Federal investigators questioned officials at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections more than a year before the FBI’s recent search of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, according to a new report from Signal Ohio.
The report sheds new light on an investigation that has drawn statewide attention following last week’s FBI search of the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a nonprofit organization involved in voter registration and community organizing efforts.
Questions Focused on Voter Registrations
According to Signal Ohio, FBI agents contacted Cuyahoga County elections officials in early 2025 regarding voter registration forms submitted by canvassers working for Black Fork Strategies, a consulting firm owned by Ohio Organizing Collaborative founder Kirk Noden.
Tony Kaloger, deputy director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, told Signal Ohio that federal agents followed up on complaints previously submitted by county elections officials regarding voter registration forms that had been flagged as questionable.
Among the concerns cited by elections officials were voter registration applications that allegedly included the names of deceased individuals. Elections officials had previously reported those concerns to state authorities before federal investigators became involved.
Investigation Predates Recent FBI Search
The timeline suggests federal interest in the matter began well before last week’s search of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative office in Cleveland.
According to the report, FBI agents met with elections officials and requested voter registration records during their inquiry. Kaloger said he heard little more about the matter until news broke that federal agents had searched the nonprofit’s offices and questioned current and former staff members.
Last week’s operation reportedly included the seizure of electronic equipment and interviews with individuals connected to the organization across Ohio.
Federal authorities have not publicly detailed the full scope of the investigation or announced any criminal charges.
Political Reactions Follow Search
The FBI search has generated strong reactions from elected officials and voting rights advocates.
Critics have questioned the timing of the investigation as Ohio prepares for major statewide elections later this year. Several Democratic leaders have called for greater transparency regarding the investigation and its purpose.
Supporters of the investigation argue that election officials have a responsibility to examine allegations involving voter registration activity and ensure the accuracy of voter rolls. Questions surrounding voter registration practices have been a recurring topic in Ohio election discussions in recent years.
No Charges Announced
At this point, federal investigators have not announced charges against the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, Black Fork Strategies, or any individuals connected to the organizations.
The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice have largely declined public comment on the investigation.
For now, the newly reported discussions between federal agents and Cuyahoga County elections officials provide additional context for an investigation that continues to raise questions across Ohio’s political landscape. Whether the inquiry ultimately results in criminal charges or other enforcement actions remains unclear.
State and federal officials have indicated the investigation remains ongoing.