Look Ahead America
{{Short description|American political organization}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Look Ahead America
| formation = {{start date and age|2017|08|12}}
| image =
| type = 501(c)3 organization
| tax_id = 82-1645970
| headquarters = Washington, D.C.
| leader_title = Executive Director
| leader_name = Matt Braynard{{Cite news|last=Carpenter|first=Tim|date=October 2, 2021|title=Tiny rally at Kansas Capitol seeks big change in treatment of Jan. 6 'political prisoners'|work=Kansas Reflector|url=https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/02/tiny-rally-at-kansas-capitol-seeks-big-change-in-treatment-of-jan-6-political-prisoners/|access-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003002728/https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/02/tiny-rally-at-kansas-capitol-seeks-big-change-in-treatment-of-jan-6-political-prisoners/|archive-date=October 3, 2021}}
| leader_title2 = Director of Research
| leader_name2 = Ian Camacho{{Cite news|date=July 14, 2022|title=Group's report continues claim of illegal voting|work=The Price County Review|url=https://www.apg-wi.com/price_county_review/group-s-report-continues-claim-of-illegal-voting/article_90cea7fe-d9a0-50d7-9f3d-27efaed7334c.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715103908/https://www.apg-wi.com/price_county_review/group-s-report-continues-claim-of-illegal-voting/article_90cea7fe-d9a0-50d7-9f3d-27efaed7334c.html |archive-date=July 15, 2022}}{{Cite news|date=June 20, 2022|title=Nonprofit alerts 63 Penn. counties of questionable voter rolls|work=Just the News|url=https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/nonprofit-alerts-63-pa-counties-questionable-voter-rolls-hears-back-less}}
| leader_title3 = National Field Director
| leader_name3 = Julie Fisher{{Cite news|last=MacDonald-Evoy|first=Jerod|date=October 13, 2021|title=Bennett headlining Arizona 'audit' town halls with group that organized ' Justice for J6' rallies|work=Tucson Sentinel|url=https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/101321_bennett_audit_j6_rally/bennett-headlining-arizona-audit-town-halls-with-group-that-organized-justice-j6-rallies/ |access-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014020755/https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/101321_bennett_audit_j6_rally/bennett-headlining-arizona-audit-town-halls-with-group-that-organized-justice-j6-rallies/|archive-date=October 14, 2021}}{{Cite news|last1=Dias|first1=Elizabeth|last2=Healy|first2=Jack|date=January 23, 2022 |title=For Many Who Marched, Jan. 6 Was Only the Beginning|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/jan-6-attendees.html|access-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123162432/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/jan-6-attendees.html|archive-date=January 23, 2022}}
| website = https://lookaheadamerica.org/
}}
Look Ahead America is a conservative political advocacy group and nonprofit formed by former Trump campaign staffer Matt Braynard in August 2017.{{Cite news |last=Vogel |first=Kenneth |date=August 16, 2017 |title=Ex-Trump Campaign Aides Start Voter Registration Effort |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/16/us/politics/voter-registration-rural-republican.html |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816200407/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/16/us/politics/voter-registration-rural-republican.html |archive-date=August 16, 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Vozzella |first=Laura |date=October 28, 2017 |title=Trump campaign aides trying to prod 'patriotic' Virginians to the polls |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/trump-campaign-aides-trying-to-prod-patriotic-virginians-to-the-polls/2017/10/28/987414b0-b8d7-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html |access-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104163814/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/trump-campaign-aides-trying-to-prod-patriotic-virginians-to-the-polls/2017/10/28/987414b0-b8d7-11e7-a908-a3470754bbb9_story.html |archive-date=November 4, 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Elwood|first=Karina|date=2021-07-17|title=Protesters rally at D.C. jail against Jan. 6 riot arrests |language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/07/17/look-ahead-america-dc-rally/ |access-date=2022-12-06|issn=0190-8286}} The group's stated goals are to identify working-class and rural voters, to increase voter registration and mobilization, local community activism,{{Cite news |last=Paskal |first=Cleo |date=May 7, 2022 |title=The importance of being J.D. Vance |work=The Sunday Guardian |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/importance-j-d-vance |access-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510103326/https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/importance-j-d-vance |archive-date=May 10, 2022}} and to advocate for increased transparency in the voting process such as forensic investigations of fraudulent vote claims and equipping poll watchers with cameras.
Since 2021, Look Ahead America has expanded their advocacy to include civil rights. The group has organized public rallies and other activities defending the civil rights of prisoners and arrestees at the 2021 Capitol attack.
History
Look Ahead America applied for tax exemption on May 19, 2017, with a posting date of August 16 of the same year, giving the organization a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status.{{Cite news|last=Markay|first=Lachlan|date=August 23, 2017 |title=Donald Trump Allies Push Legal Limits in Building the 'ACORN of the Right' |language=en |work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-allies-push-legal-limits-in-building-the-acorn-of-the-right|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211122151315/https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-allies-push-legal-limits-in-building-the-acorn-of-the-right|archive-date=November 22, 2021}}{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Andrea Suozzo, Ken Schwencke, Mike Tigas, Sisi Wei, Alec Glassford, Brandon |date=2013-05-09 |title=Look Ahead America Inc - Nonprofit Explorer |url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821645970 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}
The organization's tax exemption was revoked on May 15, 2020, with the revocation posted on August 11, 2020.
In November 2020, Matt Braynard launched the Voter Integrity Fund,{{Cite news |last1=Rushing |first1=Ellie |last2=Bender |first2=William |date=November 13, 2020 |title=Pro-Trump 'voter integrity' group that is calling Pennsylvania voters has ties to White House |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/voter-integrity-fund-pennsylvania-georgia-wisconsin-trump-2020-20201113.html |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116022625/https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/voter-integrity-fund-pennsylvania-georgia-wisconsin-trump-2020-20201113.html |archive-date=November 16, 2020}}{{Cite news |last1=Swaine |first1=Jon |last2=Rein |first2=Lisa |date=November 15, 2020 |title=The federal government's chief information security officer is helping an outside effort to hunt for alleged voter fraud |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-voter-integrity-fund/2020/11/15/89986f1c-25fe-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103091136/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-voter-integrity-fund/2020/11/15/89986f1c-25fe-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html |archive-date=January 3, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Clary |first=Greg |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Top federal information security officer also member of private group investigating voter fraud |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/15/politics/camilo-sandoval-voter-integrity-fund/index.html |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116022925/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/15/politics/camilo-sandoval-voter-integrity-fund/index.html |archive-date=November 16, 2020}} later renamed the Voter Integrity Project. When crowdfunding website GiveSendGo was hacked, it was revealed that the Voter Integrity Project raised nearly $700,000 in donations on the site, surpassing a goal of $500,000.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Micah |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Oath Keepers, Anti-Democracy Activists, and Others on the Far Right Are Funding Canada's "Freedom Convoy" |work=The Intercept |url=https://theintercept.com/2022/02/17/freedom-convoy-givesendgo-canada-oath-keepers-funding/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217183752/https://theintercept.com/2022/02/17/freedom-convoy-givesendgo-canada-oath-keepers-funding/ |archive-date=February 17, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Gilbert |first=David |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Hackers Leak Entire Donor History of Every Campaign on This Christian Crowdfunding Site |work=Vice |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxd4zq/givesendgo-donor-list-hacker-leak |access-date=February 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222100416/https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxd4zq/givesendgo-donor-list-hacker-leak |archive-date=February 22, 2022}} The leftover funds from this venture were rolled into Look Ahead America, which officially relaunched on January 20, 2021.{{Cite news |last1=Jansen |first1=Bart |last2=Carless |first2=Will |last3=Johnson |first3=Kevin |last4=Rouan |first4=Rick |date=September 17, 2021 |title='Might just be me and a bullhorn': Meet the unlikely organizer of the Justice for J6 rally in DC |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/17/justice-j-6-organizer-ex-trump-staffer-election-fraud-promoter/8379295002/ |access-date=April 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917210929/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/17/justice-j-6-organizer-ex-trump-staffer-election-fraud-promoter/8379295002/ |archive-date=September 17, 2021}} With the rolled over funds, Look Ahead America had a total of $793,000 in donations for 2021.{{Cite web |title=Supporters raise millions to rebrand Jan. 6 rioters as 'patriots' |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-01-06/jan-6-rioters-rebrand-patriots-8669545.html |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en}} The organization reapplied for tax exempt status, which was retroactively approved as of December 10, 2021.{{Cite news|last1=Treene|first1=Alayna|last2=Markay|first2=Lachlan|date=January 9, 2022|title=GOP candidates cash in on Trump's false election claims|work=Axios |url=https://www.axios.com/gop-candidates-cash-in-on-trumps-false-election-claims-9e1d5b42-fbc9-45c0-81ac-5c2a27567869.html |access-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109222354/https://www.axios.com/gop-candidates-cash-in-on-trumps-false-election-claims-9e1d5b42-fbc9-45c0-81ac-5c2a27567869.html|archive-date=January 9, 2022}}
"J6" activities
{{Main|Justice for J6 rally}}
Look Ahead America has taken a prominent role in supporting the January 6 defendants, promoting a nationwide program of vigils, maintaining a database of court cases, and launching a job board to link January Sixers with sympathetic employers.
