Colorado Governor Jared Polis is currently evaluating a request for clemency from Tina Peters, a former elections clerk sentenced to nine years in prison for her involvement in a 2020 election security breach. Polis described Peters’ sentence as “harsh,” particularly considering her age and health status.
Peters, 70 years old and a survivor of lung cancer, was convicted on seven charges, including four felonies related to unauthorized access to election machines. In an interview with CBS Colorado, Polis emphasized the importance of reviewing sentences for elderly individuals within the justice system. He stated, “When you have people that are elderly… how much of a threat to society are they?”
Tina Peters is currently serving her sentence in a maximum-security prison in Colorado. In a recent post on Truth Social, Donald Trump expressed his support for Peters, claiming to have pardoned her, although this action has no legal standing as presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Trump criticized the Colorado governor and the local District Attorney, suggesting that they are unfairly targeting Peters for her attempts to contest alleged voter fraud.
“God Bless Tina Peters, who is now, for two years out of nine, sitting in a Colorado Maximum Security Prison, at the age of 73, and sick,” Trump stated in his New Year’s Eve message. He further condemned the actions of Polis and the District Attorney, stating, “I wish them only the worst. May they rot in Hell. FREE TINA PETERS!”
Polis has faced scrutiny regarding state funding while tensions rose between his administration and the Trump administration, particularly following the denial of emergency funding to Colorado. On January 6, Dan Rubinstein, the District Attorney for the Twenty-First Judicial District of Colorado, clarified that Polis has not yet made a decision regarding Peters’ clemency. Rubinstein indicated that the governor intends to consult with various stakeholders before reaching a conclusion.
Peters’ attorney, Peter Ticktin, expressed gratitude for Polis’ consideration, agreeing that the sentence imposed on Peters was excessive. “Governor Polis is correct. The sentence was harsh. We are thankful that he is looking at this more fairly,” Ticktin stated in an interview with Colorado Public Radio.
While Peters is scheduled for parole in December 2028, there is potential for an earlier release under the Department of Corrections’ “earned time” policy. The decision on her clemency remains pending, as Polis continues to assess the implications for both Peters and the broader community.
