Colorado ex-election official Tina Peters released early after sentence commuted
Former Mesa County, Colorado, clerk Tina Peters was released from prison early on June 1, 2026, after Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence. Peters was convicted in 2024 of several felonies and misdemeanors for giving access to her county’s voting machines to someone linked to election conspiracies and for lying to the state about that access. She had been sentenced to nearly nine years. President Donald Trump, an ally of Peters, repeatedly called for her release and issued a symbolic presidential pardon that had no effect because her convictions were in state court. Governor Polis, a Democrat, said the original sentence was too harsh and that Peters’ election‑denying beliefs may have improperly affected its length, though he called those beliefs “nutty and wrong.” Polis emphasized that his decision was not made because of Trump. The Colorado Democratic Party formally censured Polis, suspended him from speaking at party events for the rest of his term, and called his decision dangerous and reckless.
What’s reported
Tina Peters was released from prison early on June 1, 2026.
She was convicted in 2024 of several felonies and misdemeanors for giving access to her county’s voting machines to someone linked to election conspiracies and for lying to the state.
Peters initially received a sentence of nearly nine years.
President Donald Trump issued a symbolic presidential pardon; it had no effect because her convictions were in state court.
Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence, saying the sentence was too harsh and that her First Amendment rights regarding election conspiracy theories may have been held against her in sentencing.
Polis said his decision was not made because of Trump.
The Colorado Democratic Party formally censured Polis and suspended him from speaking at party events for the rest of his term.
Key figures
Tina Peters – former Mesa County, Colorado, clerk
President Donald Trump – President of the United States
Governor Jared Polis – Governor of Colorado
Bente Birkeland – reporter for Colorado Public Radio
Steve Bannon – host of “War Room” podcast (mentioned, not a key figure in the story)
Sources: NPR