Look Ahead America held a series of rallies titled "Justice for J6" in support of the individuals who were arrested and charged for the January 6th riot at the US Capitol.{{Cite web |last=White |first=James |date=2023-01-06 |title=Jan. 6 rioters cast as 'patriots' by supporters who have raised millions |url=https://newyorkfolk.com/news/jan-6-rioters-cast-as-patriots-by-supporters-who-have-raised-millions/ |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=The New York Folk |language=en-US}} Prior to the first rally, Look Ahead America had sent a letter to the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation on January 29, 2021.{{cite news|last1=Beaujon|first1=Andrew|date=August 13, 2021|title=Conservative Activists Plan a Capitol Rally to Support Accused January 6 Rioters|work=Washingtonian|url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2021/08/13/rally-for-accused-january-6-rioters-capitol-september-18/|accessdate=October 26, 2021}} The letter requested that these departments drop all charges against non-violent offenders, citing their lack of mens rea for the justification of charges.
Braynard paired with Cara Castronuova of Citizens Against Political Persecution (CAPP), and—on behalf of both organizations—filed a formal complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee regarding the prisoners.{{cite news|last=Tillman|first=Zoe|date=September 18, 2021|title="Justice For J6" Says They're Rallying For Nonviolent Offenders. Most Alleged Capitol Rioters In Jail Are Charged With Violent Crimes.|publisher=Buzzfeed News|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/zoetillman/insurrection-defendants-jail-rally-political-prisoners|access-date=October 24, 2021}} Braynard and Castronuova also worked together to hold rallies in Washington, D.C. and in 17 states between June 19, 2021 and October 2, 2021.{{Cite news|last=Domingo|first=Ida|date=September 19, 2021|title='This is about justice': Hundreds gather near US Capitol for Justice for J6 rally|publisher=ABC News|url=https://wjla.com/news/local/capitol-police-on-justice-for-j6-rally-were-not-going-to-tolerate-violence |access-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919225116/https://wjla.com/news/local/capitol-police-on-justice-for-j6-rally-were-not-going-to-tolerate-violence|archive-date=September 19, 2021}}
= "Justice for J6" Rallies =
Three rallies were held in the District of Columbia (DC): the first on was on June 19 outside the Department of Justice,{{cite news|last1=Fischer|first1=Ford|date=June 19, 2021|title=ACTIVISTS HOLD "RALLY AGAINST POLITICAL PERSECUTION" FOR JANUARY 6 DEFENDANTS AT DOJ IN DC |publisher=News2Share|url=https://news2share.com/start/2021/06/19/7668/|access-date=October 25, 2021}} the second on July 17 outside the DC Corrections facility,{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/07/17/look-ahead-america-dc-rally/%7|title=Protesters rally at D.C. jail against Jan. 6 riot arrests|newspaper=The Washington Post|last1=Elwood|first1=Karina|date=July 17, 2021|access-date=October 25, 2021}} and the third on September 18 on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.{{Cite news |last=Marquette |first=Chris |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Capitol Police prepare for Sept. 18 rally, lawmakers invited |work=Roll Call |url=https://rollcall.com/2021/09/08/capitol-police-prepare-for-sept-18-rally-lawmakers-invited/ |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908165254/https://rollcall.com/2021/09/08/capitol-police-prepare-for-sept-18-rally-lawmakers-invited/ |archive-date=September 8, 2021}} No member of congress attended—although candidates Mike Collins, who ran in Georgia's 10th congressional district, and Joe Kent, who ran in Washington's 3rd congressional district—did attend.{{cite news |first=Sophia |last=Barnes |agency=Associated Press |date=September 18, 2021 |title=Crowd Rallies in DC to Support Jan. 6 Defendants; Capitol Police Arrest 4 |publisher=NBC 4 Washington |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/justice-for-j6-dc-rally-protest-uscp-arrest/2806087/ |access-date=September 18, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://lookaheadamerica.org/rallylive/|title=#JusticeforJ6 Rally Live at the US Capitol|first=Matt|last=Braynard|website=Look Ahead America}}Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/TExbauJR-AQ Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210918161135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TExbauJR-AQ&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |title=LIVE: The #JusticeforJ6 Rally at the US Capitol |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TExbauJR-AQ |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
Lawmakers and law enforcement officials expressed concerns over possible unrest at the September 18 rally.{{cite news|last1=Zanona|first1=Melanie|last2=Wild |first2=Whitney|date=August 27, 2021|title=Renewed fears of political violence grip Capitol Hill ahead of right-wing rally|publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/27/politics/renewed-fears-of-political-violence-grip-capitol-hill/index.html|url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907145754/https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/27/politics/renewed-fears-of-political-violence-grip-capitol-hill/index.html|archive-date=September 7, 2021}}{{cite news |last=LeBlanc|first=Paul|date=September 6, 2021 |title=Ex-FBI official says law enforcement needs to take upcoming right-wing rally in DC 'very seriously'|publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/06/politics/september-18-rally-dc-andrew-mccabe-cnntv/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907025246/https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/06/politics/september-18-rally-dc-andrew-mccabe-cnntv/index.html |archive-date=September 7, 2021}}
Delegate to the US House of Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton, and member of the Democratic Party, said that the fence used for the security preparations for the inauguration of Joe Biden "should not be used to preemptively block people from protesting on Capitol grounds, no matter their views," as the rally was covered under the First Amendment.{{Cite news|last=Silverman|first=Ellie|date=September 2, 2021|title=Former Trump campaign operative plans rally for those charged in Capitol riot|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/09/02/justice-j6-rally-capitol-riot/|access-date=January 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904054417/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/09/02/justice-j6-rally-capitol-riot/|archive-date=September 4, 2021}}
Despite concerns, the event occurred without incident and remained peaceful. Four people were arrested both before and after the rally itself, although D.C. police stated that these arrests were unrelated.{{cite news|date=September 18, 2021|title=Rally for Capitol riot suspects draws small crowd of protestors amid heavy security|newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/18/justice-j-6-updates-live-dc-rally-supporting-capitol-rioters/8338765002/|access-date=September 18, 2021}}{{cite news |first=Sophia |last=Barnes |agency=Associated Press|date=September 18, 2021|title=Crowd Rallies in DC to Support Jan. 6 Defendants; Capitol Police Arrest 4|publisher=NBC 4 Washington |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/justice-for-j6-dc-rally-protest-uscp-arrest/2806087/|access-date=September 18, 2021}}
Look Ahead America had also held satellite rallies in nine states before and after the September 18 rally, including July 14 in Arizona. The event included speakers U.S. Representative Paul Gosar and State Representative Mark Finchem.{{cite news|last1=Mimms|first1=Sarah|date=August 16, 2021 |title=A Short-Lived Trump Campaign Staffer Is Now At The Head Of The Far Right's Jan. 6 Counternarrative|publisher=Buzzfeed News|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/sarahmimms/matt-braynard-jan-6-counternarrative|access-date=October 25, 2021}}{{cite web |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Rep Paul Gosar to address the Rally Against Political Persecution|url=https://lookaheadamerica.org/laa-announces-rep-paul-gosar-to-address-rallyagainstpoliticalpersecution/}} Seven rallies were held on July 17, 2021 in Florida, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Wyoming and Georgia.{{cite news|date=July 17, 2021|title=PATRIOTS RALLY FOR DC POLITICAL PRISONERS IN NORTH ATLANTA|publisher=The Georgia Record|url=https://www.georgiarecord.com/patriots-rally-for-dc-political-prisoners-in-north-atlanta/ |access-date=October 25, 2021}} One final rally was organized in South Carolina on September 25, 2021 by the Look Ahead America statewide coordinator, Lori Boddy. Director Matt Braynard spoke at the rally.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Adam |date=September 25, 2021 |title=Georgetown native, architect of national 'Justice for J6' rallies, speaks at home state rally |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/georgetown-native-architect-of-national-justice-for-j6-rallies-speaks-at-home-state-rally/article_dcfd4082-1e38-11ec-ab39-3b6d798b548a.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Post and Courier |language=en}}
