Georgia Election Board Dismisses Lawsuit Against Conservative Group Over Unsubstantiated Voter Fraud Allegations

Overview of the Case

The Georgia State Election Board voted on Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit against the conservative group True the Vote, bringing an end to a prolonged legal battle over unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 and 2021 elections. The case centered on claims made by True the Vote, a Texas-based organization, which alleged that there were coordinated efforts to stuff drop boxes with ballots in metro Atlanta during the November 2020 presidential election and the subsequent January 2021 runoff elections for two U.S. Senate seats. However, the group failed to provide sufficient evidence to support these claims, leading to a subpoena and eventual legal action.

The Allegations and Subpoena

In 2021, True the Vote filed complaints with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, asserting that they had obtained evidence of a coordinated effort to collect and deposit ballots in drop boxes across metro Atlanta. These allegations were serious and caught the attention of state investigators, who launched an inquiry into the matter. In April 2022, the secretary’s office subpoenaed True the Vote, requesting evidence to back up their claims. However, in May 2023, a lawyer for the group responded, stating that complying with the subpoena would require revealing the identities of individuals who had been promised confidentiality. The lawyer also indicated that True the Vote was withdrawing its complaints.

The Legal Battle and Dismissal

Despite the group’s attempt to withdraw its complaints, the case did not end there. Then-State Election Board chair William Duffey rejected the withdrawal, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and refusing to let the matter drop. At his request, the state attorney general’s office was involved to enforce the subpoenas, and the board ultimately filed a lawsuit against True the Vote. The case progressed, with a Fulton County judge ordering the organization to provide evidence, including the names of individuals who had supposedly provided information. True the Vote responded by stating that it had no names, contact information, or documentary evidence to offer, leading to the administrative closure of the case in January 2024.

The Final Decision and Reactions

On Wednesday, Election Board member Janice Johnston proposed dismissing the lawsuit, withdrawing the subpoena, and dismissing the group’s complaint. She argued that the alleged whistleblower True the Vote relied on for evidence could not be identified, making the investigation unlikely to succeed. After a brief discussion, the board voted to approve Johnston’s proposal. Catherine Engelbrecht, president of True the Vote, welcomed the dismissal, calling it a “legal dispute that never should have begun” and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to its mission.

The Role of "2000 Mules" and Its Debunking

True the Vote’s allegations played a significant role in the controversial film “2000 Mules,” produced by conservative pundit Dinesh D’Souza. The film aimed to cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 presidential election by suggesting widespread voter fraud. However, investigations by the Georgia State Election Board found that surveillance footage used in the film actually showed individuals submitting ballots for themselves and their family members, a practice that is perfectly legal under Georgia law. D’Souza later admitted that he had been provided with “inaccurate information” about the footage and issued an apology to a Georgia man who was falsely accused of ballot stuffing in the film. Similarly, Salem Media Group, the publisher of “2000 Mules,” also apologized to the same individual.

Implications and Lessons Learned

The dismissal of the lawsuit against True the Vote highlights the importance of evidence-based claims in maintaining the integrity of elections and public trust. While allegations of voter fraud are serious and must be investigated, they must also be supported by credible evidence to avoid undermining confidence in the electoral process. This case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of spreading unsubstantiated claims, as well as the need for transparency and accountability in efforts to ensure election integrity.