In January 2021, Douglass Mackey, also known as "Ricky Vaughn," was arrested and charged with conspiring to deprive individuals of their right to vote in the 2016 presidential election. On Friday, April 1, 2023, Mackey was convicted in Brooklyn federal court after a one-week trial. Mackey was a far-right influencer with a significant social media presence and about 58,000 Twitter followers, making him the 107th-most important influencer of the then-upcoming presidential election, according to MIT Media Lab.
The Conviction of Douglass Mackey
Prosecutors told jurors during the trial that from September 2016 to November 2016, Mackey conspired with several other internet influencers to spread fraudulent messages to Clinton supporters. Mackey urged supporters of then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to "vote" via text message or social media, knowing that those endorsements were not legally valid votes. At the same time, he was sending tweets suggesting that it was important to limit "black turnout" at voting booths, and he encouraged people to "avoid the line" and "vote from home."
The government also presented evidence that Mackey used social media pitches to encourage phony votes utilizing a font similar to one used by the Clinton campaign in authentic ads, and others tried to mimic Clinton's ads in other ways.
Mackey could face up to 10 years in prison, and his sentencing is set for August 16. His lawyer, Andrew Frisch, said the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan will have multiple reasons to choose from to vacate the conviction. However, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a release that the jury rejected Mackey's cynical attempt to use the First Amendment free speech protections to shield himself from criminal liability for a voter suppression scheme.
The Impact of Mackey's Conviction
Douglass Mackey's conviction for voter suppression sends a strong message to those who attempt to manipulate the electoral process. It shows that the justice system is capable of identifying and prosecuting individuals who engage in fraudulent schemes to deprive individuals of their right to vote.
Moreover, it highlights the important role that social media platforms like Twitter have in combating voter suppression. Twitter has said it worked closely with appropriate authorities on the issue. By promoting fact-based content, taking down fake accounts, and reducing the spread of misinformation, social media platforms can help ensure that elections are free and fair.
Misbar’s Sources:
United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of New York
