Phoenix, Arizona – A high-ranking official from Turning Point Action, a conservative group known for promoting debunked claims of election fraud, resigned amidst allegations of falsifying voter signatures to secure his reelection to the Arizona House.
State Rep. Austin Smith (R), who served as the senior director of Turning Point Action, was accused of submitting petition sheets with signatures that appeared to be forged, according to a complaint filed by a Democratic activist. The complaint alleged that the signatures on the petition sheets closely resembled Smith’s own handwriting.
The complaint was forwarded to the Arizona Attorney General for review, as state election officials do not evaluate the validity of allegations against candidates. Smith subsequently resigned from Turning Point Action and publicly announced the end of his reelection campaign.
In response to the allegations, Smith referred to them as “silly” and part of a coordinated effort against him by Democrats and individuals who disagreed with his political beliefs. He attributed his decision to withdraw from the race to concerns about potential legal repercussions and public backlash.
During his tenure at Turning Point Action, Smith supported conservative candidates who perpetuated false narratives about election integrity. His involvement in controversial events, such as the rally in Washington on January 5, 2021, where he urged followers to “fight like hell,” drew scrutiny and criticism.
Smith’s decision to withdraw from the race sparked reactions from members of his own party, with some facing threats and harassment for upholding election results. Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman called on Smith to resign, portraying him as deceitful and accusing him of misleading the public about election processes.
The allegations against Smith, including the submission of pages with forged signatures, have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. An investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged misconduct and its implications for future elections in Arizona.