Bill 118 HR 4501, also known as the End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of prohibiting private funding of election administration. The bill specifically targets the practice of large corporations, such as Facebook (referred to as "Zuckerbucks" in the bill), providing financial support to state and local governments for election-related activities.
The End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 seeks to address concerns about the influence of private entities on the electoral process and ensure that election administration remains impartial and free from outside interference. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing corporations to fund election activities could lead to conflicts of interest and undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
If passed, the legislation would prohibit state and local governments from accepting financial assistance from private companies for election administration purposes. It would also require any funds received from private entities to be returned or used for other purposes not related to elections.
Opponents of the bill argue that it could limit the ability of state and local governments to adequately fund and administer elections, particularly in cases where public funding is insufficient. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on voter turnout and accessibility if resources for election-related activities are restricted.
Overall, the End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the role of private funding in the electoral process and the need to ensure transparency and fairness in elections. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the merits and potential consequences of the proposed legislation.