FBI Has Looked at Using Questionable AI Tech to Review Signatures on Seized Mail-In Ballots

Lead

The FBI has explored using artificial intelligence to assess the validity of signatures on tens of thousands of mail-in ballot envelopes seized from Fulton County, Georgia, according to internal communications reviewed by ProPublica. The effort, which focuses on comparing signatures on ballot envelopes with signatures on other election documents such as registration forms, is part of the Trump administration's reinvestigation of the 2020 vote.

Coverage Comparison

Reports on the investigation emphasize different facets. The Guardian's coverage focuses on the scale of the FBI's resource commitment, detailing a memo that calls for 260 investigative analysts and staff operations specialists to be 'surged' into the effort, with each analyst expected to check an estimated 708 records by July 17. The Guardian also highlights the seizure of hundreds of boxes containing ballots and other documents from Fulton County in January.

ProPublica, meanwhile, concentrates on the technical aspect of the investigation, reporting that the FBI has discussed using commercial products for signature matching. The outlet notes that the effort is controversial due to experts' concerns about the accuracy and potential biases of signature matching, and that it comes under political pressure to prove fraud in Fulton County. ProPublica's reporting is based on internal communications and an agency tech specialist.

Key Claims

The FBI has asked its field offices nationwide to dedicate over 200 staffers to the investigation. The memo, obtained by the Associated Press, calls for a 'surge' of 260 analysts and specialists, describing the probe as a 'priority investigation.' People familiar with the matter confirmed the request relates to the Georgia election investigation.

FBI agents seized hundreds of boxes of ballots and documents from Fulton County in January, which is heavily Democratic and includes most of Atlanta. The seized materials include about 150,000 mail-in ballots, of which roughly 116,000 were for Biden, according to ProPublica.

Donald Trump and his allies have made false claims that widespread election fraud cost him the 2020 election. Georgia's votes were counted three times, including once by hand, and each count affirmed Joe Biden's win. The Justice Department has previously stated it is investigating 'irregularities that occurred during the 2020 presidential election in the county.'

Perspectives

Trump administration: The administration, through the Justice Department, has stated it is investigating 'irregularities' in Fulton County. President Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that the election was stolen from him, and he has specifically alleged voter fraud in Georgia, where he lost by a narrow margin. A White House spokesperson declined to answer questions about the signature-matching initiative, referring them to the FBI.

Election integrity experts: Experts have raised serious concerns about the accuracy of signature matching in identifying voter fraud. ProPublica reported that experts have expressed 'grave concerns' about the limitations and potential biases of signature-matching technology, citing the contentious nature of such methods.

FBI: The FBI has not responded to a request for comment regarding the signature-matching initiative. The agency's memo, as reported by both outlets, describes the investigation as a 'priority.' Some FBI analysts have been fired rather than work on the effort, according to MS Now as reported by ProPublica.

Fulton County: A Fulton County spokesperson declined to comment, citing a pending investigation. The county's elections have been the focus of multiple audits and recounts, which affirmed Biden's victory.