Meeting Public Comments

Diane Holst []

Changes must be made to stop outside money going directly into our election process by any organization. In our last election cycle, the activities of The Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) are a first. Looking at CTCL as reference, this organization offered a simple application process. Once granted, the award letter from CTCL laid out their requirements to receive the money and the recipient told to report back by January 31st, 2021.In some counties these requirements seem very harmless; hazard pay, purchase PPE, cleaning supplies, etc. I can tell you from personal experience in working with individuals and organizations in other states that this was NOT always the case.You may or may not be aware that Polk county received over $1mil from CTCL. In my county, Scott, it was not necessary for our Board of Supervisors to approve the application for or receiving in of these dollars.In other states and cities that received CTCL money, there were requirements to establish a set amount of drop boxes, polling locations, vehicles to pick up ballots, etc. All established in the terms of their awards, or the money would be withdrawn if they did not fulfill the requirements.Of course, I do not mean PACs, private donations to campaigns, or organizations doing getoutthevote type activities. The private money going directly into our general elections is what has to be stopped.Iowa will not be immune to this influence. Please add language to stop this activity.