Voting technology company Dominion Voting Systems (DVS), originally established in Toronto and a subject of conspiracy theories during the 2020 U.S. presidential election promoted by Republican Donald Trump and his supporters, has changed ownership. Dominion, previously based in Denver, has been acquired by a company led by a former Republican elections official, the new owner revealed on Thursday.
This acquisition marks a significant shift from just over two years ago. In April 2023, Fox Corporation and Fox News agreed to a $787.5 million US settlement prior to a defamation trial, acknowledging that certain claims made about Dominion in their post-election coverage were false. Despite facing ongoing litigation from various individuals and entities, recent reports indicate that Dominion has settled with former Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Rudolph Giuliani, as well as One America News Network.
KnowInk, a St. Louis-based provider of electronic poll books, announced the acquisition and the rebranding of Dominion as Liberty Vote. The company emphasizes its commitment to offering election technology that prioritizes transparency through paper-based processes, aligning with demands from election conspiracy theorists. It is worth noting that most voting equipment in the U.S., including Dominion’s, already incorporates paper trails.
Former Dominion CEO John Poulos confirmed the sale with a brief statement, mentioning that Liberty Vote has acquired Dominion Voting Systems. While Poulos remained a stakeholder in the company, private equity firm Staple Street Capital gained a controlling interest in Dominion through a significant deal in 2018.
Under the new ownership, all internet traffic directed to Dominion’s previous website now redirects to libertyvote.com. The company, now known as Liberty Vote, asserts that it is fully American-owned and focuses on rebuilding trust in the electoral process.
Reflecting on the company’s history, Dominion was established by John Poulos and James Hoover after the controversial 2000 U.S. presidential election. The company’s technology, although not utilized at the federal level in Canada, has been employed in numerous provincial and municipal elections.
Despite widespread allegations and conspiracy theories surrounding Dominion and other voting technology companies following the 2020 election, subsequent investigations and audits affirmed the legitimacy of the electoral results. Dominion faced challenges and threats due to the false claims made against its technology, leading to legal actions and settlements.
As Liberty Vote takes over Dominion, the company pledges to reintroduce hand-marked paper ballots and adjust its policies to comply with recent executive orders on voting procedures. These changes align with efforts to enhance transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
The ongoing evolution of Dominion Voting Systems under new ownership signifies a pivotal moment in the company’s history and its role in shaping future election technologies and processes.