In a critical election year, allies of Donald Trump are strategically investing millions to challenge voting regulations in key battleground states. This effort, driven by right-wing legal groups, aims to sow distrust in the electoral process and potentially lay the groundwork for disputes over election results if Trump loses to Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.
Financial Backing and Legal Actions
Major conservative foundations, notably the Bradley Impact Fund, have funneled over $30 million into organizations like America First Legal and the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF). This funding, spanning from 2017 to 2022, is being used to file numerous lawsuits targeting swing states. These legal challenges often focus on unfounded claims of non-citizen voting and alleged bloated voter rolls, raising concerns among election watchdogs.
More Read
Larry Noble, a former general counsel at the Federal Election Commission, highlighted the underlying intentions of these lawsuits. He stated, “It seems clear that the lawsuits these right-wing groups are bringing are an attempt to make it harder for people to vote, disenfranchise legitimate voters, and create confusion.” Noble further warned that these efforts may serve as a precursor to contesting the election results if Trump does not secure victory.
Questionable Claims and Rejected Lawsuits
Many of the claims made by these groups lack substantial evidence. For instance, a study by the Brennan Center for Justice found only 30 instances of non-citizen voting among 23.5 million ballots cast during the 2016 election. Despite this, MAGA-aligned organizations continue to propagate these narratives, pushing for litigation that targets the integrity of voting systems.
The litigation efforts are particularly notable in Michigan, where PILF’s lawsuit aimed to address alleged inaccuracies in voter rolls but was dismissed by a federal judge who confirmed that the state actively maintains accurate registrations. This rejection reflects a broader pattern of courts denying the merits of lawsuits brought by Trump’s allies.
Legal Strategy and Voter Suppression Concerns
Legal experts, including David Becker from the Center for Election Innovation & Research, express concerns that these lawsuits are timed strategically. Many plaintiffs knew about the challenged voting policies long before filing lawsuits, suggesting an intentional delay aimed at casting doubt on the election process. Becker noted that while the likelihood of these lawsuits succeeding is low, they could fuel narratives of a “stolen election” if Trump does not win.
In Arizona, America First Legal has initiated lawsuits targeting voters registered without proof of citizenship, echoing claims of widespread non-citizen voting. Critics argue that these efforts are designed to discourage voter participation, especially among younger demographics.
Funding and Influence of Right-Wing Groups
Funding for these legal initiatives largely comes from significant donations by right-wing donors. For example, America First Legal received $27 million from the Bradley Impact Fund in 2022 alone. This influx of cash has enabled the group to pursue aggressive legal actions that critics assert are more about promoting conspiracy theories than addressing genuine electoral issues.
Groups like the America First Policy Institute have filed lawsuits in multiple states, including Georgia and Arizona, targeting initiatives that aim to facilitate voter registration and prevent discrimination in the electoral process. Many of these lawsuits are dismissed by courts, reinforcing the perception that they are more about public relations than serious legal claims.
The Broader Implications for Democracy
Election watchdogs warn that these efforts by Trump allies pose significant threats to democracy and electoral integrity. Michael Beckel of Issue One highlighted how these actions, under the guise of ensuring election integrity, could disenfranchise legitimate voters and erode public confidence in the electoral system.
As the November election approaches, concerns mount about the potential fallout if Trump loses. Experts like Noble believe that the wave of lawsuits is not merely a fringe movement but a coordinated effort supported by Trump and the Republican National Committee. The ultimate aim appears to be reinforcing Trump’s power, regardless of the implications for American democracy.
