Breakthrough Ideas

The Urgent Case for Election Reform

David E. Smith — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 10:00:32 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

Illinois and the Nation Must Prioritize Election Integrity

President Donald Trump’s prime-time address this week presents a timely opportunity to launch a genuine national, bipartisan effort to strengthen election integrity. Unfortunately, top Democratic officials and their allies in the dishonest media have already rushed to criticize the president, dismissing his concerns about voter fraud and election meddling as “false” or “unsubstantiated.”

On his personal X page, JB Pritzker posted a statement in response accusing the President of “spewing lies” and attempting to “gaslight the American people” with “baseless claims” and “shameless propaganda.… Continue Reading

DOJ Review: Dead Registrants & Non-Citizens Found on Voter Rolls

David E. Smith — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:00:56 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

A sweeping U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) review has uncovered over 260,000 deceased individuals still listed on voter rolls nationwide—along with thousands of non-citizens registered to vote in federal elections. Now, the DOJ is demanding that Illinois hand over its complete statewide voter-registration database, unredacted, as part of a broader push to enforce federal election-integrity laws. Some states are cooperating; others, including Illinois, are resisting. The stakes for 2026 could not be clearer.… Continue Reading

Voter Fraud Is Real — Just Ask This Convicted Democrat Operative

David E. Smith — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:00:53 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

For years, Americans concerned about election fraud have been dismissed, mocked, or accused of undermining democracy. But facts are stubborn things. And the facts in New Jersey just caught up with a powerful Democrat insider.

Craig Callaway, a former Atlantic City Council President and longtime Democratic political operative, was sentenced this week to 24 months in federal prison for orchestrating a widespread vote-by-mail fraud scheme during the 2022 general election.… Continue Reading

Why Are Dead People Still on Illinois Voter Rolls?

David E. Smith — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 15:00:57 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

On July 22, 2025, the Committee on House Administration held a hearing titled, “Clean Rolls, Secure Elections: Reviewing Voter List Maintenance Standards.” The hearing focused on the importance of maintaining accurate voter registration lists to protect the integrity of our elections.

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), also known as the “Motor Voter Law,” was designed to increase voter participation in federal elections while also requiring states to maintain accurate and up-to-date voter rolls.… Continue Reading

Judicial Watch Sues to Enforce Voter Roll Clean Up on Behalf of Illinois Conservative Leaders

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:32:35 +0000

(Joint Press Release issued by Illinois Family Action, Breakthrough Ideas, and Carol J. Davis)

Non profit organizations Illinois Family Action and Breakthrough Ideas; along with lawfully registered Illinois voter Carol J. Davis; join with Judicial Watch in announcing that a federal lawsuit has been filed against the Illinois State Board of Elections and its Executive Director, Bernadette Matthews.

At issue is failure to comply with federal law regarding voter roll maintenance (the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, NVRA).… Continue Reading