Douglass Mackey, also known as “Ricky Vaughn,” has been sentenced to seven months in prison for spreading deceptive internet memes during the 2016 presidential election. His meme encouraged people to vote for Hillary Clinton through text messages, saying, “Save Time Avoid The Line… Vote from home.” The prosecution argued that this misled Black and Latino voters and crossed into criminal territory, despite the protection of the First Amendment.

Mackey’s online influence was significant, with around 58,000 followers and recognition as the 107th most influential person in the 2016 election by the MIT Media Lab. His humorous memes persuaded people to text “Hillary” to a designated number, believing it was a vote. Judge Ann M. Donnelly called Mackey “one of the leading members” of a plot, stating it was an “assault on our democracy.” The U.S. Department of Justice reported he conspired with others to spread false messages.

This case raises concerns about free speech and its boundaries, as Mackey’s actions, seen as political satire by some, led to a conviction. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said it was an attempt to deprive people of their right to vote.