Prediction markets are everywhere ahead of November’s midterm election, and manipulating their election contracts can be achieved with be a small investment. New research from the Anti-Corruption Data Collective, shared exclusively with CNBC, found that moving most campaign-related prediction markets costs less than the maximum personal campaign contribution allowed under federal law: $3,500. A $3,500 bet can move 97% of midterm-related prediction markets by five cents or more, the report found. The ACDC works with journalists, data analysts, academics and policy advocates. The report by the coalition, which says its mission is to expose corruption, raises questions about whether individuals can easily manipulate election-related markets in an attempt to create a real-world outcome. “A manipulated price can ripple through the information ecosystem as if it reflected real momentum,” the report reads. “Not only do the conditions exist in the majority of markets, it may have already happened.” The report comes as prediction markets surge in popularity around the country, offering thousands of election-related markets for bettors to participate in. Top prediction markets like Kalshi and …