Ever wonder where a “grassroots” message comes from? If you start picking at a proverbial lawn, you may find that it’s not real grass under your feet at all.
In recent years, you’ve probably heard term “dark money” and “citizens united” increasingly thrown around in discussions about political campaigns and election integrity. Most of the time, you hear about it on a “big scale,” impacting National elections.
And while much attention is given to its influence on national elections, dark money also significantly impacts local elections, often with profound consequences.
What Is Dark Money?
Dark money refers to political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donors.
This lack of transparency means voters are unaware of who is behind the messages aiming to sway their opinions.
And that’s a big problem that requires a history lesson.
The Rise of Dark Money
The 2010 SCOTUS decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is best described as a cluster-f*ck of the most epic proportions.
It opened the floodgates for increased political spending by corporations and unions, leading to a surge in dark money. Since then, billions have been funneled into elections through opaque channels, with a significant portion targeting local races where financial oversight is often less stringent.
Astroturfing: Fake Grassroots, Real Manipulation
Sometimes, the grass is only greener on the other side because it’s fake.
Astroturfing is a deceptive tactic where dark money groups create the illusion of grassroots support for a candidate, policy, or position.
These efforts often include:
- Fake community organizations that spring up overnight
- Mass-produced (and compensated) letters to the editor, calls to action, or social media campaigns posing as concerned citizens
- Public comment flooding at city council meetings or zoning boards
In reality, these campaigns are orchestrated and funded by powerful interests, typically real estate developers, fossil fuel companies, law enforcement unions, or corporate lobbyists, all using dark money to mask their involvement.
The culprit? Reputation management firms often craft and then carry them out.
Astroturfing manipulates public perception and undermines genuine civic engagement by drowning out real community voices with well-funded, performative noise.
Impact on Local Elections and Issues
- Influence Over Outcomes: In local elections, where campaign budgets are typically modest, an influx of dark money can disproportionately influence outcomes. A single well-funded ad campaign can overshadow grassroots efforts, swaying public opinion and election results.
- Erosion of Trust: When voters cannot identify who is funding political messages, it breeds skepticism and undermines trust in the electoral process. This anonymity can lead to the spread of misinformation and reduce accountability.
- Policy Implications: Elected officials who benefit from dark money may feel beholden to their anonymous donors rather than their constituents, potentially leading to policy decisions that favor special interests over the public good.
Efforts Toward Transparency
Recognizing the challenges posed by dark money, some states have taken steps to enhance transparency. For instance, Alaska implemented a law requiring greater disclosure of political donations, a move upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024. Similarly, Arizona passed Proposition 211, mandating that donors contributing over $5,000 to political campaigns disclose their identities.
How do we fight back?
How Do We Fight Back?
There are a few quick and easy ways to determine who is behind the message and whether or not they’re being paid to push a belief.
Check for Repetition with No Substance
If the same phrases, hashtags, or talking points appear verbatim across different accounts, articles, or comment sections, especially from people who don’t seem connected…it’s a red flag.
Genuine grassroots efforts tend to have a diversity of voices and perspectives.
🔍 Look for word-for-word similarity and emotional appeals that avoid specifics.
Investigate the Messenger’s Background
Astroturf efforts often rely on accounts that:
Are recently created Have low engagement history (few posts, followers) Post only about one issue or always promote the same source
🔍 Use tools like WhoIs for websites or social media audit tools (like Botometer or Social Blade) to trace credibility.
Follow the Money or Agenda
Astroturfing usually serves a specific interest—corporate, political, or ideological. If you can trace the source of funding, endorsements, or promotional behavior back to a PR firm, lobby group, or well-funded initiative, chances are it’s not organic.
🔍 Look at disclosures, domain registrations, and campaign finance databases. Transparency is often missing in astroturf ops.
Wrapping It Up
Dark money poses a significant threat to the integrity of local elections by allowing undisclosed donors to exert undue influence over political outcomes. To safeguard democracy, it’s imperative to advocate for greater transparency in campaign financing, ensuring that voters are informed about who is attempting to influence their choices at the ballot box.
For more information on dark money and its impact on elections, visit OpenSecrets and the Brennan Center for Justice.
