A Colorado judge has ruled against civil and voting rights organizations that accused a group of Donald Trump supporters of intimidating voters during their post-2020 election activities. The lawsuit targeted leaders of the U.S. Election Integrity Plan, alleging actions such as photographing voters' homes and engaging in what was described as 'door-to-door voter intimidation' in minority-heavy areas. The group was formed in response to Trump's unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud following his defeat to Joe Biden.
The trial, which began earlier this week, was cut short by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney, who sided with the Trump supporters. The plaintiffs, including the League of Women Voters of Colorado, the NAACP regional chapter, and Mi Familia Vota, had cited the 19th-century Ku Klux Klan Act in their lawsuit, aiming to prevent voter intimidation against minority communities.
Judge Sweeney emphasized that the case was not about broader issues such as the January 6th insurrection or historical voter intimidation but rather focused on the specific allegations at hand. She stressed that the lawsuit should not be used as a platform for unrelated discussions.
The U.S. Election Integrity Project, with ties to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a prominent figure in election conspiracy theories, was at the center of the controversy. The defendants' attorney argued that the lawsuit was an example of 'lawfare' and contended that the accused individuals did not engage in any form of intimidation.
Following the ruling, the plaintiffs expressed disappointment and are considering whether to appeal the decision. The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding election integrity and the efforts to address allegations of voter intimidation in the aftermath of the 2020 election.
