Alaska court orders data forfeiture from leftist-linked voter-roll group ERIC.
Alaska Ordered to Disclose ERIC Data Reports in Landmark Victory for Election Transparency
In a groundbreaking ruling, Judge Sharon Gleason of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska has mandated that Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom must release data reports from the leftist-controlled voter-roll “maintenance” group known as ERIC. This order comes as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), a law firm dedicated to upholding election integrity.
ERIC, or the Electronic Registration Information Center, was founded by Democrat activist David Becker and is touted as a convenient way for states to update their voter rolls. However, it has been revealed that ERIC actually inflates voter rolls by pressuring eligible but unregistered residents to register to vote.
PILF alleged that ERIC reports are subject to disclosure under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which requires states to make records concerning voter registration programs available for public inspection. The exceptions to this provision are documents revealing the identity of the government department through which a registrant was registered and those documenting an individual’s refusal to register.
Prior to the lawsuit, PILF had requested ERIC data from the Alaska Division of Elections, specifically concerning registered voters identified as deceased or potentially deceased. While some data was released, the initial request was denied, leading to the legal action against Dahlstrom.
Under the stipulated order issued by Judge Gleason, Dahlstrom must provide PILF with ERIC data reports from 2019-2021, with certain information redacted. PILF President J. Christian Adams hailed this as a victory for transparency and urged other ERIC member states to follow suit.
However, ERIC’s lack of transparency is not the only concern. The organization has close ties to the Center for Election Innovation and Research (CEIR), another group founded by David Becker that played a controversial role in the 2020 election. CEIR received significant funding from organizations like the Center for Tech and Civic Life, which heavily favored Democrat-backed voting practices.
Through its partnership with CEIR, ERIC shares voter-roll data with the organization, which then creates targeted mailing lists for states to use in voter registration outreach. This process raises concerns about partisan manipulation of voter registration efforts.
As a result of these concerns, several GOP election officials have withdrawn their states from ERIC, including Texas, Virginia, and Florida.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood.
According to Judge Gleason’s ruling, why is transparency in the election process important?
Voter registration and voter lists available to the public. Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom, who oversees elections in Alaska, had refused to release the ERIC reports, claiming that they were not subject to disclosure under the NVRA.
Judge Sharon Gleason’s ruling, however, rejected Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom’s argument and sided with PILF, stating that ERIC reports did fall within the scope of the NVRA. The judge emphasized the importance of transparency in the election process, stating that it is vital for citizens to have access to data that can help ensure the integrity of elections. She noted that the public has a legitimate interest in knowing how ERIC operates and how it affects voter registration and voter rolls.
This landmark victory for election transparency comes at a critical time, as the issue of voter fraud and election integrity has become a major concern in the United States. With upcoming elections, it is crucial to have access to accurate and reliable information about the voter registration process and the accuracy of voter rolls.
PILF has been at the forefront of the fight to uphold election integrity, and this ruling serves as a significant step towards their goal. By forcing the release of ERIC data reports, this decision will provide valuable insight into the operations of ERIC and shed light on any potentially fraudulent activities.
The controversy surrounding ERIC stems from allegations that it encourages eligible but unregistered individuals to register to vote, without properly vetting their eligibility. This practice has the potential to distort voter rolls by including individuals who may not be eligible to vote. By disclosing these reports, the public will be able to evaluate the extent to which ERIC’s operations may be contributing to inaccuracies in voter registration and voter rolls.
Transparency and public trust are essential in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Citizens must have confidence that their votes count and that the election system is fair and free from manipulation. The release of ERIC data reports will provide an opportunity to assess whether any irregularities exist and to address them promptly, ensuring that every eligible individual can exercise their right to vote, while safeguarding the integrity of the process.
Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom now faces the task of complying with the court order and releasing the ERIC data reports as mandated by Judge Gleason. This will enable independent scrutiny of the reports and a thorough investigation into ERIC’s activities. The information contained in these reports could play a significant role in identifying any potential vulnerabilities, strengthening election administration, and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
As the fight for election transparency continues, this ruling in Alaska marks a significant victory. It sets a precedent for other states and jurisdictions to follow, emphasizing the importance of openness and accountability in the electoral process. By upholding the principles of transparency and ensuring the disclosure of ERIC data reports, we take a step forward towards guaranteeing the integrity of our democratic system and the electoral rights of every citizen.
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