Colorado Governor Jared Polis on Friday announced he is cutting disgraced election denier and former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters' sentence by half, making her eligible for release next month.
In a move that drew immediate criticism from fellow Democrats, including Attorney General Phil Weiser and Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Polis commuted Peters’ roughly nine-year prison term. The decision will make Peters eligible to be released on June 1st after serving approximately four years in federal custody for tampering with county voting equipment following the 2020 election.
"We are deeply disappointed that Governor Polis has chosen to commute Tina Peters' sentence," said Phil Weiser, "This is a caving to political pressure and will validate those who seek to undermine our democracy. The governor's actions today will leave an indelible mark on American democracy."
Peters was among 44 people granted commutations by Polis in his latest wave of pardons and clemency measures. While President Donald Trump had previously called for Peters' release, it is unclear if his administration directly pressured the governor to make this decision.
"The Clemency power is a serious responsibility," Polis stated in a statement accompanying his announcement. "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."
Griswold's office released its own scathing response, stating that Peters’ release would validate “the election denial movement” and leave a dangerous imprint on American democracy. "The Governor’s actions today will validate and embolden the election denial movement," Griswold said in her statement.
In an unusual turn of events, President Trump also praised Polis' decision shortly after it was announced: "[Clemency] has the ability to change lives...and it comes with great consideration. I believe Governor Polis made a good choice."
Polis had previously called Peters’ sentence “harsh,” but his statement in support of clemency did not explicitly address Trump’s influence or the political pressure surrounding this decision.
The move is part of broader efforts by Democrats to push back against election denial, particularly following recent high-profile cases and public debates over voting integrity.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Saturday, May 16, 2026 based on reporting from 7 verified news sources. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.