Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuted the sentence of election conspiracy theorist Tina Peters, a move heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump. Peters, convicted for illegally copying election server data, was released despite strong opposition from state Democrats, who view it as a blow to the rule of law.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of Tina Peters, an election conspiracy theorist, following significant pressure from former President Donald Trump. Peters was convicted in 2024 for serious nonviolent crimes, specifically allowing an outside computer expert to illegally copy her county's Dominion Voting Systems election server in 2021 and subsequently sharing the data and passwords online. Polis justified the commutation by citing Peters' status as a first-time, nonviolent offender, the "unusual and lengthy" nature of her sentence, her declining health in prison, and her expressed commitment to taking responsibility and following the law. Trump had aggressively championed Peters' cause, posting "FREE TINA!" and using his influence to pressure Polis, including lambasting him and the prosecutor, and allegedly withholding federal funds and programs from Colorado. This decision sparked outrage among Colorado Democrats, with Secretary of State Jena Griswold calling it a "dark day for democracy" and an "affront to the rule of law," suggesting it signals that those who attack democracy for Trump will face no consequences. Tina Peters, through her attorney, issued an apology, acknowledging her wrongdoing and pledging to adhere to the law. Gubernatorial candidates offered mixed reactions, with Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet vehemently disagreeing, while Republican State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer preferred judicial review over gubernatorial commutation. The Colorado County Clerks Association criticized the decision, stating it "signals that it is open season on our election and election officials" and that Polis "is bending the knee" to conspiracy theories. Polis, a Democratic iconoclast, defended his decision by emphasizing free speech and ensuring individuals are not incarcerated longer due to their viewpoints.
