New FBI Raids in Ohio Raise Alarm Over Broader Pattern of Election Interference

In response to FBI agents conducting raids at the Cleveland offices of the voter registration group Ohio Organizing Collaborative and arriving at the homes of the group’s leaders and staff members with subpoenas in hand, Issue One Policy Director Michael McNulty released the following statement:

“Every American who believes in free and fair elections should be deeply concerned by the FBI raids in Ohio. When executive branch power is repeatedly used in ways that intimidate civic organizations, chill lawful voter engagement, and sow fear among Americans supporting our democracy, it raises serious questions about whether that power is being used to safeguard our elections—or to influence them.”

“This fits with a troubling pattern of an election takeover playbook that we’ve seen across the country: spreading false claims about election fraud, using those claims to justify extraordinary government action, and then abusing the power of the executive branch to intimidate and attack the very people and institutions that administer and support elections. These debunked, tired conspiracy theories are being used to justify targeting election officials and civil society with threats and harassment and raiding and seizing materials from election offices. Enough is enough. The executive branch must stop trying to undermine Americans’ faith in our election process.”

Background

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC) has spent more than 20 years helping Ohioans participate in democracy and exercise their freedom to vote. The raids raise concerns about the broader message being sent to civic organizations, election workers, and others involved in our election process.

A healthy democracy depends on a vibrant civil society and the freedom of Americans to organize, participate, and make their voices heard without intimidation or interference. Any action that creates a chilling effect on lawful voter engagement and civic participation—especially in communities that have historically faced barriers—deserves close scrutiny.

Despite these attacks, America’s civil society and election officials remain strong, experienced, and deeply committed to free and fair elections. Alongside engaged voters, they continue to serve as a powerful defense against efforts to undermine our election process.