# Democracy Docket and Marc Elias: A Comprehensive Opposition Research Report ## Executive Summary Democracy Docket, founded by Democratic attorney [[Marc Elias]] in [[March 2020]], operates as a sophisticated left-wing political operation masquerading as a non-partisan voting rights organization. Far from being an independent media platform, it functions as the public-facing arm of an extensive lawfare network designed to manipulate election laws and procedures to benefit Democratic candidates and progressive causes. The organization's true nature is revealed through its funding sources, operational structure, and the controversial background of its founder, who has been sanctioned by federal courts and was central to some of the most damaging political scandals of recent years. ## Organizational Structure and Funding Networks ### Corporate Structure [Democracy Docket operates through multiple interconnected entities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Docket) designed to obscure its funding sources and political operations: - **Democracy Docket, LLC**: The [primary for-profit media platform founded in 2020](https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/) - **Free Election Fund (FEF)**: Formerly the Democracy Docket Legal Fund, [operates as a fiscally sponsored project of the Hopewell Fund](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) - **Democracy Docket Action Fund (DDAF)**: [Operates under the North Fund, another Arabella Advisors entity](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) ### Arabella Advisors Connection The organization's funding reveals its true nature as part of the [Arabella Advisors "dark money" network](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/hopewell-fund/): - The [Free Election Fund is fiscally sponsored by the Hopewell Fund, managed by Arabella Advisors](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) - [Arabella Advisors is a for-profit consulting company that manages a network of nonprofits that raised $1.6 billion in 2020 and $1.3 billion in 2022](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabella_Advisors) - The [network includes the Sixteen Thirty Fund, New Venture Fund, Hopewell Fund, Windward Fund, and North Fund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabella_Advisors) ### Major Funding Sources Democracy Docket's financial backing comes from prominent left-wing donors: - **Open Society Foundations ([[George Soros]])**: [$10 million grant to Hopewell Fund in 2023 specifically for the "nonpartisan Free Election Fund"](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) - **Sandler Foundation**: [$1.5 million following George Floyd's death](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) - **Sherwood Foundation ([[Susan Buffett]])**: [$500,000](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) - **MacArthur Foundation**: [$800,000, their largest donation to Hopewell Fund](https://www.macfound.org/grantee/hopewell-fund-10114459/) - **Omidyar Network ([[Pierre Omidyar]])**: [$1.5 million](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) - **Bad Robot/[[J.J. Abrams]] Foundation**: [$1 million in 2021](https://www.influencewatch.org/organization/democracy-docket-legal-fund-ddlf/) ### Revenue and Business Model Democracy Docket generates revenue through multiple streams: - [Premium memberships at $10/month or $120/year](https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/) - [Over 400,000 newsletter subscribers and 450,000 YouTube subscribers](https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/) - [Merchandise sales through an online store](https://www.democracydocket.com/help-keep-our-content-free/) - The [organization explicitly states contributions are not tax-deductible, confirming its for-profit status](https://www.democracydocket.com/help-keep-our-content-free/) ## Marc Elias: Background and Controversies ### Professional History [[Marc Elias]], born [[February 1, 1969]], has positioned himself at the center of Democratic Party legal operations for decades: - **Former Perkins Coie Partner**: [Led the political law practice until founding Elias Law Group in 2021](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Elias) - **Campaign Roles**: [General counsel for John Kerry (2004) and Hillary Clinton (2016) presidential campaigns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Elias) - **Elias Law Group**: [Founded in 2021, describes itself as committed to "helping Democrats win, citizens vote, and progressives make change"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Law_Group) ### The Steele Dossier Scandal [[Marc Elias]]'s most damaging involvement centers on his role in funding the discredited Steele dossier: - **Hired Fusion GPS**: While representing the [[Hillary Clinton]] campaign and [[DNC]], [Elias retained Fusion GPS, which then hired Christopher Steele](https://www.vox.com/2017/10/24/16539676/trump-dossier-funded-hillary-clinton) - **Financial Details**: [DNC and Clinton campaign paid Perkins Coie $12.4 million during 2016, with $1.02 million going to Fusion GPS and $168,000 to Steele's firm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier) - **Concealment Efforts**: [Created a "legal firewall" to hide Clinton campaign's role, with details protected by attorney-client privilege](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier) - **[[FEC]] Violations**: The [DNC and Clinton campaign were fined by the Federal Election Commission for mislabeling the dossier payments as "legal services"](https://nypost.com/2022/02/17/blm-hires-clinton-aide-marc-elias-who-paid-for-steele-dossier/) ### Court Sanctions and Professional Misconduct [[Marc Elias]] has faced significant professional consequences: - **Fifth Circuit Sanctions**: [Sanctioned in 2021 by federal appeals court for "misleading" statements and "lack of candor" in a Texas voting case](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2036536/judges-deny-democratic-lawyer-marc-eliass-bid-to-shake-court-sanctions/) - **Ethics Training Ordered**: [Required to complete continuing legal education in ethics and pay opposing attorneys' fees](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2036536/judges-deny-democratic-lawyer-marc-eliass-bid-to-shake-court-sanctions/) - **Appeals Court Rejection**: [In 2022, the full Fifth Circuit unanimously denied his request to overturn the sanctions](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2036536/judges-deny-democratic-lawyer-marc-eliass-bid-to-shake-court-sanctions/) ### Criminal Investigation Involvement [[Marc Elias]] was subjected to federal criminal investigation: - **Durham Investigation**: [Testified before special counsel John Durham's grand jury investigating the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2318650/steele-dossier-funder-marc-elias-testified-before-john-durhams-grand-jury/) - **Ongoing Criminal Investigation**: [Durham's team noted maintaining an "active, ongoing criminal investigation" related to Elias's conduct](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2318650/steele-dossier-funder-marc-elias-testified-before-john-durhams-grand-jury/) ## 2020 Election Manipulation Campaign ### COVID-19 Pretext Lawsuits [[Marc Elias]] orchestrated an unprecedented campaign to alter election rules under the guise of pandemic safety: - **Massive Litigation**: [Filed over 150 cases in 30 states during 2020, winning more than 120](https://www.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-has-made-the-2020-election-a-perfect-storm-for-voting-rights-lawsuits-224859902.html) - **32 Active Lawsuits**: [Had 32 simultaneous lawsuits in 16 states by May 2020](https://www.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-has-made-the-2020-election-a-perfect-storm-for-voting-rights-lawsuits-224859902.html) - **Key Provisions**: [Consistently pushed for prepaid postage, extended ballot deadlines, relaxed signature matching, and expanded ballot harvesting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_Docket) ### Swing State Targeting [[Marc Elias]] systematically targeted battleground states with election law changes: - **Pennsylvania**: [Fought for extended ballot receipt deadlines, contributing to post-election disputes](https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/19/19A1016/140892/20200405143453458_2020-04-04%20Wis.%20April%207%20SCOTUS.pdf) - **Wisconsin**: [Challenged ballot receipt deadlines during COVID-19 pandemic](https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/19/19A1016/140892/20200405143453458_2020-04-04%20Wis.%20April%207%20SCOTUS.pdf) - **Michigan**: [Part of broader swing state litigation strategy](https://www.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-has-made-the-2020-election-a-perfect-storm-for-voting-rights-lawsuits-224859902.html) - **Georgia**: [Targeted signature matching and ballot access rules](https://www.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-has-made-the-2020-election-a-perfect-storm-for-voting-rights-lawsuits-224859902.html) ### Strategic Objectives The lawsuits served clear partisan purposes rather than genuine voting rights concerns: - **Democratic Advantage**: Changes consistently favored Democratic voting patterns and turnout strategies - **Permanent Alterations**: Many temporary COVID-19 changes became permanent features of election law - **Post-Election Defense**: Created legal framework to defend against challenges to [[Joe Biden]]'s victory ## 2024 Election Activities ### Continued Litigation Campaign [[Marc Elias]] maintained his aggressive approach leading into 2024: - **60+ Pre-election Lawsuits**: [Filed more than 60 cases challenging Republican "voter suppression" efforts](https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/10/14/trumps-toughest-foe-could-be-harris-lawyer-marc-elias/) - **Army of Lawyers**: [Deployed over 75 lawyers across swing states for potential post-election