Sentence of Ex-Clerk Tina Peters

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced Friday that he is commuting the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. She is serving more than eight years in state prison for election interference after allowing unauthorized access to voting machines following the 2020 presidential election. Peters received her sentence in October 2024.

President Trump had urged Polis to take the action. Polis previously said he would consider it but gave no timeline. On Friday, he issued a news release stating he is granting clemency to 44 people, including Peters.

Peters' parole takes effect June 1, according to Polis.

"The clemency power is a serious responsibility, and not one that I take lightly," Polis said in a prepared statement. "This power has the ability to change lives — help grant a second chance for someone who has made grave mistakes — and it comes with great consideration, and sometimes even controversy. That's why I've taken the time needed to carefully review and deliberate on these applications, and carefully consider input from victims and family members impacted, law enforcement, and those in the justice system who worked on these cases."

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold condemned the decision. She called it a "gross injustice to our elections, election workers and democracy with far reaching consequences."