Civic Innovation Works, a voter registration group working to boost Democratic turnout, is offering two tickets to Taylor Swift’s Indianapolis concert as part of a contest to encourage voter registration. However, the group’s leader, Tate Hausman, has a history of voter fraud. Hausman was convicted in 2009 for illegally registering in Ohio to vote in the 2008 election.
The group’s Taylor Swift ticket giveaway targets voters in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina. To participate, voters must check their registration status and provide personal information. Although the organization claims to be nonpartisan, its partnerships with Democratic-aligned data firms and its connection to liberal causes raise questions about its true intentions.
Hausman’s past continues to spark controversy. After his voter fraud conviction, he went on to work for Democratic politicians and now holds a position in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration in New York City. Adams was recently indicted on charges involving illegal donations, though Hausman has not been linked to the case.
In addition to the concert ticket contest, Civic Innovation Works has a history of using questionable tactics to influence elections. In 2020, the group funded misleading ads in North Carolina that targeted Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, causing a stir among watchdog organizations.
While the contest may be appealing to younger voters, the group’s leadership and history of shady tactics have raised concerns among some about its trustworthiness.
