Freelance journalist Spenser Mestel, who specializes in election-related reporting, used one of the Fund’s new emergency grants on democracy threats to dig into a well-funded effort to promote online voting. For a story in the Intercept, Mestel looked at a non-profit formed by Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist who promotes online voting around the country. Tusk’s Mobile Voting organization has 21 internet voting pilots in seven states. But Mestel reported that data, including research Tusk funded, contradict Tusk’s assertions that internet voting will increase turnout. In addition, Mestel reported, there are significant security risks associated with online voting, which could affect the tabulation and results of elections on a large scale.
Grantee shows risks of online voting proposals, amid influence campaign led by venture capitalist
