The presidential pardon of the Republican former officeholder appears to be symbolic.

The Pardons Clause of the U.S. Constitution says the president has the power to "grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States." The clause also allows presidents to grant preemptive pardons to individuals who have not yet been convicted of federal offenses.

Peters was convicted in Colorado state court in August 2024 of election-related charges, such as allowing unauthorized access to voting machines, and sentenced to nine years of incarceration.

Peters previously said on her website that her efforts as Mesa County clerk were aimed at upholding election integrity by "creating a forensic backdrop" of a county election server.

Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that Peters is incarcerated in a Colorado prison "for the 'crime' of demanding Honest Elections."

"Democrats only think there is one crime—Not voting for them! Instead of protecting Americans and their Tax Dollars, Democrats chose instead to prosecute anyone they can find that wanted Safe and Secure Elections."

Peters is "a Patriot who simply wanted to make sure that our Elections were Fair and Honest," who is in prison "for the 'crime' of demanding Honest Elections," the president wrote.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, said the presidential pardon was invalid in Peters's case.

Peters was convicted by a jury of breaking Colorado state laws, Polis wrote on X after Trump made his announcement.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser also said the presidential pardon was not legally binding.

"One of the most basic principles of our constitution is that states have independent sovereignty and manage our own criminal justice systems without interference from the federal government," Weiser said in a statement.