Conservative activists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman have agreed to pay $1 million to the New York attorney general’s office and others for running a voter suppression campaign targeting Black voters during the 2020 election. This deal, announced by state Attorney General Letitia James, is in response to the pair orchestrating a broad voter suppression campaign four years ago by using robocalls to spread misinformation and discourage voting among Black voters and others.
A federal judge determined last year that Wohl and Burkman were liable for targeting Black voters in New York, leading to a judgment against them. The judge found that the pair had engaged in a full-scale voter suppression operation during the summer of 2020 with the intention of discouraging eligible voters from voting through misinformation about mail-in voting. Under the agreement reached with James’ office, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and individual plaintiffs, Wohl and Burkman have agreed to pay the $1 million judgment. Failure to pay $105,000 by December 31, 2024, will result in an increase to $1.25 million.
Attorney General James condemned Wohl and Burkman’s actions, stating that they orchestrated a campaign filled with disinformation and intimidation aimed at Black voters. She emphasized her office’s commitment to defending the right to vote. The settlement still requires approval from a judge. Wohl and Burkman’s lawyer expressed satisfaction with the settlement and noted that the pair is eager to move on from the case.
During their voter suppression campaign in New York, Wohl and Burkman used robocalls to spread false claims about mail-in voting, including suggesting that it could result in individuals being tracked for warrants, credit card debt, and mandatory vaccines. Approximately 5,500 people received these calls. The script of the robocalls implied that mail-in voters’ personal information would be made public and used by law enforcement and credit card companies for various purposes.
Wohl and Burkman faced earlier penalties for similar voter suppression schemes during the 2020 election, including an order for community service in Ohio and a record fine proposed by the Federal Communications Commission for violating robocalling laws. Additionally, they are facing criminal charges in Michigan. The ongoing legal actions against the pair highlight the consequences of engaging in voter suppression tactics.
This story highlights the accountability measures being taken against individuals like Wohl and Burkman who engage in voter suppression campaigns. The significant judgment and penalties imposed on them send a message that attempts to disenfranchise voters, especially communities of color, will not be tolerated. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how Wohl and Burkman’s actions will impact future election integrity efforts and deter others from engaging in similar voter suppression tactics.
