In the 2020 election, Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg channeled money to the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL), which used the money to boost Democrat turnout. Now CTCL is eyeing a new avenue to influence the 2024 elections. In a recent move, CTCL has set its sights on a massive federal grant program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). By facilitating applications to this program, CTCL could potentially funnel over $700 million to election offices during the upcoming election cycle. This initiative is shrouded in the guise of assisting in applications for FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program.
The BRIC program, initially intended for hazard mitigation and disaster resilience, is now being creatively interpreted by CTCL to include elections as a “critical service.” This interpretation stretches the original purpose of the program far beyond its intended scope, potentially diverting funds meant for natural disaster relief to election offices. CTCL’s plan to host a webinar to guide election officials through the grant application process signals their intent to continue their influence in the electoral process.
CTCL’s involvement in the 2020 election raised eyebrows. Their funding significantly impacted election offices in key Democrat areas, supporting administrative practices and voting methods favorable to Democrat candidates. This led to a wave of legislation across numerous states to ban or regulate private funding in elections. However, by pivoting to federal funding, CTCL is attempting to circumvent these state laws, potentially replicating their 2020 strategies on an even larger scale.
It’s crucial to recognize that the role of election offices is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the voting process, not to engage in voter turnout initiatives that can have partisan effects. The injection of significant additional funds into these offices, especially under the guidance of organizations like CTCL, raises concerns about the impartiality of the electoral process. The fact that these efforts are backed by a group known for its partisan activities only adds to the apprehension.
This development is a clear signal that lawmakers and concerned citizens need to be vigilant. The use of federal funds, especially those intended for disaster relief, to potentially influence election outcomes is a matter of grave concern. The activities of CTCL and its allied organizations in the lead-up to the 2024 elections warrant close scrutiny. It is essential to ensure that our election system remains free from undue influence and manipulation, preserving the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
