Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk who faced felony charges over her investigation into irregularities during Colorado’s 2020 election process, has been released from prison following a commutation of her sentence by Governor Jared Polis.

Peters served approximately 19 months of a nine-year prison term after being convicted in connection with claims that Democrats engaged in election fraud. The commutation, which occurred on June 1st, reduced her original sentence to about four-and-a-half years, making her eligible for parole immediately.

The decision followed an April ruling by the Colorado Court of Appeals that found the initial sentencing was improper because it considered Peters’ protected speech regarding election interference. Governor Polis stated in his clemency letter that while Peters committed “serious crimes” and deserved prison time, her punishment was disproportionately severe for a first-time offender convicted of nonviolent offenses.

Peters appeared on Steve Bannon’s War Room to thank supporters and warned that Democrats would continue to “cheat” in future elections. She has not recanted her allegations and plans to remain active in advocating for election integrity.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Democratic officials criticized the commutation, arguing it could embolden election denial efforts. Polis defended his decision by emphasizing that the appellate court’s findings should guide sentencing outcomes.

Peters spent fewer than two years incarcerated before her release, having been sentenced in October 2024 to nine years but serving less than a quarter of that term.