= Candlelight vigils =
On the first anniversary of the January 6 attack, Look Ahead America organized 35 candlelight vigils taking place across 12 States and Washington, D.C.{{Cite news|last=Eamon|first=Whalen|date=January 6, 2022|title=Across the Country, Republican Groups Are Holding "Vigils" for January 6 "Patriot Martyrs"|work=Mother Jones |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/01/across-the-country-republican-groups-are-holding-vigils-for-january-6-patriot-martyrs/|access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106111140/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/01/across-the-country-republican-groups-are-holding-vigils-for-january-6-patriot-martyrs/ |archive-date=January 6, 2022}}{{Cite news|last=Klawans|first=Justin|date=January 6, 2022|title=Organizer of 35 Vigils Supporting 1/6 Says Rioters Will Be 'Patient' for Justice|work=Newsweek|url=https://www.newsweek.com/organizer-35-vigils-supporting-1-6-says-rioters-will-patient-justice-1666579|access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107003828/https://www.newsweek.com/organizer-35-vigils-supporting-1-6-says-rioters-will-patient-justice-1666579 |archive-date=January 7, 2022}}{{Cite news|last=Bedard|first=Paul|date=January 6, 2022|title=Facebook Blocks site helping Jan. 6 defendants|work=Washington Examiner |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/washington-secrets/facebook-blocks-site-helping-j6-defendants |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109084436/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/washington-secrets/facebook-blocks-site-helping-j6-defendants|archive-date=January 9, 2022}} Among these locations were:
- Nogales, Phoenix, Prescott, Yuma, and Queen Creek Arizona{{Cite news|last=Sievers|first=Caitlin|date=January 6, 2022|title='Justice For J6' Vigil Planned For Thursday Night In Phoenix|publisher=MSN|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/justice-for-j6-vigil-planned-for-thursday-night-in-phoenix/ar-AASvhHv|access-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220125120804/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/justice-for-j6-vigil-planned-for-thursday-night-in-phoenix/ar-AASvhHv|archive-date=January 25, 2022|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Sievers|first=Caitlin|date=January 5, 2022|title=AZ Police On The Lookout On Jan. 6 Insurrection Anniversary |work=Patch|url=https://patch.com/arizona/phoenix/az-police-lookout-jan-6-insurrection-anniversary |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106000333/https://patch.com/arizona/phoenix/az-police-lookout-jan-6-insurrection-anniversary|archive-date=January 6, 2022}}
- St. Augustine, Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Largo, Lakeland, Milton, and Vero Beach Florida{{Cite news|last1=Gardner|first1=Sheldon|last2=Jones|first2=Colleen Michele|date=January 7, 2022|title=Two events in St. Augustine hilight vast divide in Capitol riot viewpoints|work=The St. Augustine Record |url=https://eu.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/01/07/january-6-defendants-relatives-decry-prosecutions-during-lakeland-vigil/9128574002/|access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107195430/https://eu.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/01/07/january-6-defendants-relatives-decry-prosecutions-during-lakeland-vigil/9128574002/ |archive-date=January 7, 2022}}{{Cite news|last=White|first=Gary|date=January 7, 2022|title=At small Lakeland vigil, relatives of Jan. 6 defendants decry prosecutions|work=The Ledger|url=https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/01/07/january-6-defendants-relatives-decry-prosecutions-during-lakeland-vigil/9128574002/ |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107195430/https://eu.theledger.com/story/news/local/2022/01/07/january-6-defendants-relatives-decry-prosecutions-during-lakeland-vigil/9128574002/|archive-date=January 7, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Hawley |first=Catherine |date=January 7, 2022 |title=Pinellas sheriff: Man brought explosive device to jailhouse rally opposing detention of Jan. 6 suspect|publisher=WTVT |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/pinellas-man-arrested-for-bringing-destructive-device-to-courthouse-jan-6-sheriff-says|access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107211221/https://www.fox13news.com/news/pinellas-man-arrested-for-bringing-destructive-device-to-courthouse-jan-6-sheriff-says|archive-date=January 7, 2022}}
- Jefferson and Woodstock Georgia{{Cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Patricia|last2=Bluestein|first2=Greg|last3=Mitchell|first3=Tia|date=January 4, 2022|title=The Jolt: David Perdue staffs up with seasoned GOP operatives ... and Kemp allies|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/the-jolt-david-perdue-staffs-up-with-seasoned-gop-operativesand-kemp-allies/ZP55SH7NKZAELI6FCHZCDZ4CO4/|access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104130034/https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/the-jolt-david-perdue-staffs-up-with-seasoned-gop-operativesand-kemp-allies/ZP55SH7NKZAELI6FCHZCDZ4CO4/ |archive-date=January 4, 2022}}
- Columbus, North Carolina{{Cite news|last=Mackenzie|first=Hannah|date=January 6, 2022|title=Vigils in Asheville, Columbus reflect on Jan. 6 riot|publisher=My40 TV|url=https://my40.tv/news/local/vigils-in-asheville-columbus-reflect-on-jan-6-riot|access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125123824/https://my40.tv/news/local/vigils-in-asheville-columbus-reflect-on-jan-6-riot|archive-date=January 25, 2022}}
- Aiken, South Carolina{{Cite news|last=Koch|first=Alexandra|date=January 6, 2022|title=Aiken vigil promotes equal justice, unity after Jan. 6 riot|work=Aiken Standard|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/news/crime/aiken-vigil-promotes-equal-justice-unity-after-jan-6-riot/article_4035d756-6f4f-11ec-86f0-f7207a884617.html |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107112130/https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/news/crime/aiken-vigil-promotes-equal-justice-unity-after-jan-6-riot/article_4035d756-6f4f-11ec-86f0-f7207a884617.html|archive-date=January 7, 2022}}
- Washington, D.C.{{Cite news|last=Petrizzo|first=Zachary|date=January 6, 2022|title=Candlelight Vigil Outside of D.C. Jail for Jan. 6 Rioters Draws More Gawkers Than Participants|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/candlelight-vigil-outside-of-dc-jail-for-jan-6-rioters-draws-more-gawkers-than-participants?source=articles&via=rss |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107043902/https://www.thedailybeast.com/candlelight-vigil-outside-of-dc-jail-for-jan-6-rioters-draws-more-gawkers-than-participants?source=articles&via=rss |archive-date=January 7, 2022}}
Ashli Babbitt's mother, Micki Witthoeft, was present at the vigil in Washington, D.C. No individuals were arrested or injured at this event.{{Cite news|last1=Silverman|first1=Ellie|last2=Moyer |first2=Justin Wm. |last3=Davies |first3=Emily |date=January 6, 2022|title=Rival Jan. 6 vigils reflect deep divides over insurrection|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/06/dc-vigils-january-6-capitol/ |access-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106111256/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/06/dc-vigils-january-6-capitol/ |archive-date=January 6, 2022}}{{Cite news|date=January 7, 2022|title=Photos: Around DC on the Anniversary of the January 6 Insurrection|work=Washingtonian|url=https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/01/07/photos-around-dc-on-the-anniversary-of-the-january-6-insurrection/ |access-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107200021/https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/01/07/photos-around-dc-on-the-anniversary-of-the-january-6-insurrection/|archive-date=January 7, 2022}} However, a counterprotester was arrested at the Clearwater, Florida rally after being found with a homemade explosive device near the site.{{Cite news |date=January 7, 2022 |title=Explosive device found on man arrested during Jan. 6 jailhouse rally against the detention of Jeremy Brown |work=Bay News 9 |url=https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/01/08/oldsmar-man-arrested-with-explosive-devices-at-jan-6-protest-in-clearwater |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108143227/https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/01/08/oldsmar-man-arrested-with-explosive-devices-at-jan-6-protest-in-clearwater |archive-date=January 8, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Ellenbogen |first=Romy |date=January 7, 2022 |title=Oldsmar man had explosive devices near Jan. 6 anniversary rally in Pinellas, sheriff says |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2022/01/07/oldsmar-man-had-explosive-devices-near-jan-6-anniversary-rally-in-pinellas-sheriff-says/ |access-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107212028/https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2022/01/07/oldsmar-man-had-explosive-devices-near-jan-6-anniversary-rally-in-pinellas-sheriff-says/ |archive-date=January 7, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Kirsch |first=Noah |date=January 8, 2022 |title=Florida Man Arrested With Explosive Near Oath Keeper Rally, Police Say |work=Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/florida-man-garrett-smith-arrested-with-explosive-near-oath-keeper-rally |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108230430/https://www.thedailybeast.com/florida-man-garrett-smith-arrested-with-explosive-near-oath-keeper-rally |archive-date=January 8, 2022}} The man was later released and all felony charges against him were dropped, although he was sentenced to six months probation and a $450 fine for loitering or prowling charges.