Who’s Trying to Influence Local Elections

This donors-only virtual program provides a closer look at how our reporting is exploring threats to democracy in three communities around the country.

During this session, our reporters examine how a small group of individuals can have a major influence on election results.

Join us for an inside look into:

- A ProPublica-Texas Tribune report on what appeared to be recent violations of IRS rules prohibiting religious organizations from endorsing candidates. The investigation found the IRS has largely abdicated its enforcement responsibilities as churches have become more brazen.

- An investigation into the people peddling election conspiracy theories in Wisconsin — including a hypnotherapist, a former state Supreme Court justice and a convicted fraudster — and the effects they’ve had on the voting processes leading up to 2024.

- An examination of how a powerful Black Democratic incumbent in South Carolina privately worked with Republicans to protect his district, while diluting Black voting power in other parts of the state.

Speakers include:

- Charles Ornstein, ProPublica managing editor, local
- George Papajohn, ProPublica Midwest editor
- Jeremy Schwartz, ProPublica-Texas Tribune investigative unit reporter
- Marilyn W. Thompson, ProPublica reporter
- Megan O’Matz, ProPublica reporter
- Robin Sparkman, ProPublica president
- Zahira Torres, ProPublica-Texas Tribune investigative unit editor

-- ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force.

[B_Bodziak]

Turning in from Georgia! We, the People, need and appreciate ALL of your hard work. You may have changed how the scotus "operates" going forward! We need true journalism!

[suzannederusha]

You all do amazing work, I sincerely thank you.

[tothelighthouse]

Thank you, ProPublica, for supporting local journalism that's providing citizens with these important stories.

[TheYuhasz]

Thanks for providing fact based reports and analysis. Appreciated. Essential.

[SamathaNLouisiana]

We are suffering in Louisiana because of gerrymandering. The court has BEEN telling legislators to redraw the map to include another minority district, yet we are about to vote for a new governor. But our districts are still gerrymandered.

[soulvigilante]

Has anyone looked into the political activities of T. Denny Sanford? I cannot believe he was able to wriggle out of a child pron investigation without greasing some palms at the local level.

[WarrenHolly]

Clyburn gave me those snake vibes . Thank you for clearing this mess up.

[KCBluesJams]

The Democrats need to clean house of all these aging politicians no more dying in office of old age please 🙏

[salvie]

This came up in autoplay after a cumtown clip

[Black_unity]

I DONT EVEN CARE JUST VOTE CLYBURN OUT PERIOD SOMEBODY WHO SPEAKING TO THAT COMMUNITY FIND SOMEONE WHO IS ON YOUR SIDE AND VITE THEM IN IF THEY DONT DO RIGHT VOTE THEM OUT NO MORE 2 TERMS IF THEY ARE NIT DOING RIGHT BY THE BLACK COMMUNITY

[SamathaNLouisiana]

I'm only 12 minutes in, and I hope that I'm wrong, but this lady is making me cringe when she's speaking about Clyburn and "the blacks" and his "violent reaction" she of all people should know words matter...

[tonyc]

Would Jeremy be concerned if the churches where endorsing Democrats instead of "far right'' Trump?