Finally: Tina Peters will be free
By Easton Martin | May 16, 2026
Colorado Governor Jared Polis took action on Friday to commute the prison sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. The decision significantly reduces the time Peters will serve and paves the way for her release from custody early next month.
Governor Polis reduced the original sentence of nearly nine years down to four years and four and a half months. Under this new clemency order, Peters is now expected to be released on parole on June 1. In a letter explaining the decision, the Governor described the initial punishment as extremely unusual and lengthy for a first time offender convicted of nonviolent crimes.
This move follows a pivotal ruling from the Colorado Court of Appeals in April. While that court upheld the convictions related to the 2021 breach of voting equipment, the judges ordered that Peters be resentenced by the district court. The appellate ruling determined that the trial judge had improperly held Peters’ protected speech against her during the original sentencing phase. Governor Polis acted before that resentencing could take place, citing the need for a more equitable outcome.
In a statement released shortly after the announcement, Peters expressed her gratitude to the Governor for the second chance. She took responsibility for her past actions, admitting that she misled the Secretary of State five years ago when allowing an individual to gain access to county voting equipment. She stated that she has learned and grown during her time in prison and intends to ensure all her future actions strictly follow the law.
Peters also used her statement to address the political climate surrounding her case. She issued a firm condemnation of any and all bullying, threats, and acts of violence against election workers and public officials. She specifically mentioned her opposition to those who had threatened to storm the prison where she was being held.
Upon her release, Peters indicated she plans to support election integrity through legal means. She also expressed a desire to use her personal experiences to advocate for prison reform, with a goal of making the detention system more fair for people of all ages.
The commutation has been met with praise from several prominent figures who have long argued that Peters was a victim of judicial overreach. President Donald Trump, who has frequently called for her release, celebrated the news on social media. Attorney Peter Ticktin also voiced his support, noting the bravery required for the Governor to stand up to political pressure from within the state’s Democratic establishment.
