Hans A. von Spakovsky
Role: Author
Position: Senior Legal Fellow at the Heritage Foundation
Background:
Hans A. von Spakovsky is a Senior Legal Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, where he specializes in election law and voter fraud issues. He previously served as a member of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and held roles in the U.S. Department of Justice, including Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Von Spakovsky is a graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School and holds a BA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Relation to Trump:
Hans A. von Spakovsky was a member of President Trump’s Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, which operated from May 2017 to January 2018. The commission, aimed at investigating allegations of voter fraud, was controversial and criticized as a means to support stricter voting laws. Von Spakovsky’s role on the commission and his past tenure as commissioner of the Federal Election Commission under the Bush administration reflect his alignment with Trump’s focus on election integrity and his advocacy for policies addressing perceived voter fraud.
Scandals or Controversies:
Von Spakovsky has been involved in several controversies, primarily related to his views on election law and voter fraud. His advocacy for voter ID laws and other restrictive voting measures has been criticized by civil rights organizations and some lawmakers, who argue that these measures suppress voter turnout among minorities and disadvantaged groups. Additionally, his involvement with the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity faced significant backlash, with some accusing the commission of being a tool for voter suppression rather than a genuine effort to secure elections. His work has been further scrutinized for relying on questionable data and misleading claims about voter fraud.
Potential Concerns:
Von Spakovsky is a prominent advocate for voter ID laws and stricter voting regulations, which he argues are necessary to prevent voter fraud. Critics argue that his stance disproportionately affects minority voters and contributes to voter suppression. His work has sparked significant debate over the balance between election security and voter access, raising concerns about the potential for disenfranchisement under the policies he promotes.
For more detailed information on Hans A. von Spakovsky, you can refer to his profiles on