July 31, 2024 |
Photo – ActBlue logo – Courtesy Make All Votes Count DC dot org
In the wake of nationwide money laundering and identity theft allegations against ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising organization ActBlue, Secretary of State Chuck Gray announced an investigation into the organization’s activities here in Wyoming.
ActBlue Wyoming, is registered as political action committee with the state.
An independent newspaper in Minnesota, the MinnPost, shares the alarm. The headline asks, “What the hell is ActBlue? And why is it showing up on so many Democratic candidates campaign finance reports?” That was the concern four years ago in the Democrat-heavy state. Now the State of Wyoming is asking the same questions.
According to the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office. ActBlue has been accused of stealing people’s identities to conceal illegal donations, such as donations from foreign actors.
The non-profit, online platform began in 2004 to help raise money for progressive candidates and causes. Two 20-somethings at the time, Matt DeBergalis and Ben Rahn, founded ActBlue. The company’s practices continue to raise eyebrows.
Secretary of State Gray announced an investigation into the Wyoming arm of ActBlue on Tuesday.
According to the Boston Globe, ActBlue raised $17 million dollars for Democrats in the 2006 midterm election cycle. It has since become something of a de-facto online fundraising tool for Democrats. Today, what started as a platform for national candidates has expanded to help state and local candidates raise money, too. If you’ve donated money to a Democratic candidate through an email or campaign website this election cycle, there’s a good chance that money went through ActBlue.
Stealing people’s identities to conceal donations is part of the ActBlue scam. The Wyoming Secretary of State encouraged anyone who believes a political action committee stole their identity or falsely reported a donation under their name is encouraged to contact his office at elections@wyo.gov or 307-777-5860.
Filing a false statement is a violation of Wyoming Election Code.
