Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the prison sentence of former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted of election-related crimes, reducing her time from about eight and a half years to four and a half years. [1, 2]
Peters was found guilty in 2024 of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to allowing unauthorized access to Mesa County's voting equipment in 2021. [1, 2] She was convicted of four felonies and three misdemeanors according to some reports, [2] while others state simply seven total counts. [1] The case involved Peters letting an associate, Conan Hayes, access voting equipment and software upgrades before an official update. [2] This breach came amid wider efforts to challenge the 2020 U.S. presidential election results. [1, 2]
Governor Polis called Peters a first-time, non-violent offender and said the original sentence was "an extremely unusual and lengthy sentence for a first time offender who committed non-violent crimes." He said, "Tina Peters violated state law and broke the public trust by lying to the Secretary of State and illegally accessing a computer room in 2021 prior to a software update. Her actions were clearly illegal, wrong, and financially costly to Mesa County, and Colorado. It's one of my bedrock beliefs that our laws should be applied fairly, and I simply do not believe that was what happened in this case." [1, 2]
Peters issued a statement through her lawyer expressing remorse for her actions, saying, "I made mistakes, and for those I am sorry. I have learned and grown during my time in prison and going forward I will make sure that my actions always follow the law, and I will avoid the mistakes of the past." [1]
The commutation drew sharp criticism. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said the decision was "an affront to our democracy. It validates Trump’s basest impulses and emboldens this lawless president. Clemency also will embolden the election denial movement across the country and will leave a dark, dangerous imprint on American democracy for years to come." [2] Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper said, "I strongly disagree with this decision. Reducing her sentence sends the wrong message to those seeking to undermine our elections." [1] The Colorado Clerks Association also warned it "sets a dangerous precedent for election officials" and could encourage attacks on elections and their administrators. [2]
Former President Donald Trump publicly supported Peters’ release, tweeting "FREE TINA!" [1]
Under the commutation, Peters is expected to be released on parole starting June 1, 2026. [2]
Timeline: In 2021, Peters allowed an unauthorized person to access Mesa County voting equipment and software prior to an update. [1, 2] In August 2024, she was convicted on seven counts related to election interference. [1] Later in 2024, she was found guilty of four felonies and three misdemeanors. [2] This May 2026, Governor Polis reduced her sentence from about 8.5 years to 4.5 years. [1, 2] On June 1, 2026, Peters is set for release on parole. [2]
