Why It Matters

An LDA filing summary shows Project for Election Infrastructure ended its lobbying engagement with Audax Strategies LLC effective Aug. 31, and the termination filing was signed Sept. 25. Melstner Strategies formally registered the engagement on behalf of Project for Election Infrastructure.

Audax Strategies reported $32,025 in compensation for the third quarter in the termination filing. The firm earned $222,075 total from the client over approximately 18 months of representation beginning in early 2025.

Project for Election Infrastructure represented Audax's largest disclosed client by compensation during the engagement. City of Altus, Okla., was another key client focused on defense and appropriations matters.

Broader Context

The work covered Government Issues and Budget/Appropriations, and Audax's filings described its lobbying as focused on funding Help America Vote Act grants in the Financial Services and General Government appropriations process and alternative methods to fund elections.

The filings did not identify specific legislation by bill number, but they did identify the underlying lobbying objectives. Audax reported lobbying for Help America Vote Act grant funding in Financial Services and General Government appropriations bills, the continuing resolution, and alternative methods to fund elections.

Separate filings for the same client by Meltsner Strategies LLC identified funding for Election Security Grants in H.R. 5166, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, and later in H.R. 8495, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act.

The client was mentioned in four hearing statements across three distinct hearings, including two references in a House Administration Subcommittee on Elections hearing titled "Examining Best Practices for Strengthening Election Security." The May 20 hearing examined physical and cybersecurity measures for elections and federal resources available to state and local election officials.

The Bottom Line

As the Audax engagement ended, Project for Election Infrastructure shifted its federal lobbying representation. In September, the project registered with Alignment Government Strategies and First Amendment Partners LLC, with registrations effective Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, respectively.

Alignment Government Strategies' registration listed Jim Meltsner, Jenny DiJames, and Mike Beer as lobbyists on the account. Beer disclosed prior congressional service with Rep. David Hobson (R-OH). First Amendment Partners LLC listed Rex Wackerle as a lobbyist on the account, covering Government Issues and Accounting matters.

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