Investigation Unveils Fraudulent Signatures in Lincoln Election Petitions
Amid growing concerns over election integrity, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into fraudulent signatures on petitions aimed at altering Lincoln’s electoral framework. Suspicions have risen over more than 13,300 signatures, triggering a multi-agency probe.
To date, five individuals from outside Nebraska have been apprehended, according to Chief Deputy Ben Houchin. The arrests occurred in various states, including Nevada, Florida, Washington D.C., and Missouri, and the investigation continues with several suspects still at large.
Those arrested are identified as David A. Johnson, 25; Jessica Davis, 23; Nathan Kirschbaum, 32; Jason Luciano, 32; and Ryan McKinney, 41. They face charges related to the falsification of circulators’ affidavits.
Unsealed court documents disclose that the suspects’ mobile devices were detected in Lancaster County when the fraudulent petitions were signed. Authorities suspect the individuals were instrumental in collecting, notarizing, and submitting these signatures.
“Nothing in our investigation makes us believe any political entity is working or affiliated with this. These are people out doing crimes,” Houchin stated.
The petitions in question propose three charter amendments for the City of Lincoln. They aim to expand voting to residents within a three-mile radius of the city, synchronize city elections with statewide election years, and impose term limits on city council members.
These initiatives are part of efforts by Good Government Lincoln, led by ex-state tax commissioner Tony Fulton. Expressing support for the investigation, Fulton stated, “We support the referral of potentially fraudulent signatures to law enforcement, and we support prosecution of the fraudsters.”
Among the petition committee members are Jessica Flanagain, a political consultant, and Axiom Strategies associates Daniel Bass and Zoe Ganzman. Flanagain highlighted past successful campaigns in Nebraska, such as voter ID laws, often facilitated by Vanguard Field Strategies, Axiom’s subsidiary.
Reports indicate that Vanguard has received nearly $6 million for its services since 2024. However, it remains unverified if Good Government Lincoln collaborated with Vanguard for the current petitions.
Governor Jim Pillen expressed his dismay over the fraudulent activities, labeling them as “historic fraud.” He criticized the 2015 legislative decision to allow paid signature gathering, linking it to increased street harassment and criminal acts related to petitioning.
Pillen urged legislative reforms to prohibit pay-per-signature practices, thanking law enforcement for their diligence in investigating the fraud.
Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen echoed Pillen’s sentiments, promising legislative action to address ongoing issues with the petition process. Similarly, the Nebraska Attorney General’s office committed to a thorough investigation, emphasizing their dedication to upholding election integrity.
The Attorney General’s statement affirmed, “We are committed to protecting the integrity of the petition process and maintaining public trust. Our office enforces election laws without bias, fear, or favor.”