{{Cite news |last1=Mulligan |first1=Michaela |last2=Sullivan |first2=Dan |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Charges dropped against Pinellas man accused of having explosive device near Jan. 6 rally |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2022/02/16/charges-dropped-against-pinellas-man-accused-of-having-explosive-device-near-jan-6-rally/ |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216222705/https://www.tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2022/02/16/charges-dropped-against-pinellas-man-accused-of-having-explosive-device-near-jan-6-rally/ |archive-date=February 16, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Weber |first=Natalie |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Oldsmar man accused of bringing flammable device near Jan. 6 rally gets probation |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2022/03/24/oldsmar-man-accused-of-bringing-flammable-device-near-jan-6-rally-gets-probation/ |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324194617/https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2022/03/24/oldsmar-man-accused-of-bringing-flammable-device-near-jan-6-rally-gets-probation/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Katie |date=March 25, 2022 |title=Man accused of bringing explosive near protest receives sentence |work=WTSP |url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/crime/garrett-smith-sentence-explosive-protest/67-eecccba6-a993-4ff4-96cf-4c2cd6341f30 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220406191826/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/crime/garrett-smith-sentence-explosive-protest/67-eecccba6-a993-4ff4-96cf-4c2cd6341f30 |archive-date=April 6, 2022}}
= J6 Question project =
On February 24, 2022, Look Ahead America announced the launch of the J6 Question project, in which voters were encouraged to submit video recordings of themselves asking state and federal candidates in the 2022 United States elections what their policy would be regarding the suspects charged in connection with the January 6 incident.{{Cite news |last=Bedard |first=Paul |date=February 24, 2022 |title=Group seeks to make Jan. 6 arrests key to elections |work=Washington Examiner |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/washington-secrets/group-seeks-to-make-jan-6-arrests-key-to-elections |access-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224215500/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/washington-secrets/group-seeks-to-make-jan-6-arrests-key-to-elections |archive-date=February 24, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Shumway |first=Julia |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Republicans running for Oregon governor defended the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. One was there |work=Oregon Capital Chronicle |url=https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2022/04/12/republicans-running-for-oregon-governor-defended-the-jan-6-capitol-attack-one-was-there/ |access-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412234724/https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2022/04/12/republicans-running-for-oregon-governor-defended-the-jan-6-capitol-attack-one-was-there/ |archive-date=April 12, 2022}} Congressional figures such as US Representative Miller-Meeks were interviewed.{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Jacob |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Miller-Meeks tells citizen there is 'no appeal, no bond' for Jan. 6 prisoners because of federal law |work=The Iowa Standard |url=https://theiowastandard.com/miller-meeks-tells-citizen-there-is-no-appeal-no-bond-for-jan-6-prisoners-because-of-federal-law/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326002718/https://theiowastandard.com/miller-meeks-tells-citizen-there-is-no-appeal-no-bond-for-jan-6-prisoners-because-of-federal-law/ |archive-date=March 26, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Rynard |first=Pat |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Two More Ties To The Fringe For Mariannette Miller-Meeks |work=Iowa Starting Line |url=https://iowastartingline.com/2022/04/27/two-more-ties-to-the-fringe-for-mariannette-miller-meeks/ |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427154111/https://iowastartingline.com/2022/04/27/two-more-ties-to-the-fringe-for-mariannette-miller-meeks/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022}} as well as 2022 Oregon gubernatorial candidates.{{Cite news |last=Shumway |first=Julia |date=April 12, 2022 |title=Republicans running for Oregon governor defended the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. One was there |work=Oregon Capital Chronicle |url=https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2022/04/12/republicans-running-for-oregon-governor-defended-the-jan-6-capitol-attack-one-was-there/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427114907/https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2022/04/12/republicans-running-for-oregon-governor-defended-the-jan-6-capitol-attack-one-was-there/ |archive-date=April 27, 2022}}
On June 14, 2023, Look Ahead America announced a $1000 reward for video recordings asking the following question of designated 2024 presidential candidates: “I’m a volunteer for Look Ahead America, and I want to know what you’re going to do for the Jan. 6th political prisoners, especially those who have not been charged with any violent acts.”{{Cite news |author=Vivek Saxena | date=June 18, 2023 | title=Group offering $1,000 to ask 'designated' presidential candidates about Jan 6 prisoners | url=https://www.bizpacreview.com/2023/06/18/group-offering-1000-to-ask-designated-presidential-candidates-about-jan-6-prisoners-1369610/ | access-date=2023-06-19 |website=BizPac Review |language=en-US}}
A video compiled by Look Ahead America appeared in a Washington Examiner article showing the responses to the J6 Question from GOP presidential candidates. The candidates included in the video are Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Asa Hutchinson (who was interviewed by Micki Witthoeft and Tamara Perryman), Vivek Ramaswamy, and Donald J. Trump.{{Cite web |last=Bedard |first=Paul |date=2024-01-15 |title=All GOP 2024 candidates promise Jan. 6 pardons |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2796551/all-gop-2024-candidates-promise-jan-6-pardons/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=Washington Examiner |language=en-US}}
= J6 Prisoner Database =
On August 12, 2021 Look Ahead America launched the J6 Prisoner Database. The database can be downloaded from their website, and searched or sorted by multiple fields including name, case number, case status, and other fields.{{Cite web |title=Supporters raise millions to rebrand Jan. 6 rioters as 'patriots' |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-01-06/jan-6-rioters-rebrand-patriots-8669545.html |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Stars and Stripes |language=en}}
On January 6, 2023, the second anniversary of the January 6th incident, Look Ahead America director Matt Braynard issued a statement concerning the prisoners. In his statement, he said, "Despite two years passing, of the nearly 1000 arrested so far, only 349 have had their cases resolved. There are forty-four serving in prison, including nine individuals who were not convicted of any violent acts." He also indicated that Look Ahead America plans to continue efforts to support the prisoners.{{Cite web |last=Morton |first=Kate |date=2023-01-06 |title=Look Ahead America: Matt Braynard statement on 2nd anniversary of January 6th |url=https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/look-ahead-america-matt-braynard-statement-on-2nd-anniversary-of-january-6th |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=WisPolitics |language=en-US}}
On August 3, 2023 former President Donald J. Trump was added to the J6 Prisoner Database as the result of being indicted in connection to the events of January 6, 2021. "Given the specious claims and prosecutorial abuse from our government that we've seen so far, I have to say I'm sadly not surprised that President Trump earned the distinction of joining the over 1,000 other political prisoners we've documented," Look Ahead America Founder and former Trump campaign staffer Matt Braynard told the Washington Examiner.{{Cite web |last=severi |first=Misty |date=2023-08-03 |title=Jan. 6 advocacy group adds Trump to political prisoner database after new indictment |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/jan-6-advocacy-group-trump-political-prisoner-database |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Washington Examiner |language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Silverman |first1=Ellie |last2=Jackman |first2=Tom |date=2023-08-14 |title=With Trump now in their ranks, some Jan. 6 defendants see hope |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/08/13/trumps-joins-jan6-defendants-club/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |issn=0190-8286}}
