Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accuses ActBlue of election interference, calling for a DOJ investigation into suspicious campaign donations.
At a Glance
- Ken Paxton files criminal referral against ActBlue to the Department of Justice
- Allegations include wire fraud, identity theft, and false donor identities
- ActBlue reportedly collected $1.5 billion from 7 million donors
- Paxton urges Federal Election Commission to close loopholes in campaign finance
- Concerns raised about “straw donations” despite new security measures
Paxton’s Criminal Referral Against ActBlue
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a criminal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ) against ActBlue, a major Democratic fundraising platform. The referral alleges that ActBlue is interfering in the presidential election through suspicious campaign contributions. Paxton’s investigation suggests that bad actors are using ActBlue to make illegal campaign contributions, potentially violating laws such as wire fraud and identity theft.
I have made a criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice based on the findings from our investigation into ActBlue.
My investigation uncovered evidence showing that bad actors are likely using ActBlue’s platform to make illegal campaign contributions.
It is illegal… https://t.co/aLJe0EM4gF
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) October 24, 2024
In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Paxton highlights “highly suspicious campaign contributions” flowing through ActBlue. The investigation indicates that anonymous actors are making contributions in others’ names, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the donation process.
ActBlue’s Significance in Democratic Fundraising
ActBlue plays a crucial role in Democratic fundraising efforts. Reports indicate that the platform has collected approximately $1.5 billion from 7 million donors. This substantial sum underscores the platform’s importance in political campaigns and the potential impact of any misuse or fraudulent activity.
“It is illegal to engage in election fraud and it is illegal to obscure one’s identity to flout election rules.” – Ken Paxton
Paxton’s statement emphasizes the gravity of the allegations and the need for thorough investigation into potential election fraud and identity obscuring practices.
Calls for Tightened Regulations and Immediate Action
In response to these concerns, Paxton is urging the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to close loopholes that could allow illegal election funding. He specifically calls for immediate DOJ action to prevent illegal election conduct. The Texas Attorney General’s office has reached out to both ActBlue and the FEC for comments on the allegations.
While ActBlue implemented new security measures in August 2024, requiring CVV codes for credit card transactions, concerns about “straw donations” persist. These allegations highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of campaign finance systems in the digital age.
As this story develops, it remains to be seen how the DOJ and FEC will respond to Paxton’s criminal referral and calls for stricter regulations. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the future of online political fundraising and the safeguards necessary to prevent potential abuses of the system.
