Dominion Voting Systems (DVS), a prominent voting technology company that faced conspiracy theories during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, has been acquired by a new company led by a former Republican elections official. The purchase marks a significant development following past legal challenges, including a substantial settlement with Fox News over false claims made about Dominion post-election.
The acquiring company, KnowInk, based in St. Louis and known for its electronic poll books, has rebranded the company as Liberty Vote. The focus of this new venture, as stated by Scott Leiendecker, the owner of KnowInk and former St. Louis elections director, is on providing election technology that emphasizes transparency through paper-based processes, a key demand from election skeptics.
Dominion’s former CEO, John Poulos, confirmed the sale to Liberty Vote, highlighting the shift in ownership. The company had previously faced legal battles with individuals like Sidney Powell and Rudolph Giuliani, with undisclosed settlements reportedly reached. The acquisition details, including the transaction cost, remain undisclosed, emphasizing the private nature of the deal.
Despite the controversies surrounding Dominion’s technology in past elections, including the baseless claims of election fraud by some individuals, the company’s technology, like many voting systems in the U.S., already incorporates paper trails. The new direction under Liberty Vote aims to restore trust in election processes by aligning with demands for enhanced transparency.
The history of Dominion’s involvement in elections, from its founding post the 2000 U.S. presidential election to its utilization in various provincial and municipal elections, underscores its significant role in the electoral process. While facing challenges and legal disputes, Dominion’s technology continues to be part of election administrations across different jurisdictions.
The transition to Liberty Vote signifies a new chapter for the company, with a renewed focus on paper-based ballots and adherence to evolving election regulations. The move also reflects the broader political landscape, with ongoing debates over election integrity and voting procedures, as evidenced by recent executive orders and legal challenges related to voting equipment standards.