= The Political Prisoner Podcast =
On October 21, 2021 the group launched a podcast titled The Political Prisoner.{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Judy L.|date=May 15, 2022|title=Two years later, KC Proud Boy still in jail — and still at center of Jan. 6 controversy|publisher=The Kansas City Star|url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article275365486.html|access-date=May 17, 2023}} Guests have included Micki Whitthoeft, Cara Castronuova, prisoner Jake Lang, Oath Keepers member Jeremy Brown, and several others.{{cite news|date=October 21, 2021|title=The Political Prisoner|publisher=Anchor|url=https://anchor.fm/politicalprisoner |access-date=August 26, 2022}}{{cite news|last=Whalen|first=Eamon|date=January 26, 2022|title=Across the Country, Republican Groups Are Holding "Vigils" for January 6 "Patriot Martyrs"|publisher=Mother Jones|url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/01/across-the-country-republican-groups-are-holding-vigils-for-january-6-patriot-martyrs/ |access-date=August 26, 2022}}
= Jobs For #J6 =
On October 3, 2022, Look Ahead America launched a project to connect January 6 participants and their families with businesses who are willing to hire them. It is an effort to assist the participants re-enter the workforce after arrest or incarceration and to provide their families with work opportunities as well.{{Cite web |last=Sievers |first=Caitlin |date=2022-10-05 |title=Far-right group launches effort to get jobs for insurrectionists |url=https://www.azmirror.com/2022/10/05/far-right-group-launches-effort-to-get-jobs-for-insurrectionists/ |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=Arizona Mirror |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Want to Hire a January 6 Rioter? Now There's a Website for That. |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/jgpbex/jobs-for-jan-6-rioters |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=www.vice.com |date=5 October 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=J6 grifter's latest project: Help unemployable insurrectionists find jobs with 'patriotic' companies |url=https://www.dailykos.com/story/2022/10/6/2127322/-J6-grifter-s-latest-project-Help-unemployable-insurrectionists-find-jobs-with-patriotic-companies |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=Daily Kos}}{{Cite web |title=The Oath Keepers Trial Is Off to a Messy Start—and It's Just Gonna Get Worse |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjkevv/the-oath-keepers-trial-is-off-to-a-messy-startand-its-just-gonna-get-worse |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=www.vice.com |date=7 October 2022 |language=en}}
Dominion Voting Systems lawsuits
{{Main|Dominion Voting Systems#2020 US presidential election}}
On March 18, 2021, Look Ahead America sued the Stark County Board of Elections for violating Ohio's Open Meetings Act when they considered purchasing Dominion Voting Systems equipment. The suit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas in Stark County on behalf of Look Ahead America and a Stark County resident.{{Cite news|last=Nevin|first=John|date=May 28, 2021|title=Look Ahead America Sues Ohio Elections Board Over Dominion Contract Meetings|work=Uncover DC|url=https://uncoverdc.com/2021/05/28/look-ahead-america-sues-ohio-elections-board-over-dominion-contract-meetings/|access-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528150059/https://uncoverdc.com/2021/05/28/look-ahead-america-sues-ohio-elections-board-over-dominion-contract-meetings/ |archive-date=May 28, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Wang|first=Robert|date=May 18, 2021|title=DC group files open meetings lawsuit against Stark County Board of Elections|work=The Repository |url=https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2021/05/18/dc-group-alleges-stark-county-board-elections-had-illegal-meetings/5154420001/|access-date=December 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520013529/https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2021/05/18/dc-group-alleges-stark-county-board-elections-had-illegal-meetings/5154420001/|archive-date=May 20, 2021}}
On June 1, 2021, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the Stark County Board of Commissioners must buy the voting machines selected by the Stark County Board of Elections, citing R.C. 3506.03.{{Cite news|date=June 1, 2021|title=Supreme Court rules in favor of Stark County Board of Elections in dispute with county commissioners|work=The Highland County Press |url=https://highlandcountypress.com/Content/In-The-News/In-The-News/Article/Supreme-Court-rules-in-favor-of-Stark-County-Board-of-Elections-in-dispute-with-county-commissioners-/2/20/69097|access-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211204113422/https://highlandcountypress.com/Content/In-The-News/In-The-News/Article/Supreme-Court-rules-in-favor-of-Stark-County-Board-of-Elections-in-dispute-with-county-commissioners-/2/20/69097|archive-date=December 4, 2021}}{{Cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Andrew|last2=Nungesser|first2=Jon|date=May 25, 2021 |title=Morning Headlines: Court Rules in Favor of Stark County Buying Voting Machines; U.S. Supreme Court Won't Hear Case of Ohio Driver Killed by Police|publisher=WKSU|url=https://www.wksu.org/2021-05-25/morning-headlines-court-rules-in-favor-of-stark-county-buying-voting-machines-u-s-supreme-court-wont-hear-case-of-ohio-driver-killed-by-police |access-date=December 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525142714/https://www.wksu.org/2021-05-25/morning-headlines-court-rules-in-favor-of-stark-county-buying-voting-machines-u-s-supreme-court-wont-hear-case-of-ohio-driver-killed-by-police|archive-date=May 25, 2021}}
On August 20, 2021, the commissioners and Dominion were dropped as defendants, with only the Stark County Board of Elections remaining. Dominion will operate in Stark County for the time being.{{Cite news|last=Zuckerman|first=Jake|date=August 24, 2021|title=Dominion dismissed from Stark County voting machine lawsuit |work=Ohio Capital Journal |url=https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2021/08/24/dominion-dismissed-from-stark-county-voter-machine-lawsuit/|access-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824225205/https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2021/08/24/dominion-dismissed-from-stark-county-voter-machine-lawsuit/|archive-date=August 24, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Wang |first=Robert |date=September 23, 2021 |title=Judge dismisses key defendants in Stark Dominion voting machine lawsuit |work=The Repository |url=https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2021/09/23/look-ahead-america-lawsuit-stymied-stark-voting-machine-lawsuit/5796952001/ |access-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924093819/https://eu.cantonrep.com/story/news/2021/09/23/look-ahead-america-lawsuit-stymied-stark-voting-machine-lawsuit/5796952001/ |archive-date=September 24, 2021}}
On October 20, 2022, Stark County Common Pleas Judge Taryn Heath dismissed the case, which Look Ahead America appealed.{{Cite news |title=DC group may appeal Stark County voting machine lawsuit loss |url=https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/04/look-ahead-america-faces-deadline-to-appeal-stark-voting-machines-case/69613830007/ |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=Canton Repository |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Stark County Common Pleas Judge Taryn Heath Ruling Look Ahead America Oct 20 2022 {{!}} PDF |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/604698393/Stark-County-Common-Pleas-Judge-Taryn-Heath-ruling-Look-Ahead-America-Oct-20-2022 |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=Scribd |language=en}}
As of July 19, 2023, the appellate court rejected the appeal.{{Cite web | title=Look Ahead Am. v. Stark Cnty. Bd. of Elections | url=https://casetext.com/case/look-ahead-am-v-stark-cnty-bd-of-elections | access-date=2023-07-23 | website=Casetext | language=en-US}}
On February 16, 2024, Gannett Ohio, the parent company of The Canton Repository, filed a brief with the court supporting Look Ahead America.{{Cite web | title=Merit Brief of Appellees Stark County Board of Elections, Et Al. | url=https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/pdf_viewer/pdf_viewer.aspx?pdf=957154.pdf&subdirectory=2023-1059\DocketItems&source=DL_Clerk | access-date=2024-05-10 | website=Supreme Court of Ohio | language=en-US}}
The Ohio Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal on April 24, 2024.
