This is a case of "impact law" where well-funded, nationally recognized NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are accusing law-abiding citizens of voter intimidation.  We must fight this baseless lawsuit to protect every Americans' Civil Right to engage in civic activity.  

Who: NAACP, League of Women Voters, and MiFamilia Vota filed a federal civil lawsuit against us, three private citizens, Shawn Smith, Ashley Epp, and Holly Kasun along with USEIP (U.S. Election Integrity Plan).  Case 1:22-cv-00581. Because

What: Plaintiffs brought this action, alleging that USEIP and the named defendants are, “Planning to, threatening to, and actually deploying armed agents to knock on doors throughout the state of Colorado,” with “the purpose and effect of intimidating Coloradans from voting, trying to vote, helping others to vote, supporting or advocating for certain political beliefs, or exercising the right to speak, peaceably assemble, or petition the government for redress of grievances, in violation of Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 52 U.S.C. § 10307(b).” Plaintiffs further allege that Defendants are “Introducing themselves in ways that make voters believe that they are associated with government agencies…using public voter lists to target and intimidate voters,” “encouraging agents to carry weapons,” and “generating and spreading fear that voters can expect multiple armed and unarmed USEIP members to show up at their doors at any moment to harass and interrogate them about their voting history.” Plaintiffs conclude that Defendants’ conduct is “...thereby Intimidating voters and preventing Coloradans who are lawfully entitled to vote from giving their support or advocacy towards political candidates, in violation of the Ku Klux Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1985.” (ECF No. 01). 

Defendants dispute all of plaintiffs’ allegations as categorically false, devoid of factual support, and defamatory. The behavior in question is lawful canvassing, which is protected by the First Amendment and well litigated. 

Where: US Federal Court, District of Colorado (Tenth Circuit)

When: Trial is set for July 15, 2024

Why: The original case was filed with USEIP as a defendant along with Ashe, Holly, and Shawn.  Holly and Ashe founded USEIP and Shawn is a volunteer. USEIP is a free association of people interested in finding the truth, sharing the truth, and fixing our elections on the local level.  USEIP is civics oriented, non-political, non-partisan, 100% volunteer, and does no fundraising.  

Prior to the lawsuit filing, folks in Colorado counties wanted to audit publicly available state voter roll data in their local areas to confirm the accuracy of the rolls. USEIP volunteers designed a free canvassing program that any group could use for auditing voter data. Self-organized individuals volunteered in their own localities, and went to entire precincts door-to-door asking voters to confirm the state voter-roll data was accurate.  

Overwhelmingly, voters were happy to see volunteers from their own communities checking on the accuracy of voter data. This effort went on for months with no calls, emails, police reports, or any other reporting to USEIP, NAACP, LWV, or Mi Familia Vota claiming harassment, intimidation, coercion, violence, or mentioning seeing weapons of any sort. Yet, the plaintiffs filed the federal civil suit anyway; causing us (Ashe, Holly, and Shawn) to get legal representation to defend themselves against the baseless charges.  

As the case progressed, USEIP was dropped as a defendant in the case per the judge's ruling.  So now, we (Shawn, Holly, and Ashe) are the only defendants in the case.

Now that the trial date has been set for July 15, 2024. Ashe is defending herself.  This preparation is expensive, and Ashe needs your help! 

Thank you!