Twitter user Fred Wellman has uncovered that a man named Vince Espi, who claims to be a reporter for the Peach Tree Times, has submitted a massive FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for all 7 million voter signature cards in Georgia.
This request raises serious concerns about potential malicious intentions and the security of voter information, especially with the next Presidential election just a year away, and the investigation into former president Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election ongoing.
According to Wellman, who was able to get a screenshot of the alleged FOIA request, it specifies that Espi is seeking copies of signature cards used in the election process, including sensitive details such as voters’ names, addresses, and signatures. The scope of his request extends to various types of signature cards, including absentee and provisional ballot signatures, totaling a staggering 7 million records that will need redaction.
The thing is, Espi may not even really be a reporter. And the request is actually for a data mining company.
“If you Google Vince Espi + Peach Tree Times he never shows up,” Wellman wrote. “His company is LocalLabs and they advertise themselves as a data miner for media. What news media? Peach Tree Times is part of a huge right-wing astroturf op of “local” news sites funded by a network of cutouts.”
Wellman also notes that in 2021, Espi also made multiple inquiries into matters that can be connected to Moms for Liberty, the right-wing organization known for advancing the anti-student inclusion agenda, primarily by advocating against school curriculums that mention LGBT rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory, and discrimination.
Columbia Journalism Review conducted an investigation into this dark money operation, revealing a convoluted web of foundations and cut-out organizations linked to “Metric Media,” which funds the “local” news sites, including Peach Tree Times. The fact that Peach Tree Times, posing as a media outlet, is actually registered as a 501c3 non-profit adds further scrutiny to the IRS’s oversight of such entities.
The purpose behind Espi’s request for voter signature cards remains unclear, but suspicions arise as to what far-right groups might do with this sensitive information.
“What would far-right groups do with every single voter’s name, address, and signature?” Wellman wondered. “Intimidate people who are scared that their signature might look different? Target them with disinfo? Get them kicked off the voter roles? What is Georgia doing about this outrageous request?”
He’s also concerned whether similar requests have been made in other states, considering the vast scope of Media Metrics’ operations, with 1200 websites nationwide reportedly providing disinformation and cover to “reporters” seeking sensitive data.
Wellman is urging authorities in Georgia to investigate this alarming FOIA request and take appropriate measures to protect the privacy and security of voters’ information. He’s also calling on the public to be vigilant about the potential misuse of personal data and the implications this may have on the democratic process.
As of this writing, state officials have yet to address these concerns.
Information for this story was found via Twitter, NPR, CJR, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
