AI and Election Disinformation
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Release Date: 09/04/2024
Legislative Update
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Legislative season is underway, and we’re seeing a wave of proposals that could significantly reshape the operating environment for nonprofits and advocacy organizations. We’re tracking over 1,000 bills across the country, and while some of them do positive things, like make improvements to our electoral system or increase voter turnout, unfortunately, most of these measures are taking aim at impactful nonprofit advocacy. These proposals collectively reflect an erosion of the civic space in the nonprofit ecosystem. We’re here to break down some of the key trends and help you stay...
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Litigation Update
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this edition, we open up the docket and get an update on the variety of court cases that impact tax-exempt organizations and their ability to advocate on the issues they care about. And to help with that, we’re joined once again by friend of the pod Emma Olson Sharkey from Elias Law Group to help demystify what’s happening in the courts and how it might impact you and your work. Attorneys for this episode Brittany Hacker Leonard Tim Mooney Emma Olson Sharkey – Elias Law Group Shownotes 501(c)(4) political activity Freedom Path, Inc. v. IRS (D.D.C.) Memorial Hermann Accountable...
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College Athletics, NIL and Nonprofits
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
One of the hottest topics in college athletics turns out to be about nonprofits. This episode unpacks how nonprofit colleges and third-party NIL collectives support individual student athletes, the governance and tax questions that follow, and what the recent NCAA settlement means for oversight and compliance. We also look ahead to emerging federal regulation and how nonprofits might engage in shaping what comes next. Attorneys for this Episode · Tim Mooney · Victor Rivera Why NIL Is a Nonprofit Issue ...
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Ask Us Anything: Voter Registration
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
In this episode, we’re answering questions from organizations about voter registration, which is, of course, timely given the upcoming midterm election season. Since these activities occur within an electoral framework, it's crucial to keep various legal aspects in mind while crafting and executing your voter registration campaigns. We’ll discuss the key considerations related to nonprofit tax law, federal election law, and state law. Attorneys for this episode Sarah Efthymiou Susan Finkle Sourlis Monika Graham Voter Registration ...
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Public Charities Can Lobby!
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we’re going back-to-basics to discuss the rules that apply when nonprofits engage in lobbying activities. With legislative sessions ramping-up in several states, it’s important to take time to understand the lobbying limits and definitions that apply to your organization’s advocacy. But, it’s even more important to recognize that public charities can lobby and advocate for or against legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. So, rally your staff and volunteers, and speak up, because...
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2026 Resolutions
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Happy 2026! As policy shifts and new advocacy opportunities emerge, the Bolder Advocacy team is here to guide nonprofits so they can continue to advocate boldly while remaining compliant and effective. We’re kicking off the year with our Top 10 nonprofit New Year’s resolutions to help your organization thrive. Attorneys for This Episode Monika Graham Victor Rivera Labiosa Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort Top 10 2026 Resolutions: 1. Deepen Mission Alignment Clarity fuels momentum. Revisit your...
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Celebrating Advocacy Wins
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
It’s been a long year, and while progressive movements have faced real setbacks, that’s not the whole story. Across the country, nonprofits and the communities they serve pushed for justice and secured meaningful victories worth lifting up. On this episode, we celebrate several advocacy wins from 2025. Attorneys for this episode: Maggie Ellinger-Locke, she/her Susan Finkle Sourlis, she/her Melissa Marichal Zayas, she/her Link: Show Notes: · Economic Justice o In May, Washington became...
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Nonprofits Under Siege: Don’t Panic, Prepare!
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
In recent months, the threats facing nonprofit organizations have continued to develop at a furious pace. In the face of challenges like funding reductions and congressional investigations, nonprofits are taking the time to shore up their defenses and prepare for what’s to come. On this episode, we’ll discuss several recent events that have the sector talking so that your nonprofit can take the steps necessary to ensure your continued ability to boldly advocate on behalf of your communities. Attorneys for this episode · Brittany Hacker Leonard ...
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Giving Thanks
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we gather around the virtual table and share three success stories for nonprofit advocacy that may help to put a smile on your face and give you something positive to reflect on, in a year that could use a lot more of that. Attorneys for this episode · Tim Mooney · Quyen Tu · Sarah Efthymiou Shownotes UNIDOS MN Action and the power of advocacy · Driver’s licenses for undocumented people revoked in MN 2003 ...
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Election Season Prep
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Whether it be local elections or picking a new president, election season seems to always be lurking around the corner, so on today’s episode we’re unpacking what it means for 501(c)(3)s to remain nonpartisan and how these nonprofits can safely engage in several different types of advocacy during election season. Attorneys for this episode Monika Graham Melissa Marichal Zayas Sarah Efthymiou Remaining Nonpartisan: The rule is clear: 501(c)(3) organizations cannot engage in any activity or make statements that suggest...
info_outlineAs AI continues to advance, its potential to influence elections and democracy, both positively and negatively, has become a critical issue. In this episode, we delve into the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and election disinformation with Jonathan Mehta Stein where he discusses how AI, particularly generative AI, can be used to create deepfakes and other misleading content that could destabilize elections, deceive voters, and potentially alter election outcomes. We also explore how nonprofits and community organizations can play a crucial role in combating this emerging threat.
Attorneys for this episode
Quyen Tu, Melissa Marichal Zayas
Guest: Jonathan Mehta Stein, Executive Director of California Common Cause and the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED)
1. Introduction to AI and Election Disinformation:
- Jonathan Mehta Stein introduces the concept of AI and its implications for democracy.
- Overview of CITED (California Initiative for Technology and Democracy) and its mission to protect democracy from AI-powered disinformation.
2. Understanding AI and Generative AI:
- Explanation of artificial intelligence, generative AI, and their applications in everyday life.
- Discussion of the potential dangers of AI when it comes to sensitive areas like crime prediction and loan approvals.
3. Deepfakes and Their Impact on Elections:
- Definition and examples of deepfakes—AI-generated videos or audio that portray people doing or saying things they never did.
- The global rise of deepfakes in elections, with examples from Taiwan, Slovakia, and the United States.
4. Local Elections and the Threat of Deepfakes:
- Jonathan shares concerns about deepfakes being used at the local level, where they may go unnoticed and could significantly impact election outcomes.
- The particular risks faced by communities of color, immigrant communities, and non-English speakers.
5. What Can Nonprofits and Community Members Do?
- Practical steps for verifying information and combating disinformation in your community.
- The importance of being a trusted messenger and educating your community about digital threats.
6. The Role of Tech Companies:
- How major tech companies are responding (or not) to the challenges posed by AI and disinformation.
- Discussion on the first U.S. presidential election where AI is playing a significant role.
7. Policy Solutions and Legislative Efforts:
- Overview of the legislation being proposed to regulate AI and disinformation in the election context.
- CITED’s policy framework for requiring digital watermarks and labeling AI-generated content.
8. Parting Thoughts:
- Jonathan's optimism about the nonprofit sector’s ability to rise to this new challenge, and the urgency of addressing these threats in the short term.
Resources
- www.cited.tech
- AI Threats in the Election
- Commenting on Candidates in Campaigns
- UC Berkeley IGS Poll on Digital Threats