challenges](https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/10/14/trumps-toughest-foe-could-be-harris-lawyer-marc-elias/) - **Voter Roll Challenges**: [Opposed efforts to clean voter registration lists of ineligible voters](https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/10/14/trumps-toughest-foe-could-be-harris-lawyer-marc-elias/) ### Swing State Focus Continued targeting of key battleground states: - **Pennsylvania**: [88 voting-related lawsuits during 2021-2024 period, more than bottom 29 states combined](https://www.democracydocket.com/opinion/the-state-of-democracy-requires-us-to-expand-the-map/) - **Arizona**: Involved in proof-of-citizenship challenges - **Georgia**: [Intimidation tactics against election officials conducting voter roll maintenance](https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/10/14/trumps-toughest-foe-could-be-harris-lawyer-marc-elias/) ## Anti-Trump Bias and Current Operations ### Explicit Opposition to Trump Democracy Docket makes no attempt to hide its anti-Trump orientation: - **"Trump Accountability" Section**: [Dedicated webpage tracking lawsuits against Trump](https://www.democracydocket.com/cases/topic/trump-accountability/) - **Executive Order Challenges**: [Multiple lawsuits challenging Trump's 2025 executive orders on election integrity](https://www.elias.law/newsroom/press-releases/elias-law-group-files-lawsuit-challenging-president-trumps-unlawful-attempt-to-disenfranchise-voters-and-dictate-election-rules) - **Media Campaign**: [Regular appearances on MSNBC and other liberal outlets attacking Trump policies](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qt7ZvgRXxg) ### Current Legal Challenges Elias Law Group is actively litigating against the Trump administration: - **52 Active Cases**: [Currently litigating 52 voting and election cases in 23 states](https://www.elias.law/newsroom/press-releases/elias-law-group-files-six-new-voting-rights-lawsuits) - **Federal Lawsuits**: [Challenging Trump's election integrity executive orders](https://www.elias.law/newsroom/press-releases/elias-law-group-files-lawsuit-challenging-president-trumps-unlawful-attempt-to-disenfranchise-voters-and-dictate-election-rules) - **Organizational Plaintiffs**: [Representing DNC, DSCC, DCCC, and Democratic leadership](https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-31-Complaint.pdf) ## Relationship with Biden Administration ### Professional Split Despite previous alignment, [[Marc Elias]] was expelled from [[Joe Biden]]'s inner circle: - **[[DNC]] Termination**: [Democratic National Committee fired Elias in April 2023 after representing them since 2009](https://freebeacon.com/democrats/biden-dumps-marc-elias/) - **Biden Team Rejection**: [Administration officials complained about his "grandstanding" and unilateral legal actions](https://freebeacon.com/democrats/biden-dumps-marc-elias/) - **$20+ Million Payments**: [DNC and Biden campaign paid Elias's firms over $20 million for 2020 election work](https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/biden-marc-elias-democrats-election-lawsuits) ### Causes of Split The breakdown resulted from both strategic disagreements and personal conduct: - **Unauthorized Lawsuits**: [Filed cases without consulting DNC or White House, learning about them through media](https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/biden-marc-elias-democrats-election-lawsuits) - **Public Criticism**: [Attacked bipartisan election reform efforts supported by Biden administration](https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/biden-marc-elias-democrats-election-lawsuits) - **Strategic Differences**: [Biden team preferred selective legal challenges while Elias advocated aggressive litigation on all fronts](https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/biden-marc-elias-democrats-election-lawsuits) ## Media Operations and Influence ### Digital Platform Reach Democracy Docket operates as a sophisticated media operation: - **Newsletter Subscribers**: [Over 400,000 subscribers across multiple newsletters](https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/) - **Social Media Following**: [Over 1 million followers across all platforms](https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/) - **YouTube Channel**: [Approximately 450,000 subscribers with regular content](https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/) - **Website Traffic**: [Serves as primary source for progressive election law information](https://www.democracydocket.com/about-us/) ### Television Appearances [[Marc Elias]] maintains a regular media presence to advance his political agenda: - **MSNBC**: [Frequent appearances on shows including "Deadline: White House"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qt7ZvgRXxg) - **CNN**: [Regular commentary on election-related issues](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/12/09/attorney-marc-elias-don-lemon-ctn-intv-sots-trump-election-vpx.cnn) - **Podcast Circuit**: [Hosts "Defending Democracy with