Dark money refers to political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donors. These organizations, often known as dark money groups, can spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections and policy outcomes without revealing the sources of their funding.

One example of dark money is the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In this landmark Supreme Court case, the court ruled that corporations and unions have the same free speech rights as individuals and can spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns. This decision opened the door for the rise of dark money in politics.

Dark money groups can use various strategies to influence elections. They may fund issue advocacy ads that don't explicitly endorse a candidate but still promote a particular political agenda. These ads often flood the airwaves during election seasons, shaping public opinion without disclosing who is funding the message.

Another tactic used by dark money groups is funding Super PACs (Political Action Committees). Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose candidates, as long as they don't coordinate directly with the candidate's campaign. This allows dark money donors to funnel money through Super PACs, concealing their identities.

One prominent example of dark money influence is the Koch brothers' network. Charles and David Koch, billionaire industrialists, have used their vast wealth to fund various conservative organizations and causes. Through their network, they have been able to influence elections, fund think tanks, and shape public policy without revealing the full extent of their involvement.

The impact of dark money on democracy is a subject of concern for many. Critics argue that it undermines transparency and accountability in the political process, as voters are left in the dark about who is funding the messages they are exposed to. This lack of transparency can erode public trust in the political system and lead to undue influence by wealthy individuals and corporations.

Efforts to address the issue of dark money include advocating for stricter campaign finance laws and pushing for greater disclosure requirements. Organizations like the Center for Responsive Politics and Issue One work to track and expose dark money spending, shedding light on the influence of undisclosed donors.

In conclusion, dark money refers to political spending by nonprofit organizations that do not disclose their donors. This practice allows wealthy individuals, corporations, and interest groups to influence elections and policy outcomes without transparency. The rise of dark money has raised concerns about the integrity of the democratic process and the influence of undisclosed donors.