Colorado Gov. Polis Commutes Sentence of Former Clerk Tina Peters

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuted the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters on Friday, reducing her prison term from eight years and three months to four years and four and a half months and granting her parole effective June 1, 2026.

Polis announced clemency for 44 people Friday, including 35 pardons and nine commutations. The executive order states that the commutation does not affect Peters' underlying convictions.

Peters was convicted in 2024 of three counts of attempt to influence a public servant, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, official misconduct, violation of duty in elections, and failure to comply with secretary of state requirements. She had been sentenced to eight years and three months in state prison plus six months in county jail.

"The Clemency power is a serious responsibility, and not one that I take lightly," Polis said in a 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."

Secretary of State Jena Griswold condemned the decision, calling it "an affront to our democracy, the people of Colorado, and election officials across the country." She said the action would "validate and embolden the election denial movement."

Griswold's office said Peters' actions in 2021 compromised Mesa County voting equipment and cost the county nearly one million dollars in replacement costs. The office noted that the Colorado Court of Appeals upheld Peters' convictions on April 2, 2026.

President Trump posted "FREE TINA!" on Truth Social in response to the commutation.