Marc Elias" podcast](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyWBtUNDtcR3B58aThpuHxgtsmDJNETv1) ### Revenue Streams The media operation generates substantial income: - **Premium Memberships**: [$120/year memberships for exclusive content](https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/) - **Merchandise Sales**: Branded products sold through online store - **YouTube Monetization**: Revenue from substantial subscriber base and view counts - **Speaking Engagements**: Appearances at progressive events and conferences ## Trump Administration Response ### Executive Order Targeting The Trump administration has specifically targeted [[Marc Elias]] and his operations: - **March 2025 Presidential Memorandum**: [Explicitly named Elias and his law firm for "preventing abuses of the legal system"](https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/22/2311939/-Trump-goes-after-Marc-Elias-and-all-lawyers-who-oppose-him) - **Accusations**: [Cited role in Steele dossier and ongoing litigation against administration](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/22/us/politics/trump-memo-lawyers.html) - **Intimidation Concerns**: [Legal community fears broader chilling effect on opposition lawyers](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/22/us/politics/trump-memo-lawyers.html) ### Elias's Response Rather than retreating, [[Marc Elias]] has adopted a confrontational stance: - **No Negotiation**: [Stated "There will be no negotiation with this White House about the clients we represent"](https://elias.law/newsroom/press-releases/statement-from-elias-law-group-chair-marc-elias) - **Continued Operations**: [Maintains aggressive litigation schedule against Trump policies](https://www.elias.law/newsroom/press-releases/elias-law-group-files-six-new-voting-rights-lawsuits) - **Media Campaign**: [Uses platform to attack Trump administration actions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qt7ZvgRXxg) ## Legal Analysis of Criminal Culpability ### Federal Criminal Exposure While [[Marc Elias]] has avoided prosecution to date, several areas present potential criminal liability: **Campaign Finance Violations:** - **False Reporting**: The [[[FEC]] found DNC and Clinton campaign mislabeled Steele dossier payments](https://nypost.com/2022/02/17/blm-hires-clinton-aide-marc-elias-who-paid-for-steele-dossier/) - **Potential Prosecution**: Federal prosecutors could pursue criminal charges under 52 U.S.C. § 30109 for knowing and willful violations - **Coordination Issues**: Potential violations of campaign finance coordination rules in various client relationships **Obstruction of Justice:** - **Court Sanctions**: [Fifth Circuit found "lack of candor" in federal proceedings](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/2036536/judges-deny-democratic-lawyer-marc-eliass-bid-to-shake-court-sanctions/) - **Pattern of Deception**: Multiple instances of misleading courts and opposing counsel - **18 U.S.C. § 1503**: Federal obstruction statute could apply to court proceeding misconduct **Conspiracy to Defraud:** - **Steele Dossier**: Potential conspiracy charges related to funding false information to influence federal investigation - **18 U.S.C. § 371**: Conspiracy to defraud the United States through deceptive practices ### State Criminal Exposure Multiple state jurisdictions could pursue charges: **New York State:** - **Business Records**: Potential violations of New York Penal Law § 175.10 for false business records related to campaign payments - **Election Law Violations**: New York Election Law provides criminal penalties for various election-related misconduct **State Bar Discipline:** - **Professional Misconduct**: Multiple state bars could pursue disciplinary action based on court sanctions and misleading conduct - **D.C. Bar**: Primary jurisdiction given his practice location and federal court appearances - **Sanctions Pattern**: Repeated sanctions and professional misconduct findings create basis for disbarment proceedings ### Civil Liability Extensive exposure to civil lawsuits: **Defamation Claims:** - **2000 Mules Case**: [Currently defending against defamation lawsuit related to election fraud accusations](https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/27-2022-12-01-am-compl.pdf) - **False Light Claims**: Potential liability for false characterizations of individuals in election cases **Legal Malpractice:** - **Client Harm**: Court sanctions and failed strategies could expose firm to malpractice claims - **Professional Standards**: Violations of professional conduct rules create liability exposure **RICO Potential:** - **Enterprise**: Democracy Docket network could qualify as RICO enterprise - **Pattern of Activity**: Coordinated litigation campaigns and funding relationships establish pattern - **18 U.S.C. § 1961**: Federal RICO statute provides both criminal and civil remedies ### Regulatory Violations Multiple regulatory agencies have jurisdiction: **Federal Election