Groups Seeking Election Records Under Scrutiny in California
Organizations with histories of election denial and questionable practices are requesting voter data from California counties, raising concerns among transparency advocates.
Organizations with histories of election denial and questionable practices are requesting voter data from California counties, raising concerns among transparency advocates.
· Updated
CalMatters reporters have investigated groups seeking access to election records in California counties. These organizations include a national election-denier group, a law firm previously accused of falsely identifying non-citizens as voters, and an advocate who has fundraised based on unsubstantiated election fraud claims.
The FBI's recent visit to Shasta County's elections office and a sheriff's seizure of ballots in Riverside County highlight that some law enforcement officials are taking activist claims of election fraud seriously, despite experts and election officials stating these accusations lack truth.
Ginny LaRoe of the First Amendment Coalition cautioned against limiting public access to records in response to misinformation. She stated that increased transparency is crucial during times when misinformation is prevalent.
These record requests come as some groups continue to promote unsubstantiated claims about election integrity, prompting scrutiny over their motives and methods.
FAQ
What types of groups are requesting election records in California?
Groups include a national election-denier organization, a law firm with a history of voter accusations, and an election integrity advocate.
What is the concern regarding these record requests?
The concern is that these groups may be gathering information for future campaigns based on unsubstantiated election fraud claims, despite expert consensus that these claims are false.
