Colorado Democrats officially censured Governor Jared Polis for commuting the sentence of Tina Peters, a former Mesa County Clerk involved with election-related crimes. The decision followed the state Central Committee’s vote, reacting to Polis’s controversial move. Peters, a known election skeptic, faced conviction related to a 2021 voting equipment breach.
The Colorado Democratic Party expressed disapproval, emphasizing that the reduction of Peters’ sentence under alleged pressure from Donald Trump undermined justice. “Reducing her sentence now, under pressure from Donald Trump, is not justice,” stated the party. They added that this action signals to potential election tamperers that consequences might not apply if they have ties to powerful figures.
Peters was known for her role in the 2021 voting system breach case.
As part of the censure, Polis is now excluded from future official Democratic Party events, with the party noting his decision as a departure from their core principles.
A spokesperson for Polis defended the commutation, citing the facts of the case and stating it was the correct choice despite its unpopularity. “The Governor made this decision based on the facts of the case and what he believed was the right thing to do,” the spokesperson said, stressing that democracy thrives on debate rather than censorship.
Polis’s decision came amidst a broader announcement of clemencies for 44 individuals, which included 35 pardons and nine commutations. Peters’s commutation reduced her sentence to four years and four-and-a-half months, with parole eligibility starting June 1, 2026. However, it did not impact her criminal conviction.
Following the commutation, Donald Trump publicly supported Peters by posting “FREE TINA!” on Truth Social. Peters, previously convicted on multiple charges including attempting to influence a public servant, remains a polarizing figure in election discussions.
Governor Polis highlighted the significance of the clemency power, noting its potential to transform lives by offering second chances. Yet, Secretary of State Jena Griswold criticized the decision, suggesting it empowered election deniers.