David Harvilicz, currently serving as an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for policy related to the nation’s election infrastructure, including voting machines. His role has drawn scrutiny due to his past associations and public statements questioning the integrity of recent elections.
Concerns Over Independence
Harvilicz co-founded Tranquility AI with James Penrose, who played a role in promoting debunked conspiracy theories alleging hacked voting machines influenced the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Penrose also assisted in efforts to seize voting machines in an attempt to overturn the 2020 results.
On social media, Harvilicz has advocated for eliminating voting machines, stating they are “eminently vulnerable to exploitation.” In a March post, he called for a ban on voting machines in all federal elections. He has also questioned the validity of Democratic electoral victories and encouraged Republicans to overhaul electoral systems.
Shifting Priorities at DHS
Current and former DHS officials express concern that Harvilicz and his team have shifted the department’s focus to more actively gather data on voter rolls, specifically searching for non-citizens. This follows a report detailing an effort that incorrectly flagged hundreds of citizens as potential non-citizens.
Harvilicz’s team includes Heather Honey, the deputy assistant secretary of election integrity, who previously led the Election Integrity Network, a group that has challenged the legitimacy of American election systems. Samantha Anderson, a data specialist reporting to Harvilicz, previously worked to elect Donald Trump through the America First Policy Institute.
Officials and experts worry that Harvilicz and Honey will play a key role in assessing election cybersecurity and that Harvilicz is well-positioned to facilitate efforts to gain control of voting machines should the need arise.
Business Connections
Harvilicz and Penrose are listed as developers on patents for Tranquility AI’s systems. The company’s website states its product can be used for “election integrity,” though details are limited. Tranquility AI’s tools are currently used by law enforcement agencies in New Orleans and across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Harvilicz’s current role?
David Harvilicz is currently an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for policy on protecting the nation’s elections infrastructure, including voting machines.
Who is James Penrose and what is his connection to Harvilicz?
James Penrose is the co-founder of Tranquility AI with David Harvilicz. Penrose played a role in promoting debunked conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and assisted in efforts to seize voting machines.
What concerns have been raised about Harvilicz’s leadership?
Concerns have been raised about Harvilicz’s impartiality due to his past associations and public statements questioning the validity of Democratic electoral victories, as well as a shift in DHS priorities toward data gathering on voter rolls.
Given the complex and sensitive nature of election security, how might the background of a key official influence public confidence in the integrity of future elections?
