A voter registration organization, Civic Innovation Works, is drawing attention for offering Taylor Swift concert tickets as part of a get-out-the-vote campaign, but its leader, Tate Hausman, has a controversial history. Hausman, who works in the office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was convicted of voter fraud in 2009 after illegally claiming residency in Ohio to vote for Barack Obama.
Civic Innovation Works, a New York-based nonprofit, is running ads in key battleground states, including North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona, offering two tickets to Swift’s concert in Indianapolis for voters who check their registration status. While Civic Innovation claims no official party affiliation, the contest aligns with Democratic efforts, particularly after Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Hausman’s voter fraud conviction stems from a 2009 incident where he falsely registered in Ohio to cast a ballot in the critical swing state. The judge questioned Hausman’s claim of ignorance regarding voter laws, sentencing him to probation and a $1,000 fine. Years later, Hausman became president of Civic Innovation Works, which has been involved in questionable election tactics. In 2020, the group funded deceptive advertising campaigns targeting Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
Hausman now serves as head of Adams’ Public Engagement Office. Though Adams has been indicted for allegedly accepting illegal donations, there is no evidence linking Hausman to that case. The Taylor Swift ticket giveaway will run through Oct. 21, with winners announced the following day.