Commission:** - **Ongoing Investigations**: [FEC complaints already filed against Elias Law Group and DCCC](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dccc-marc-elias-firm-accused-apparent-civil-violations-federal-election-law) - **Civil Penalties**: Substantial fines available for willful violations - **Disgorgement**: Potential requirement to return illegally obtained funds **Department of Justice:** - **Civil Rights Division**: Could investigate voting rights violations in litigation campaigns - **Public Integrity Section**: Has jurisdiction over election-related criminal matters - **Criminal Division**: Could pursue conspiracy and fraud charges ### Security Clearance Issues For attorneys with security clearances: - **Court Sanctions**: Basis for clearance revocation or denial - **Pattern of Deception**: Demonstrates lack of trustworthiness required for clearances - **Government Contracts**: Could bar firm from federal contracting opportunities ## Impact Assessment and Future Threats ### Democratic Electoral Strategy Democracy Docket serves as a crucial component of Democratic Party electoral infrastructure: - **Legal Preparation**: Pre-positions legal arguments and strategies for election challenges - **Fundraising Tool**: Generates millions in donations for progressive legal causes - **Message Coordination**: Provides talking points and legal analysis to Democratic officials and media ### Threat to Election Integrity The organization's activities pose significant risks to fair elections: - **Systematic Manipulation**: Coordinated campaigns to alter election laws favor Democratic candidates - **Voter Registration Fraud**: Opposition to basic verification measures enables illegal voting - **Post-Election Chaos**: Legal strategies designed to create confusion and delay final results ### Long-term Democratic Strategy Democracy Docket represents part of a broader effort to fundamentally alter American elections: - **Permanent Changes**: Temporary COVID-19 measures become permanent features of election law - **Federal Takeover**: Pushes for federal control of traditionally state-managed elections - **Judicial Activism**: Uses courts to implement changes that fail in legislative process ## Recommendations ### Immediate Actions 1. **Criminal Referrals**: Recommend [[DOJ]] pursue criminal investigation of campaign finance violations and court misconduct 2. **State Bar Complaints**: File disciplinary complaints with relevant state bar associations 3. **[[FEC]] Investigation**: Expand existing [[FEC]] investigation into campaign finance violations 4. **Congressional Investigation**: House and Senate committees should investigate Democracy Docket's funding and activities ### Long-term Strategies 1. **Election Law Reform**: Strengthen verification requirements and close loopholes exploited by [[Marc Elias]]'s litigation 2. **Bar Association Reform**: Strengthen professional conduct enforcement to prevent future misconduct 3. **Transparency Requirements**: Require disclosure of funding sources for organizations engaged in election litigation 4. **Federal Contracting**: Bar firms with court sanctions from federal contracts and security clearance eligibility ### Legislative Priorities 1. **Voter ID Requirements**: Implement nationwide voter identification requirements to prevent fraud 2. **Signature Verification**: Strengthen ballot signature verification processes 3. **Registration Maintenance**: Require regular maintenance of voter registration rolls 4. **Legal Standing**: Limit who can challenge election laws to prevent frivolous litigation ## Conclusion Democracy Docket and [[Marc Elias]] represent a clear and present danger to American electoral integrity. Far from being a legitimate voting rights organization, Democracy Docket operates as a sophisticated political weapon designed to manipulate election laws and procedures for partisan advantage. [[Marc Elias]]'s history of court sanctions, involvement in the Steele dossier scandal, and systematic campaign to undermine election security measures demonstrates a pattern of unethical and potentially criminal conduct. The organization's funding from [[George Soros]] and other radical left-wing donors, combined with its operational structure within the Arabella Advisors dark money network, reveals its true nature as a partisan political operation masquerading as a public interest organization. The Trump administration's decision to target this network represents a necessary step in protecting American democracy from those who would manipulate it for partisan gain. The evidence compiled in this report provides a foundation for criminal prosecution, professional discipline, and legislative action to prevent future abuse of the legal system for partisan political purposes. The American people deserve elections that are free, fair, and conducted according to the rule of law—not manipulated by lawyers who view the legal system as a tool for advancing their radical political agenda.