Conservative Operatives To Pay $1.25M For Robocalls Targeting Black Voters

Two conservative operatives have been ordered to pay up to $1.25 million in restitution for their roles in targeting Black voters with robocalls during the 2020 election. 

What Happened?

The case, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluded with Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman admitting to a scheme designed to prevent Black voters from using mail-in voting.

The duo operated under a sham organization called Project 1599 and spread calls claiming that mail-in voting would lead to various enforcement agencies using personal data against voters.

The robocalls propagated alarming falsehoods, suggesting that police would exploit personal information submitted through mail-in voting to track down old warrants and by credit card companies to collect debts. 

They even falsely claimed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intended to use mail-in voting records to enforce mandatory vaccinations.

Liable For Violating Federal And Civil Rights Laws

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero found Wohl and Burkman liable for violating numerous federal and state civil rights laws. 

The campaign caused distress among the recipients, including one New Yorker who experienced such severe anxiety and distress that he withdrew his voter registration.

The financial judgment was made at $1 million, escalating to $1.25 million if initial payments are unmet.

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it belongs to everyone. We will not allow anyone to threaten that right,” said AG James.

Wohl and Burkman face other penalties, including probation, electronic monitoring, a substantial amount of community service focused on voter registration and financial restitution.