Although most voters do not think of 2103 as a federal election year, the federal PAC of a major international union was moving at an election-year pace in May, giving out $335,000 to federal candidates and committees as well as to organizations researching redistricting and voter data.

Machinists Non Partisan Political League of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 
reported

The PAC reported it voided a $150,000 check originally made out to the Presidential Inaugural Committee on Jan. 11.

The PAC also reported donating $250,000 to organizations dealing with redistricting and voter information. They gave $110,000 to the New Organizing Institute, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization to train community organizers and teach digital and data-driven decision making. It is run by Ethan Roeder, who ran the data department at the Obama presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

The PAC gave $70,000 to Fair Districts Now Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dealing with redistricting in Florida.

They also gave $70,000 to the National Democratic Redistricting Trust, a fund dealing with Democratic congressional redistricting efforts, and whose general counsel is Marc Elias of Perkins & Coie. The check was sent to Nicole Runge D’Ercole at 4C Partners in Washington, D.C.

The PAC also gave $10,000 to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No reason is given for this charitable donation from the PAC, but it could have political implications.