Dominion Voting Systems Acquired Amid False 2020 Election Claims | US Politics
Dominion Voting Systems, a prominent provider of voting equipment in the United States, has been acquired amid ongoing controversies surrounding the 2020 election. The company was purchased by Scott Leiendecker, a former election official from Missouri, who established a new entity named Liberty Vote. This transition marks a significant shift in the landscape of American elections, particularly in the wake of numerous unfounded claims about election irregularities.
Details of the Acquisition
- Purchaser: Scott Leiendecker, former elections director in St. Louis.
- New Company: Liberty Vote.
- Previous Role: Leiendecker served from 2005 to 2012 and worked alongside Ed Martin, a prominent ally of Donald Trump.
In a press release, Leiendecker expressed that this acquisition represents “a new chapter for American elections.” He emphasized the need to rebuild trust through technology that prioritizes transparency and security. Liberty Vote plans to utilize hand-marked paper ballots and implement stringent auditing standards.
Legal Battles and Settlements
Dominion Voting Systems has faced extensive legal challenges following claims that its machines malfunctioned during the 2020 elections. In a landmark case, the company reached a $787.5 million settlement with Fox News over these claims. Additionally, Newsmax agreed to pay $67 million in a libel lawsuit settlement earlier this year.
- Other Settlements:
- One America News
- Sidney Powell
- Rudy Giuliani
Background and Future Plans
Founded and headquartered in Toronto, Dominion also operated from Denver, Colorado, and had offices in various locations across the U.S. and Serbia. Their systems were employed in over half of the states during the 2020 election.
The newly formed Liberty Vote has pledged to maintain complete U.S. ownership and staffing. They also aim to comply with an executive order from March 25, which requires states to utilize voting systems that offer a “voter verifiable paper record.” This order excludes any voting methods using QR codes for encoding voter choices.
Industry Reactions
Jennifer Morrell, CEO of a well-regarded elections group, expressed confidence in the transition to Liberty Vote. She believes the company will continue to deliver high-quality services in line with the industry’s expectations.
While the financial specifics of the acquisition remain undisclosed, this development represents a pivotal moment for Dominion Voting Systems and the broader election technology landscape in the United States.
