My uncle saw a notice about a voter information meeting at his assisted living facility. He wanted to check if his voter registration address change had gone through, so he decided to attend. Here is what the notice said:
Be Ready To Vote!
Nueces Election Integrity Project
Wednesday, August 21, 10:00 a.m.
Representatives from the non-partisan organization, Nueces Election Integrity Project, will be here to assist in voter registration, application for mail-in ballots, etc.
If you have not yet registered or changed your address or need help getting a mail-in ballot, or have questions in general, be sure to attend.
The Meeting: A Disappointment
At the meeting, there was only one man present. There were no brochures, fliers, or registration materials. Instead of providing helpful information, he started talking about “massive voter fraud” and warned against registering through organizations like the League of Women Voters, claiming they would steal identities. He was scaring the senior citizens!
Strike One.
Investigating the Speaker
The next day, my uncle spoke to the events manager at the facility. She showed him the business card used by the speaker. The card had an obvious cut-and-paste county seal, falsely claimed he was a Deputy Voter Registrar (a title that doesn’t exist in Nueces County), and listed a phone number and email address not connected to the county.
Strike Two.
Checking with the County Voter Office
My uncle then went to the county voter office. They did not recognize the name on the business card. When asked about voter fraud, they said there hadn’t been any in Nueces County for over 30 years. They also mentioned that the Nueces Election Integrity Project was not associated with the county and was causing problems with endless FOIA requests, impacting their budget and workload.
Strike Three. (Website in question)
Uncovering the Truth
My uncle and I checked out the Nueces Election Integrity Project online. Their homepage claimed they were non-partisan, but the last page revealed they are actually a division of the Texas Republican Party. This means they had a man impersonating a county officer, lying to and scaring senior citizens, and misrepresenting their organization as non-partisan when it is clearly partisan.
Questions and Concerns
Here are some questions we have:
- Is this legal?
- Is this just one rogue MAGA supporter, or part of a larger effort by the Texas Republican Party or even the national party?
- Who else should be informed about this? (The Texas State Attorney General is very MAGA.)
We have the man’s real name, business card, a photo, a copy of the flier, screenshots from the website, and a dozen witnesses.
As you can tell, I’m very upset and not feeling particularly objective right now!
FAQ’s
What should I do if I encounter a suspicious voter information meeting?If you encounter a suspicious voter information meeting, document everything. Take notes, photos, and keep any materials handed out. Report the incident to your local election office and consider informing other authorities such as the state attorney general or local law enforcement.
How can I verify if my voter registration address change has gone through?You can verify your voter registration status by visiting your state’s official voter registration website or contacting your local election office directly. They can confirm whether your address change has been processed.
Is it legal for someone to impersonate a county officer at a voter information meeting?No, it is not legal to impersonate a county officer. This can be considered fraud or misrepresentation and should be reported to local authorities immediately.
What actions can be taken against organizations that misrepresent themselves as non-partisan?Organizations that falsely claim to be non-partisan can be reported to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and other relevant authorities. Legal action may be pursued depending on the severity of the misrepresentation.
Who should be informed about fraudulent activities related to voter information meetings?In addition to your local election office, you should inform state authorities such as the state attorney general’s office. If the issue involves federal election laws, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) should also be notified.
Can I trust voter information from organizations claiming to be non-partisan?Always verify the credibility of organizations claiming to be non-partisan. Check their affiliations, funding sources, and reviews. Reliable organizations will have transparent operations and verifiable credentials.
What evidence should I collect if I suspect voter fraud or misrepresentation?Collect as much evidence as possible, including names, business cards, photos, fliers, screen shots from websites, and witness statements. This documentation will be crucial when reporting the incident to authorities.
How can I ensure my voter registration information is secure?Register or update your voter information through official government websites or in person at your local election office. Avoid third-party organizations unless they are well-known and reputable.
What should I do if I receive conflicting information about voter fraud?Verify the information with credible sources such as your local election office or trusted news outlets. Be cautious of sensational claims and always cross-check facts before taking any action.
Is it common for political parties to engage in misleading voter information campaigns?While it is not common practice, there have been instances where political parties or their affiliates have engaged in misleading voter information campaigns. Always verify the source of any voter information you receive.
How can I report a fraudulent voter information meeting?Report the meeting to your local election office, state attorney general, and possibly the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Provide all collected evidence to support your claim.
What are the consequences of conducting a fraudulent voter information meeting?The consequences can include legal action, fines, and imprisonment for those involved. Organizations may also face penalties and loss of credibility.
How can I educate others about the risks of fraudulent voter information?Share verified information from credible sources, conduct community workshops, and use social media to spread awareness. Encourage others to verify the authenticity of voter information they receive.
