A voter registration group running a contest for Taylor Swift concert tickets is led by Tate Hausman, who was convicted of voter fraud in 2009. Civic Innovation Works, the nonprofit organizing the contest, is targeting voters in battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina. While the group claims to be nonpartisan, it has ties to Democratic data firms and causes.

Hausman was convicted after he falsely claimed residency in Ohio to vote in the 2008 election. He was fined and placed on probation but has since continued to work in politics. Currently, Hausman holds a position in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration in New York City. Adams was recently indicted on charges related to illegal donations, though Hausman has not been implicated.

Civic Innovation Works has used questionable tactics before. In 2020, the group funded misleading advertisements in North Carolina that targeted Republican Sen. Thom Tillis. The ads, which presented fake news segments, were criticized by watchdog organizations for their deceptive content.

The Taylor Swift contest requires voters to check their registration status to enter, with the winner receiving two tickets to a concert in Indianapolis. The contest runs until October 21. Despite the group’s claims of being nonpartisan, critics have pointed out its strong ties to Democratic efforts.

Hausman’s voter fraud conviction and his involvement in past controversies have brought attention to Civic Innovation Works and its methods for influencing elections.