Audit The Vote emerged as a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization in the summer of 2021, a pivotal moment that formalized a burgeoning grassroots movement sparked by ordinary Americans who, until 2020, had never engaged in political activism.
The seeds of this organization were planted in the wake of the contentious 2020 presidential election, a period marked by widespread uncertainty and polarized debates over the integrity of the electoral process. Its founders—everyday citizens without prior political experience—were driven by a shared sense of unease about the events that unfolded following Election Day on November 3, 2020. What began as a personal concern among a small group soon became a nationwide call for action.
From left to right: Jamie Sheffield, Toni Shuppe, Karen Taylor
The catalyst for Audit The Vote’s formation came right after Joe Biden was inaugurated in January of 2021, when this group of newly awakened citizens drafted a compelling letter addressed to their elected officials.
In it, they chronicled their observations and frustrations, beginning with the chaotic aftermath of November 4, 2020—when vote counts in key states stretched late into the night and beyond, accompanied by allegations of irregularities that fueled public skepticism.
The letter traced this timeline through the weeks of legal challenges, recounts, and media storms that followed, culminating in Biden’s inauguration on January 20, 2021—an event that, for these individuals, left lingering questions about the transparency and accuracy of the election unresolved.
This letter was more than a mere expression of discontent; it became a rallying cry.
Recognizing the power of their collective voice, the group transformed it into a petition calling for a full forensic audit of the 2020 election—an in-depth, independent examination of ballots, voting machines, and procedures to verify the results.
Launched in February 2021, the petition quickly gained traction, resonating with Americans across the country who shared similar doubts and a desire for clarity. Within less than five months, it amassed over 120,000 signatures, a remarkable feat for a movement born not from seasoned political operatives but from ordinary people—moms, workers, and neighbors—who felt compelled to act.
The rapid success of the petition signaled a broader awakening. What started as a localized effort in Pennsylvania evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, igniting a grassroots movement for election integrity that transcended state lines.
By the summer of 2021, the momentum was undeniable, prompting the formal establishment of Audit The Vote as a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization.
This status allowed the group to operate as a social welfare entity, advocating for systemic change without the constraints of partisan affiliation while harnessing the energy of its growing base of supporters.
Audit The Vote’s rise reflected a broader cultural shift—a demand for accountability and transparency in the electoral process at a time when trust in institutions was faltering.
From its humble beginnings as a letter penned by a handful of concerned citizens, it transformed into a powerful statewide—and eventually national—force, amplifying the voices of those who felt unheard.
The organization’s early efforts laid the groundwork for ongoing initiatives, including recommendations to county officials and continued advocacy for election reforms, as it sought to ensure that the questions raised in 2020 would not be repeated in future elections.