2021 CPAC sponsorships
= Florida 2021 =
Look Ahead America was present at the February 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Orlando, Florida, where United States House of Representatives Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was their guest speaker.{{Cite news|last=Slodysko|first=Brian|date=September 17, 2021 |title=Organizer of Saturday rally looks to rewrite Jan. 6 history|publisher=WJXT|url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2021/09/17/organizer-of-saturday-rally-looks-to-rewrite-jan-6-history/|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917053418/https://www.news4jax.com/news/politics/2021/09/17/organizer-of-saturday-rally-looks-to-rewrite-jan-6-history/ |archive-date=September 17, 2021}}
Look Ahead America had an exhibit featuring a "Surfer Trump" statue loaned by artist Tommy Zegan that went viral. Zegan, a Trump supporter who had recently immigrated to Mexico, created the statue with a "magic wand" in his left hand, referring to the quote by then-president Barack Obama in which he posed, in reference to Trump's promise to increase manufacturing jobs in the United States, "Well, what, how exactly are you going to negotiate that? What magic wand do you have?"{{Cite news|last=Thalen|first=Mikael|date=February 26, 2021 |title=A bizarre golden statue of Trump at CPAC has people making Biblical memes |work=The Daily Dot|url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/golden-trump-statue-cpac-memes/ |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226220436/https://www.dailydot.com/debug/golden-trump-statue-cpac-memes/|archive-date=February 26, 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Plott|first=Elaina|date=February 28, 2021|title=At CPAC, a Golden Image, a Magic Wand and Reverence for Trump|work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/us/politics/cpac-trump-statue.html |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206162905/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/28/us/politics/cpac-trump-statue.html|archive-date=December 6, 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Savransky|first=Rebecca|date=June 1, 2016 |title=Obama to Trump: 'What magic wand do you have?'|work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/281936-obama-to-trump-what-magic-wand-do-you-have|access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603154502/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/281936-obama-to-trump-what-magic-wand-do-you-have|archive-date=June 3, 2016}}
= Texas 2021 =
Look Ahead America had both United States House of Representatives Congressmen Matt Gaetz and Allen West as guest speakers at the July 2021 CPAC in Dallas, Texas. The group held an unofficial panel taking place on the third day of the conference in a different room of the hotel.{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Michael |date=July 11, 2021 |title=CPAC: Matt Gaetz, Allen West host unsanctioned talk during conservative convention in Dallas|work=The Dallas Morning News |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/07/11/cpac-matt-gaetz-allen-west-host-unsanctioned-talk-during-conservative-convention-in-dallas/ |access-date=December 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713210740/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/07/11/cpac-matt-gaetz-allen-west-host-unsanctioned-talk-during-conservative-convention-in-dallas/|archive-date=July 13, 2021}}
Activism
= Look Ahead Arizona =
On April 26, 2021, Look Ahead America launched Look Ahead Arizona, a voter registration and community organizing effort. It received a $2 million pledge from Jim Lamon for funding.{{Cite news|last1=Hansen|first1=Ronald|last2=Sanchez|first2=Yvonne|date=June 2, 2021|title=Arizona election audit a money windfall for state Republican Party: 'it's the grassroots in action' |work=The Arizona Republic |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2021/06/02/arizona-election-audit-money-windfall-state-republican-party/7461003002/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210602211142/https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2021/06/02/arizona-election-audit-money-windfall-state-republican-party/7461003002/|archive-date=June 2, 2021}}
Look Ahead Arizona also held a series of Town hall meetings featuring former AZ Secretary of State Ken Bennett. The meetings were focused on the results of the 2021 Maricopa County presidential ballot audit.{{Cite news |last=Stern |first=Ray |date=April 5, 2022 |title=Former Secretary of State Ken Bennett, face of 2020 election review, runs for state Senate |work=AZ Central |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2022/04/05/ken-bennett-run-karen-fanns-seat-arizona-senate/9470588002/ |access-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220406041406/https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2022/04/05/ken-bennett-run-karen-fanns-seat-arizona-senate/9470588002/ |archive-date=April 6, 2022}}
An article published September 11, 2023 by the Arizona Daily Independent states that Look Ahead America has accused Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes of ignoring evidence of 69 double voters submitted by the group. Most of the ballots in question were cast in the 2020 and 2022 General Elections.{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=ADI Staff |date=2023-09-12 |title=Group Accuses Mayes Of Ignoring Evidence Of Double Voters |url=https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2023/09/11/group-accuses-mayes-of-ignoring-evidence-of-69-double-voters/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Arizona Daily Independent |language=en}} In a more recent article from the Arizona Globe dated September 14, 2023, the group stated that they will refile the original 69 challenges in 6 months, in accordance with Arizona filing rules, and will add additional cases that have been discovered.{{Cite web |last=Kirwan |first=Steve |date=2023-09-14 |title=Look Ahead America investigates Arizona election irregularities |url=https://thearizonaglobe.com/legal/voting-ballot-security/look-ahead-america-investigates-arizona-election-irregularities/ |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=Arizona Globe |language=en-US}}
= New Jersey =
After extensive meetings between Look Ahead America's local volunteers and New Jersey State Senator Joseph Pennacchio, the senator introduced bill S-4162, which would require all elections in the state to use open source voting equipment.{{Cite web|date=November 22, 2021|title=Bill Text: NJ S4162 {{!}} 2020-2021 {{!}} Regular Session {{!}} Introduced |url=https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S4162/2020 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108145352/https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S4162/2020|archive-date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 8, 2022|website=LegiScan}}
= Georgia =
On November 1, 2021, Look Ahead America's "Faith Outreach Coordinator" Brandon Sims{{Cite news |last=Whitmire |first=Kelly |date=February 4, 2022 |title=Early voting, new precincts to be discussed at Feb. 11 elections board meeting |work=Forsyth County News |url=https://www.forsythnews.com/news/government/early-voting-new-precincts-be-discussed-feb-11-elections-board-meeting/ |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204222823/https://www.forsythnews.com/news/government/early-voting-new-precincts-be-discussed-feb-11-elections-board-meeting/ |archive-date=February 4, 2022}} proposed one day of Sunday voting to Cherokee County election officials.{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2022 |title=MINUTES JANUARY 4 2022 |url=https://www.hallcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/9598/MINUTES-JANUARY-4-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403161344/https://www.hallcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/9598/MINUTES-JANUARY-4-2022 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |publisher=Hall County, GA - Official Website}} In turn, they passed a bipartisan motion opting for a trial run on Sunday, October 23, 2022, with a follow-up cost/benefit analysis.{{Cite web|date=November 1, 2021|title=2021 Board of Elections Meeting Schedule {{!}} Cherokee County Board of Elections|url=https://voter.cherokeega.com/2021-Board-of-Elections-Meeting-Schedule.php|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108150205/https://voter.cherokeega.com/2021-Board-of-Elections-Meeting-Schedule.php|archive-date=January 8, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |publisher=Cherokee County Elections & Voter Registration}}
On January 4, 2022, Sims discussed a similar proposal with Hall County, Georgia election officials, resulting in two days of Sunday voting from May 2 through May 20, 2022,{{Cite news|last=Evans|first=Conner|date=January 5, 2022|title=Hall County elections board approves Sunday early voting for the first time|work=The Gainesville Times |url=https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/politics/hall-county-elections-board-approves-sunday-early-voting-first-time/ |access-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220108150527/https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/politics/hall-county-elections-board-approves-sunday-early-voting-first-time/|archive-date=January 8, 2022}} with an additional two dates on October 22 and 23 for the Georgia General Election.{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Elections {{!}} Hall County, GA - Official Website |url=https://www.hallcounty.org/249/Elections |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220403154127/https://www.hallcounty.org/249/Elections |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |publisher=Hall County, GA - Official Website}} The same proposal was discussed and approved in Forsyth County,{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Information about Upcoming Election |url=https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Voter-Registrations-Elections/Elections-Voting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403162556/https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Voter-Registrations-Elections/Elections-Voting |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |website=Forsyth County, Georgia}}{{Cite journal |last=Drukman |first=Jake |date=February 11, 2022 |title=Forsyth elections board OK's Sunday voting for May primary |url=https://www.appenmedia.com/forsyth/forsyth-elections-board-oks-sunday-voting-for-may-primary/article_06bcac04-8b8b-11ec-889b-e7017aa8d921.html |journal=Forsyth Herald |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212101433/https://www.appenmedia.com/forsyth/forsyth-elections-board-oks-sunday-voting-for-may-primary/article_06bcac04-8b8b-11ec-889b-e7017aa8d921.html |archive-date=February 12, 2022}} which held its first day of Sunday Voting on May 15, 2022, for the General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election.{{Cite news |last=Whitmire |first=Kelly |date=May 16, 2022 |title=Forsyth holds first day of Sunday Voting |work=Forsyth County News |url=https://www.forsythnews.com/news/politics/forsyth-holds-first-day-sunday-voting/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517055015/https://www.forsythnews.com/news/politics/forsyth-holds-first-day-sunday-voting/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022}}
On February 8, 2022, Look Ahead America officially launched its get-out-the-vote effort "Patriotic Souls to the Polls," as a follow-up on prior activities. The initiative was launched in order to give rural churches the same opportunity to organize Souls to the Polls available to urban churches in municipalities such as Fulton County and DeKalb County, with the goal of increasing equitable voting access to citizens irrespective of socioeconomic status, party affiliation, or geographic location.{{Cite news|last=Niesse|first=Mark|date=February 9, 2022 |title=Rural, conservative version of 'Souls to the Polls' launched|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/rural-conservative-version-of-souls-to-the-polls-launched/TFINMFK6UREEVPNYLNJ3SSMTPI/ |access-date=February 9, 2022}}{{Cite news|last1=Nigut|first1=Bill|last2=Mendenhall|first2=Natalie|last3=Bermas-Dawes|first3=Sam|date=February 10, 2022 |title=Political Rewind: Kemp tackles school mask mandates; restrictions on abortions pills; Sunday voting |work=GPB |url=https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/02/10/political-rewind-kemp-tackles-school-mask-mandates-restrictions-on-abortions-pills|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211120231/https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/02/10/political-rewind-kemp-tackles-school-mask-mandates-restrictions-on-abortions-pills |archive-date=February 11, 2022}}
In March 2022, Sims presented the Sunday voting proposal to Bartow County officials but the motion did not pass.{{Cite news |last=Swift |first=James |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Bartow elections board considers Sunday voting option |work=The Daily Tribune News |url=https://daily-tribune.com/stories/bartow-elections-board-considers-sunday-voting-option,32290 |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 22, 2022}}
= Wisconsin =
On May 31, 2022, the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) sent a letter to its municipal clerks stating that "clerks may have received communications from out-of-state groups Look Ahead America and the Voter Integrity Project" regarding errors in the municipalities' voter rolls. The areas addressed included indefinitely confined voters, voters who moved out of state or municipality, and voters registered at nonresidential areas. Although the WEC cautioned against inaccuracies, incomplete evidence, bias, and hearsay when dealing with allegations of improper registration, the commission acknowledged that Look Ahead America could potentially provide help in identifying errors in the voter rolls.{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Benjamin |title=WEC: Local election managers don't have to respond to voter roll questions |work=The Center Square |url=https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/wec-local-election-managers-don-t-have-to-respond-to-voter-roll-questions/article_211d7e0c-e5d1-11ec-9a83-0f5ecd5f25e9.html |access-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606202109/https://www.thecentersquare.com/wisconsin/wec-local-election-managers-don-t-have-to-respond-to-voter-roll-questions/article_211d7e0c-e5d1-11ec-9a83-0f5ecd5f25e9.html |archive-date=June 6, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2022 |title=FAQ on claims Concerning Voter Transactions |url=https://elections.wi.gov/node/8356 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607092219/https://elections.wi.gov/node/8356 |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=June 7, 2022 |website=Wisconsin Elections Commission}}
On July 14, 2022, Look Ahead America representatives claimed that "some district attorneys are reviewing cases with others pending litigation. Other non-resident registrations the organization uncovered were forwarded to the Fraud Unit of the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles."
