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Polis Calls Tina Peters’ Nine-Year Sentence Harsh, Weighs Possible Commutation

State clemency is the only mechanism that could shorten her state sentence.

Overview

  • Peters, 70, remains incarcerated at the La Vista Correctional Facility in Pueblo after a 2024 conviction for enabling unauthorized access to Mesa County voting equipment.
  • Polis has made no decision and, according to Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, plans to meet additional stakeholders before determining whether to reduce the term.
  • Top Colorado election officials and county clerks oppose clemency, with Secretary of State Jena Griswold saying Peters undermined confidence in elections and should face accountability.
  • The Federal Bureau of Prisons sought custody of Peters in November, but Colorado rejected the request, and the Trump administration’s push for a presidential pardon does not apply to state crimes.
  • Peters’ parole eligibility is currently December 2028, which could move earlier under earned-time rules, and her lawyers continue appeals after a federal court denied a pre-appeal release request.