League of Women Voters of Colorado Rescinds Governor Polis's 2026 Leaders of Democracy Award

May 22, 2026 — The League of Women Voters of Colorado (LWVCO) today announced it is rescinding Governor Jared Polis's 2026 Leaders of Democracy Award following his May 15 commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters' prison sentence. This award was to be presented to Governor Polis on June 18th at LWVCO’s annual Leaders of Democracy Awards Celebration. 

"This was among the most difficult decisions our Board has had to make," said Irene Tynes, President of the LWVCO. "The League of Women Voters was founded on the belief that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of self-governance. While we have deep respect for Governor Polis's record on many issues,  the Leaders of Democracy Award exists to lift up those whose actions fortify democratic institutions. It is not an honor we can bestow without regard to actions that strike at the very foundation of what the League stands for."

Ms. Peters was convicted in 2024 on multiple felony counts — including attempting to influence a public servant, criminal impersonation, and first-degree official misconduct — for orchestrating an unauthorized breach of Mesa County's election equipment. A Colorado appeals court upheld her conviction.

"The criminal justice system worked as it was designed to," said Beth Hendrix, LWVCO Executive Director. "The commutation — particularly given the sustained political pressure that preceded it — sends a damaging message about accountability for those who would compromise our elections."

The League notes that Governor Polis himself acknowledged in his commutation letter that Ms. Peters' crimes were "very serious" and that she "deserved to spend time in prison."

The June 18 Leaders of Democracy fundraiser will proceed and will honor Ambassador Gail Schoettler and Judith Wagner for their work co-founding the Women's Bank of Denver, established to eliminate credit discrimination and provide financial autonomy to women.

The League has written to Governor Polis directly and remains open to dialogue. This action is not a condemnation of his full record.

The League is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties.

About LWVCO: The League of Women Voters of Colorado is a nonpartisan civic organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy since 1928. Visit lwvcolorado.org.