Far-Right Sheriffs Group Draws Controversial Figures at Las Vegas Conference

A recent conference held by the far-right Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA) in Las Vegas drew a mix of controversial figures, including felons, disgraced politicians, election deniers, and conspiracy theorists.

The group, which believes sheriffs are the highest authority in the U.S. and more powerful than the federal government, wants sheriffs to form posses to patrol polling places, seize voting machines, and investigate claims of voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence.

The conference featured speakers promoting far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories, with only a few actual sheriffs in attendance. Critics fear the CSPOA's new focus will amount to interference and legitimize disinformation about U.S. elections. The event was divided into two parts, with the first half focused on federal power and the second on election denial and conspiracy theories.

Attendees included MAGA celebrities like Mike Lindell, Mark Finchem, and former Trump officials Steve Bannon and Michael Flynn, who promoted false narratives about voter fraud and dangerous voting machines. The group's founder, former Arizona sheriff Richard Mack, claims 10 of the country's 3,000 sheriffs are members, along with 10,000 ordinary citizens.

Why this matters: The CSPOA's efforts to encourage sheriffs to increase surveillance of ballot drop boxes and infiltrate ballot tabulators since the 2020 election have raised concerns. Experts warn that the group, plans, process to insert themselves into more aspects of the voting process.

The CSPOA conference also promoted the false narrative that immigrants are voting illegally and posing a threat to the integrity of the US electoral system. Speakers pushed the debunked claim that immigrants voting for President Biden are the greatest threat to the 2024 election, despite a lack of evidence to support widespread voter fraud by immigrants. The group is advocating for sheriffs to recruit citizen 'posses' to patrol polling stations in response to these unsubstantiated claims.

Key Takeaways

• Far-right CSPOA conference in Las Vegas featured controversial figures pushing election denial.
• CSPOA believes sheriffs can override federal authority and intervene in elections.
• Speakers promoted false narratives about voter fraud and dangerous voting machines.
• CSPOA plans to increase surveillance of ballot drop boxes and infiltrate tabulators.
• Group advocates for sheriffs to recruit citizen 'posses' to patrol polling stations.