An October 8, 2026, CalMatters investigation, “How election deniers are using public records to sow doubt in California,” examines how organizations and activists are using public records requests to promote unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, sometimes while soliciting charitable donations. The investigation raises questions about nonprofit fundraising practices, donor protection, and the limited regulatory oversight of tax-exempt organizations that spread misinformation.

The investigation highlights several organizations, including True the Vote and the Public Interest Legal Foundation. CalMatters describes how some groups have used misleading or disproven election fraud claims to attract financial support, while regulators face significant legal obstacles to intervening. Political speech receives strong First Amendment protections, making it particularly difficult to regulate fundraising tied to misleading political claims.

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Money, Religion, Politics, and Charities

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CharityWatch Weighs In

CharityWatch CEO and Executive Director Laurie Styron was interviewed for the investigation about the challenges of enforcing laws intended to protect the public from deceptive political communications. Styron told CalMatters: “In theory California election code restricts knowingly distributing materially deceptive communications.” She added, “In practice, by the time justice prevails, if it ever does, the damage is usually already done.”

The investigation underscores the importance of independent nonprofit oversight and the need for donors to critically evaluate fundraising appeals, particularly those built around sensational or unsubstantiated claims. CharityWatch encourages donors to look beyond emotionally charged messaging and consider the evidence supporting an organization’s claims before contributing.

Read the full investigation at CalMatters.

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