NW Kentucky News

In Washington, a joint interim staff report titled "Fraud on ActBlue: How the Democrats’ Top Fundraising Platform Opens the Door for Illegal Election Contributions," was released by the House Judiciary Committee, the Committee on House Administration, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The report suggests that ActBlue, a major fundraising platform, has reportedly made its fraud-prevention regulations "more lenient" twice in 2024. The report expresses concerns over alleged extensive fraud occurring on the platform, involving actors both domestic and foreign.

The report indicates that ActBlue executives are aware of potential fraud issues but have not taken them seriously. Internal documents reveal efforts to conceal these issues to avoid discussion, suggesting a permissive approach to identifying contributions. ActBlue's training guide advised new fraud-prevention employees to "look for reasons to accept contributions." Furthermore, it was highlighted that during a 30-day time frame between September and October 2024, 237 donations were allegedly made from foreign IP addresses.

The House committees expressed dedication to ensuring election integrity in the United States and applying potential legislative reforms as necessary. "The Committee on House Administration, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform are charged with upholding fundamental American civil liberties and protecting the integrity of American elections." 

Chairmen Jim Jordan, Bryan Steil, and James Comer reached out to ActBlue’s CEO, Regina Wallace-Jones, requesting more documents and transcriptions of interviews with two staff members. Concerns were raised about ActBlue's capability to deter fraud and adhere to federal election law, given internal issues like staff resignations and possible retaliatory behavior. The letter notes, "Recent staff resignations and internal turmoil at ActBlue raise serious questions about ActBlue’s ability to fulfill these ongoing legal obligations."

The letter also details the resignations within the company and challenges in adhering to legal duties. The New York Times reported that at least seven senior leaders, including the "highest-ranking legal officer[,]" have resigned. Further complications arose when the lone remaining lawyer in ActBlue’s general counsel’s office was placed "on leave" after raising allegations of "internal retaliation."

ActBlue is urged to provide "documents and communications sufficient to show which staff members are responsible for ensuring ActBlue’s compliance with applicable federal laws." The Committees are seeking thorough documentation on whistleblowers, recent resignations, and internal misconduct to understand ActBlue's current compliance approach.

The committees' objective remains to secure transparency in election processes, as they continue to scrutinize policies that might encourage illicit political contributions.