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Polis Frees Tina Peters After Trump Panel Deems Sentence Excessive

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, releasing her on June 1 after serving less than two years.
A three-judge panel appointed by President Donald Trump ruled the original sentence excessive and a First Amendment infringement.
Former federal prosecutor Frank Bowman warned the commutation ignores Peters’ actions that undermined election integrity, while the Trump administration threatens more than $1 billion in disaster-relief and water-pipeline funding for Colorado.

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Story summary

Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, releasing her on June 1 after serving less than two years.
A three-judge panel appointed by President Donald Trump ruled the original sentence excessive and a First Amendment infringement.
Former federal prosecutor Frank Bowman warned the commutation ignores Peters’ actions that undermined election integrity, while the Trump administration threatens more than $1 billion in disaster-relief and water-pipeline funding for Colorado.