Election Certification Misinformation and the Funding Networks Behind It

Recent investigations have identified a network of non-profit organizations and political influencers that disseminated misleading advertisements regarding the certification of election results during the 2024 election cycle. These advertisements, which appeared in key swing states, incorrectly suggested that local election officials possessed the discretion to refuse the certification of vote counts. According to reports from ProPublica and Wisconsin Watch, election certification is a mandatory ministerial duty under state laws, not a discretionary action that officials can unilaterally withhold.

The Financial Infrastructure of Election Denial

Documents reviewed by The Guardian indicate that the campaign was supported by the Foundation for Accountability, Integrity & Research in Elections (FAIRE) Fund. This non-profit, incorporated in Delaware in 2023, has been linked to prominent figures associated with efforts to contest the 2020 presidential election. Cleta Mitchell, an attorney who advised Donald Trump on post-2020 election strategies, and Heather Honey, a researcher who previously produced reports questioning election integrity, are listed as directors of the fund.

Financial records show the FAIRE Fund provided significant capital to organizations involved in election-related messaging. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the fund granted $300,000 to the American Principles Project Foundation, the entity that paid for the advertisements claiming certification was optional. Furthermore, the FAIRE Fund allocated $1.875 million to the Article III Foundation and $285,000 to Urban Legend Media, a firm specializing in influencer marketing. Brendan Fischer, director of strategic investigations at the Campaign Legal Center, stated that these grants help build a broader infrastructure aimed at advancing fringe claims regarding election processes.

The Role of the Conservative Partnership Institute

The FAIRE Fund’s operations appear heavily reliant on the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), a Washington-based organization that supports conservative policy agendas. Tax documents reveal that the CPI, where Mitchell serves as a senior legal fellow, provided more than $6 million to the FAIRE Fund in 2024. The two organizations also share a registered business address. The funding facilitated a wide-reaching campaign, including the promotion of the “Save Act,” a federal bill proposed to require proof of citizenship for voter registration, which did not pass the 118th Congress.

Heather Honey’s Appointment and Government Oversight

The appointment of Heather Honey to a role within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has drawn scrutiny from voting rights advocates. Before entering government service, Honey produced research claiming that the number of votes cast in Pennsylvania during the 2020 election exceeded the number of registered voters—a claim that has been widely debunked by election officials and state audits. Critics argue that her presence in a federal elections role undermines public confidence in the department’s impartiality. As of early 2025, Honey remains in her position, and the DHS has not publicly addressed the specific concerns raised by watchdog groups regarding her previous research.

Key Facts on Election Certification

• Mandatory Duty: Election certification is a legal requirement for local officials once canvassing and legally mandated challenge processes are complete.
• Misleading Tactics: Advertisements in 2024 incorrectly suggested local clerks could serve as a check on results, a narrative countered by state election laws.
• Funding Sources: The Conservative Partnership Institute provided the majority of the $7.7 million raised by the FAIRE Fund since 2023.
• Influencer Ecosystem: Groups like Urban Legend Media were utilized to promote the “Only Citizens Vote” coalition and related legislative efforts.

While the 2024 election cycle has concluded, the influence of these organizations continues to shape political discourse. Michael McNulty, policy director at the watchdog group Issue One, noted that the interconnected nature of these groups suggests a long-term strategy designed to spread conspiracy theories and challenge the institutional integrity of American elections.