Guardian review finds group tied to Cleta Mitchell and Heather Honey funded misleading ads in swing states As the 2024 election approached, advertisements began popping up in key swing states suggesting local officials had discretion not to certify elections. The advertisements, reported at the time by ProPublica and Wisconsin Watch , were misleading. Certification is not optional, and officials are required to certify the vote once the proper process for any election challenges are complete and an official challenge is complete.