Tina Peters Released Early After Governor Commutes Sentence
7 verified4 unconfirmed
Former Mesa County, Colorado, elections clerk Tina Peters was released from prison early on Monday after Democratic Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence. Peters had been convicted of felonies related to granting an outsider access to voting machines following the 2020 election and was initially sentenced to nearly nine years in prison. President Donald Trump had pressured Polis to release Peters, calling her a political prisoner. Polis stated that he commuted the sentence because it was too harsh, noting that Peters is a nonviolent first-time offender and that her election-denying beliefs may have improperly affected the length of her sentence. Upon release, Peters appeared on Steve Bannon’s podcast and continued to spread claims about election fraud, which audits and hand counts have not supported. The Colorado Democratic Party formally censured Polis over the decision, calling it dangerous and reckless.
What’s verified
Tina Peters, a former Mesa County clerk, was convicted of giving an outsider access to voting machines after the 2020 election and lying about it.
She was originally sentenced to nearly nine years in prison.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence, leading to her early release on June 1, 2026.
President Donald Trump pressured Polis to release Peters, calling her a political prisoner.
Polis said he commuted the sentence because it was too harsh and because Peters’ First Amendment rights may have been violated in sentencing.
Peters went on Steve Bannon’s podcast after her release and continued to make false claims about election fraud.
The Colorado Democratic Party censured Polis and suspended him from party events for the rest of his term.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that the Colorado Court of Appeals had ordered resentencing before Polis’ commutation took effect.
One source reported that Peters asked Trump for a job in prison reform after her release.
One source reported that Vice President JD Vance suggested Peters should receive a payout from Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
One source reported that Polis appeared on a party Zoom call with black tape over his mouth following the backlash.
Misconceptions
Audits, hand counts, and lawsuits have found no evidence of voting machines flipping votes, contrary to claims Peters continues to make. Colorado election officials from both parties state that the state’s elections are secure and accurate.
Key figures
Tina Peters – former Mesa County, Colorado, elections clerk
Governor Jared Polis – Democratic governor of Colorado
President Donald Trump – former and current U.S. president
Steve Bannon – podcast host
Jena Griswold – Colorado Secretary of State
Sources: NPR, newrepublic.com
