Virginia Attorney General wins appeal in voter misinformation case against conservative group
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s Attorney General, Jason Miyares, secured a significant victory on Friday in a prolonged legal battle against a conservative political advocacy group over election misinformation. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rejected an appeal by Look Ahead America, Inc., a group founded by former Trump campaign staffer Matt Braynard. The appeal stemmed from Miyares’ legal action against the organization for disseminating false political mailers in the lead-up to the 2023 state general election.
The legal saga began in October when Miyares issued a cease and desist letter to Look Ahead America, Inc., also known as Virginia Voter Assistance, aiming to halt the circulation of what he referred to as false and intimidating flyers in northern Virginia. According to reports, these flyers and other materials left on people’s doors falsely claimed that individuals would lose Social Security income, Medicare eligibility, and child-care tax credits if they failed to vote.
However, Braynard, defending the group’s actions, insisted that their claims were accurate. Every word we say is true, he said in an interview with The Washington Post. Your failure to vote may result in the loss of important rights and benefits. We’ve seen that throughout history in this country. If anything, we’re underselling that risk.
In response to the voter misinformation, Look Ahead America, Inc. sued the Attorney General, challenging Virginia’s voter intimidation statutes and seeking to prevent their enforcement. Last October, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled in favor of Miyares, denying the group’s requested injunction. Now, the Fourth Circuit has dismissed Look Ahead America, Inc.’s appeal against that denial.
Miyares expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, saying, In Virginia, it should be easy to vote and hard to cheat. I’m proud of my Election Integrity Unit for taking action against voter misinformation and intimidation. He further vowed to crack down on any future election tactics that involve intimidation, threats, or coercion.
According to Miyares, Look Ahead America, Inc. distributed deceptive flyers in Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, falsely claiming that recipients had failed to vote in recent elections. These materials were deliberately presented as if they originated from a governmental organization, creating an aura of credibility and seriousness around their threats, according to the attorney general.
The Office of Attorney General’s Election Integrity Unit was established in 2022 to increase collaboration and cooperation within the agency on election-related matters. Its mandate specifically includes combating voter misinformation and intimidation.
As this legal battle reaches its conclusion, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate information and transparency in the democratic process. Misleading voters can have significant consequences for individuals and society at large. The court’s decision reaffirms Virginia’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its elections and ensuring that citizens can participate without fear of manipulation or coercion.
Election season can be a vulnerable time when people are bombarded with information and opinions. It is crucial for voters to exercise critical thinking skills and verify the accuracy of the information they encounter. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can safeguard the democratic process and make informed choices that align with their beliefs and values.
In the coming months, it is likely that discussions around election misinformation and intimidation tactics will continue to be at the forefront of public discourse. As citizens, it is our responsibility to actively engage in these discussions, demand accountability, and support initiatives that promote transparency and integrity within the electoral system. Ultimately, a well-informed electorate is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