In October 2022, the WEC rejected 9 of 11 complaints filed by Wisconsin citizens on behalf of Look Ahead America (LAA). The WEC rejection letters included warnings of potential $500 fines for filing frivolous claims.{{cite web |title=Look Ahead America: Wisconsin Election Commission threatens LAA volunteers with $500 fines and rejects complaints without reasons |url=https://www.wispolitics.com/2022/look-ahead-america-wisconsin-election-commission-threatens-laa-volunteers-with-500-fines-and-rejects-complaints-without-reasons |website=WisPolitics |date=24 October 2022 |publisher=WisPolitics.com |access-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221201033102/https://www.wispolitics.com/2022/look-ahead-america-wisconsin-election-commission-threatens-laa-volunteers-with-500-fines-and-rejects-complaints-without-reasons |archive-date=1 December 2022}} The Look Ahead America Research Director, Ian Camacho, objected to allegations that the complaints were "frivolous" and affirmed that all filed complaints included ample primary source documentation to substantiate the claims. Despite the WEC responses, in some cases, municipal election clerks acted on the complaints after completing their own investigations.{{cite news |last1=Rondeau |first1=Sharon |title=Wisconsin Election Commission Rejects Citizen Complaints Claiming Evidence of Voter Fraud |website=The Post & Email |publisher=thepostemail.com |url=https://www.thepostemail.com/2022/11/03/wisconsin-election-commission-rejects-citizen-complaints-claiming-evidence-of-voter-fraud/ |access-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221201033250/https://www.thepostemail.com/2022/11/03/wisconsin-election-commission-rejects-citizen-complaints-claiming-evidence-of-voter-fraud/ |archive-date=1 December 2022}}
A press release published by WisPolitics on September 27, 2022, stated Look Ahead America (LAA) successfully filed cases involving P.O. Box registrations and double voters with the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC), despite its warnings about LAA and The Voter Integrity Project. One Wisconsin LAA volunteer has also successfully challenged 365 ineligible voters in Barron County as well.{{Cite web |last=Bourdo |first=Ellie |date=2023-09-27 |title=Look Ahead America: Wisconsin updates |url=https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/look-ahead-america-wisconsin-updates/ |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=WisPolitics |language=en-US}}
According to a press release published by WisPolitics on November 21, 2023, the WEC will refer six voters registered at P.O. Boxes to the Dane, Kenosha, Marinette, and Waukesha County District Attorneys for prosecution based on complaints from three Look Ahead America (LAA) Wisconsin volunteers.{{Cite web |last=Morton |first=Kate |date=2023-11-21 |title=Look Ahead America: Wisconsin volunteers' complaints net six WEC referrals for prosecution |url=https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/look-ahead-america-wisconsin-volunteers-complaints-net-six-wec-referrals-for-prosecution/ |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=WisPolitics |language=en-US}}
= Pennsylvania =
On December 6, 2022, citizens in the Lycoming County Patriots organization sued Lycoming County officials regarding the county results of the 2020 election and are requesting a forensic audit. They cited that Look Ahead America had provided 11 potential fraudulent registrations to director of elections Forrest K. Lehman, who is alleged to have admitted that six of these in fact were.{{Cite web |last=PennLive |first=John Beauge {{!}} Special to |date=2022-12-07 |title=Lawsuit seeks forensic audit of 2020 election results in Pa. county |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/12/lawsuit-seeks-forensic-audit-of-2020-election-results-in-pa-county.html |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=pennlive |language=en}} As of December 27, 2022, the county is seeking to dismiss the suit.{{Cite web |last=PennLive |first=John Beauge {{!}} Special to |date=2022-12-28 |title=Pa. county seeks dismissal of lawsuit that seeks forensic audit of 2020 election results |url=https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2022/12/pa-county-seeks-dismissal-of-lawsuit-that-seeks-forensic-audit-of-2020-election-results.html |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=pennlive |language=en}}
On July 5, 2023, County Judge Eric R. Linhardt dismissed the complaint against Lycoming County. It is unclear at this time, whether the plaintiffs will pursue an appeal to Commonwealth Court.{{Cite web |last=PennLive |first=John Beauge {{!}} Special to |date=2023-07-05 |title=Judge rejects request for forensic audit of 2020 election in Pa. county |url=https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2023/07/judge-rejects-request-for-forensic-audit-of-2020-election-in-pa-county.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=pennlive |language=en}}
It was reported on July 30, 2023 that an appeal has been filed in this case.{{Cite web |last=PennLive |first=John Beauge {{!}} Special to |date=2023-07-30 |title=Forensic audit of 2020 election results pursued in Pa. county Trump won big |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2023/07/forensic-audit-of-2020-election-results-pursued-in-pa-county-trump-won-big.html |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=pennlive |language=en}}
An August 23, 2023 report states that Judge Eric R. Linhardt again refuses a forensic audit. It is expected that the case will be sent to the Commonwealth Court.{{Cite web |last=PennLive |first=John Beauge {{!}} Special to |date=2023-08-23 |title=Judge again refuses forensic audit of 2020 presidential election in Pa. county |url=https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2023/08/judge-again-refuses-forensic-audit-of-2020-presidential-election-in-pa-county.html |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=pennlive |language=en}}
= South Carolina =
In Aiken County, South Carolina, Lori Boddy got involved with Look Ahead America due to its work advocating for cleaned-up voter rolls. She served as South Carolina state coordinator and later organized the county GOP poll watchers during elections in 2021 and June 2022. In July 2022 Boddy was appointed to the board of elections.{{Cite web |title=12ft {{!}} |url=https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/sc-election-skeptics-arent-going-away-theyre-getting-organized-for-2024/article_d8afcd44-1b55-11ee-8474-67b84f6ca1cb.html |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=12ft.io}}
Boddy also advocated for the January 6 prisoners, having organized a Justice for J6 rally in the city of Aiken, South Carolina on September 25, 2021, and a candlelight vigil on January 6, 2022.
