Democrats Linked to Firm Under Scrutiny in Voter Fraud Probe
Democratic campaigns have sparked controversy after directing over $430,000 to FieldCorps, a consulting firm currently under investigation for voter registration fraud in Pennsylvania.
The inquiry centers on FieldCorps' alleged submission of fraudulent voter registration forms amid heightened tensions before Election Day in a critical swing state, as the Washington Examiner reports.
The allegedly fraudulent activities came to light when Mike Mancuso, district attorney of Monroe County, confirmed that a subsidiary of FieldCorps submitted 30 invalid voter registration forms. Notably, one form was submitted on behalf of a deceased individual.
Meanwhile, York County officials are also scrutinizing FieldCorps due to suspicious forms associated with the Everybody Votes Campaign (EVC) connected to the Arabella Advisors network. These forms, according to ongoing investigations, may indicate partisan intent amid the crucial backdrop of a swing state election.
FieldCorps, founded in Arizona in 2017 and described as a minority-owned firm, focuses on canvassing and voter registration, employing technology and data to build community connections. However, as the investigations unfold, FieldCorps’ online presence has vanished, with its website and social media channels inactive since Saturday.
Investigations into FieldCorps Expand Locally
The firm's operations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are also under the microscope. Officials are probing 2,500 flagged registration forms, 17% of which have been identified as fraudulent, raising further concerns about the firm's practices.
In the past, FieldCorps has attracted scrutiny. Last year, officials in Mohave and Navajo counties, Arizona, had flagged its registration forms as suspicious, prompting subsequent reviews. Francisco Heredia and Eduardo Sainz, the firm's listed owner and partner respectively, have not responded to requests for comments regarding these allegations. This silence only adds to the aura of uncertainty surrounding their operations.
Funding Ties to Prominent Democratic Party Efforts
Federal Election Commission filings reveal that since 2018, various Democratic groups have directed approximately $430,000 towards FieldCorps. This includes significant figures such as Michael Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign, which contributed $250,500 for canvassing.
The Arizona Democratic Party also invested heavily in FieldCorps, paying $101,700 for activities conducted in both 2018 and 2020. These payouts underscore the firm's embedded role within Democratic voter outreach strategies.
Most recently, the Working Families Party PAC contributed $15,400 to support Democratic candidates, further entwining the firm with political financing channels. Such ties only magnify the attention FieldCorps attracts amid present allegations.
Connecting the Dots: Everybody Votes Campaign
The Everybody Votes Campaign, affiliated legally with the Voter Registration Project, is under fire for alleged partisanship in voter registration drives. While claiming a nonpartisan stance, the EVC's connections prompt critical examination.
According to a spokesperson, EVC is committed to providing resources for nonpartisan registration efforts, expressing readiness to resolve any discrepancies with election officials to maintain voter eligibility.
Parker Thayer, a researcher with the Capital Research Center, critiques the EVC for its consistent pattern of engaging unreliable canvassing firms, suggesting dubious intention behind submitted forms.
Allegations Stir Partisan Debate Amid Key Election
Thayer argued, "If the canvassers under investigation said that they were working for the EVC, then the EVC has almost certainly seen and reviewed the phony registrations." This assertion highlights potential repercussions for the EVC.
Moreover, he expressed doubt over EVC's intentions, stating that these latest accusations contribute to a perceived history of problematic practices involving questionable canvassing partnerships.
The next steps in these investigations hold significant weight as Election Day looms. Both Democratic Party strategies and their potential influence on voters rest in the balance.
Despite mounting inquiries, EVC maintains that they have not been contacted by authorities in the counties involved. This stance reflects broader efforts to distance themselves from allegations of partisan misconduct.
Uncertain Future for FieldCorps and EVC
As investigations continue, the future of FieldCorps remains unclear, particularly as attention grows around their past and present operations. With inactive communication channels, FieldCorps’ accountability is under scrutiny.
For the Democratic Party campaigns involved, these developments pose challenging questions regarding their choice of partners for voter engagement. Transparency and compliance are now critical elements under examination.
The ongoing situation underscores the delicate balance of maintaining democratic processes amid political controversies and the important role of transparency in voter registration efforts.