= Audits of voter lists =
On October 5, 2022 Look Ahead America launched a project to identify voters who are candidates for removal from voter rolls so that challenges could be made to those registrations. The reasons cited for the project were illegitimate addresses or voters having moved permanently out of state. Nine states were included in this program: Ohio, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Virginia,{{Cite web |last=Times-Dispatch |first=CHARLOTTE RENE WOODS Richmond |date=2023-08-30 |title=Group with ties to election denial pushes voter registration in Richmond |url=https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/group-with-ties-to-election-denial-pushes-voter-registration-in-richmond/article_00b3532e-4694-11ee-b6be-df40b5ceb315.html |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Richmond Times-Dispatch |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Times-Dispatch |first=CHARLOTTE RENE WOODS Richmond |date=2023-09-04 |title=Deputy secretary in Youngkin administration joins PR firm |url=https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/deputy-secretary-in-youngkin-administration-joins-pr-firm/article_7f015866-4900-11ee-9c9d-7fe53644bce3.html |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Richmond Times-Dispatch |language=en}} and Wisconsin.{{Cite web |last=Hulsey |first=Lynn |title=Conservative group to challenge voter registrations, ballots in Ohio |url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/conservative-group-plans-to-challenge-voter-registrations-and-ballots-in-ohio/G4UAOOBBPVCQ5CAIBEK3TQKNFE/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=dayton-daily-news |language=English}}{{Cite web |last=Hulsey |first=Lynn |title=Conservative group to challenge voter registrations, ballots in Ohio |url=https://www.journal-news.com/local/conservative-group-plans-to-challenge-voter-registrations-and-ballots-in-ohio/G4UAOOBBPVCQ5CAIBEK3TQKNFE/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=journal-news |language=English}} Although it was reported that no challenges were received in Ohio,{{Cite web |last=Hulsey |first=Lynn |title=Despite concerns, election boards not seeing voter registration challenges, voter intimidation |url=https://www.journal-news.com/elections/despite-concerns-election-boards-not-seeing-voter-registration-challenges-voter-intimidation/SYOC6OIPNZHENBLC3TWVAHLW44/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=journal-news |language=English}}{{Cite web |title=Despite concerns, election boards not seeing voter registration challenges, voter intimidation |url=https://news.yahoo.com/despite-concerns-election-boards-not-141200558.html |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=news.yahoo.com |date=31 October 2022 |language=en-US}} the Montgomery County, Ohio Board of Elections reported receiving 15 challenges although only 2 are being considered for a possible hearing.{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Tribune News |date=2022-10-15 |title=Conservative group to challenge voter registrations, ballots in Ohio |url=https://www.limaohio.com/news/2022/10/15/conservative-group-to-challenge-voter-registrations-ballots-in-ohio/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=LimaOhio.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Conservative group to challenge voter registrations, ballots in Ohio |url=https://news.yahoo.com/conservative-group-challenge-voter-registrations-141300492.html |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=news.yahoo.com |date=12 October 2022 |language=en-US}} Challenges have also been made in Nevada and Georgia by citizens of those states.{{Cite web |last=Orr |first=Doug Bock Clark,Cheney |date=2023-07-13 |title=Close to 100,000 Voter Registrations Were Challenged in Georgia — Almost All by Just Six Right-Wing Activists |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/right-wing-activists-georgia-voter-challenges |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}
= Voter fraud cases =
On April 17, 2023, a voter in Bradley County, Tennessee by the name of Emily Jessop Bowers pled nolo contendere to three counts of voter fraud in the 2020 and 2022 United States presidential primary elections and the 2020 United States Presidential Election. The conviction of Bowers resulted from information that Look Ahead America’s Director of Research, Ian Camacho submitted to Tennessee authorities in February 2021 regarding the 2020 General Election, and again in 2022 to Volusia County, Florida.{{Cite news|last=Rondeau|first=Sharon|date=April 26, 2023|title=Non-Profit's Investigation Leads to Conviction in Double-Voting Case|publisher=The Post & Email|url=https://www.thepostemail.com/2023/04/26/non-profits-investigation-leads-to-conviction-in-double-voting-case/|access-date=May 10, 2023}}{{Cite news|last=Schorsch|first=Peter|date=April 25, 2023|title=Sunburn — The morning read of what's hot in Florida politics — 4.25.23|publisher=FloridaPolitics.com|url=
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/606053-sunburn-the-morning-read-of-whats-hot-in-florida-politics-4-25-23/|access-date=May 10, 2023}}
On May 11, 2023, Look Ahead America issued a press release indicating that the County Attorney of Yuma County, Arizona has declined to prosecute a case of double voting involving Arizona and Wisconsin. The case was originally reported to the Yuma County sheriff's office by LAA in November 2021 and was one of 16 opened for investigation by the Yuma County sheriff.{{cite news |last1=Pavlak |first1=Tania |date=May 11, 2022 |title=Yuma County Voting Fraud |work=Yuma County Sheriff's Office Press Release |url=https://www.yumacountysheriff.org/pr-2022/PR-2022-30-Yuma-County-Voting-Fraud.pdf }}{{cite news |last1=MacDonald-Evoy |first1=Jerod |date=May 19, 2022 |title=The Yuma sheriff isn't investigating election fraud because of '2000 Mules' |work=The Arizona Mirror |url=https://www.azmirror.com/2022/05/19/the-yuma-sheriff-isnt-investigating-election-fraud-because-of-2000-mules/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519235301/https://www.azmirror.com/2022/05/19/the-yuma-sheriff-isnt-investigating-election-fraud-because-of-2000-mules/ |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |url-status=live }} The stated reason for the decision is that there is still "insufficient evidence" to pursue the case.{{Cite web |last=Kelnhofer |first=Adam |date=2023-05-11 |title=Look Ahead America: Yuma County prosecutor ignores clear evidence of illegal voting |url=https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/look-ahead-america-yuma-county-prosecutor-ignores-clear-evidence-of-illegal-voting |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=WisPolitics |language=en-US}} It also has cases open and referred to election authorities in Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin and other states.{{Cite news|last=Rondeau|first=Sharon|date=May 15, 2023|title=Why is Voter Fraud Not Prosecuted?|publisher=The Post & Email|url=https://www.thepostemail.com/2023/05/15/why-is-voter-fraud-not-prosecuted/|access-date=May 18, 2023}}
Twenty-two Georgia counties removed ineligible voters from the rolls based on information reported by Look Ahead America. The State Elections Board also referred LAA's case of the woman who voted in Georgia after moving to South Carolina to the attorney general's office.{{Cite news | last=Niesse | first=Mark | date=October 19, 2023 | title=Investigation dismisses ‘Totes Legit’ complaints against Georgia voters | language=English | work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution | url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/anonymous-totes-legit-voter-fraud-claims-dismissed-in-georgia/C7TY637AYJD45EJ4WAUWVBQ3EE/ | access-date=October 27, 2023 | issn=1539-7459}}
On November 7, 2023, the Hamilton County, Indiana Election Board unanimously voted to send a case of voter fraud to the Hamilton County Prosecutor's office.{{Cite news | author=Hamilton County Election Board | date=November 7, 2023 | title=Hamilton County Election Board Minutes Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Election Day | language=English | url=https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11072023-2401}}{{Cite news | author=The Reporter | date=November 8, 2023 | title=Former Carmel man accused of 2020 voter fraud | language=English | work=The Hamilton County Reporter Newspaper | url=https://readthereporter.com/former-carmel-man-accused-of-2020-voter-fraud/ | access-date=November 16, 2023}} The information came from Camacho, who testified that the double voter was found after checking a National Change of Address filed in September 2022, voter registration records, and voting records. There was probable cause to believe the voter had double voted in both Mesa, Arizona and Carmel, Indiana in the 2020 General Election during early voting, and that the voter had voted first in Arizona and then in Indiana.{{Cite news | last=Montgomery | first=Gregg | date=November 7, 2023 | title=Docs: Former Carmel man voted twice in 2020 general election | publisher=WISHTV.com 8|url=https://www.wishtv.com/news/election/docs-former-carmel-man-voted-twice-in-2020-general-election/|access-date=November 16, 2023}}
In December 2023, a 2-part article was published concerning the efforts of LAA to identify and report questionable ballots. As of December 4, 2023, the organization has identified and referred a total of 281 cases of suspected voter fraud to law enforcement. States involved include Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin and Michigan.{{Cite web |last=Rondeau |first=Sharon |date=2023-12-27 |title=Non-Profit Urges Investigations of Additional Suspected Voter Fraud Cases, Part 1 |url=https://www.thepostemail.com/2023/12/27/non-profit-urges-investigations-of-additional-suspected-voter-fraud-cases-part-1/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=The Post & Email |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rondeau |first=Sharon |date=2023-12-29 |title=Non-Profit Urges Investigations of Additional Suspected Voter Fraud Cases, Part 2 |url=https://www.thepostemail.com/2023/12/29/non-profit-urges-investigations-of-additional-suspected-voter-fraud-cases-part-2/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=The Post & Email |language=en-US}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|https://lookaheadamerica.org/}}
- {{ProPublicaNonprofitExplorer|821645970}}
Category:Conservative political advocacy groups in the United States