Foreign Money In Ballot Initiatives

Twenty Four states are looking a legislation to keep foreign money out

States across America are wakin’ up to a sneaky loophole that let foreign money slip into our elections—especially ballot measures—without most folks knowin’. Federal law already blocks foreign nationals from givin’ to candidates, but ballot initiatives stayed wide open for outside cash to sway votes on big issues. Now, momentum’s buildin’: up to two dozen states could pass bans this year, followin’ nine that already did in recent months. Bills target foreign contributions to these measures, aimin’ to keep decisions in American hands only. It’s bipartisan pushin’ in places like Alabama, Michigan, and more—protectin’ our votes from foreign meddlin’ and restorin’ trust in the process. (89 words)

• Original article — 2026-02-22, Daily Signal, More States Moving to Close Election Funding Loophole Few Voters Knew Existed
  The piece reports a risin’ wave: as many as 24 states eyein’ laws to ban foreign fundin’ of ballot measures this year, buildin’ on nine states that passed similar bans since late 2024. While federal rules stop foreign cash to candidates, ballot initiatives were a big loophole—lettin’ outsiders influence U.S. laws. Momentum shows in advanced bills in Alabama, Arizona, Michigan, and Iowa; strong talk in Nebraska, Florida, Georgia. Caitlin Sutherland of Americans for Public Trust calls it rejectin’ foreign fundin’ nationwide.
  Read More: https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/22/more-states-moving-to-close-election-funding-loophole-few-voters-knew-existed/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=how-trump-should-respond-to-political-violence-in-state-of-the-union

• Related article 1 — 2026-02-13, Ballotpedia, Twenty-five states weigh legislation on foreign funding in elections
  Ballotpedia tracks 25 states considerin’ 64 bills (new or carried over) on foreign fundin’ in elections this session. Focus includes bans on foreign contributions to candidates and ballot measures. Twelve bills advanced one chamber already—includin’ Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia for ballot measures; Arizona, Hawaii, New York, South Dakota for broader bans. Builds on 37 states with some foreign contribution limits, pushin’ to plug loopholes post-Citizens United.
  Read More: https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/02/13/twenty-five-states-weigh-legislation-on-foreign-funding-in-elections-2/

• Related article 2 — 2026-02-06, Michigan House GOP (via gophouse.org), House advances Rep. Smit’s plan to block dangerous foreign influence over Michigan elections
  Michigan’s House pushed forward bills (led by Rep. Rachelle Smit) to close loopholes allowin’ foreign-backed money in ballot initiatives and election admin. Passed overwhelmingly, aimin’ to ensure Michigan elections stay decided by Michigan voters—not foreign interests. Targets gaps in federal/state law where foreign cash flows into proposals. Ties to broader fight for election integrity and public confidence.
  Read More: https://gophouse.org/posts/house-advances-rep-smits-plan-to-block-dangerous-foreign-influence-over-michigan-elections

• Related article 3 — 2026-02-04, Alabama Reporter, House passes legislation banning foreign influence in Alabama elections
  Alabama’s House approved measures closin’ federal loopholes for foreign dark money in ballot campaigns. Focus on stoppin’ outside cash from swayin’ state issues via initiatives. Part of growin’ state-level push to reinforce bans on foreign contributions where federal rules leave gaps, keepin’ influence American-only.
  Read More: https://www.alreporter.com/2026/02/04/house-passes-legislation-banning-foreign-influence-in-alabama-elections

Detail for Georgia

HB963 - Elections; prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to or participating in any campaign

Sponsors

- Victor Anderson (R) - State Representative
- Shaw Blackmon (R) - State Representative
- John Carson (R) - State Representative
- Tim Fleming (R) - State Representative
- Chuck Martin (R) - State Representative

Bill Summary

As introduced, this bill: 

Defines foreign national as any individual who is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, as well as any foreign government, political party, or business. The definition includes a U.S. entity that is wholly owned by a foreign national unless certain conditions are met.

Requires campaign committee registrations to include a certification affirming that no activity was funded by one or more foreign nationals.

Requires reports for campaign committees and constitutional amendment or referendum committees to include a certification affirming that no donors are foreign nationals. They must also affirm that the committee has not knowingly or willfully received, solicited, or accepted direct or indirect contributions or expenditures from foreign nationals totaling more than $100,000 within the four years preceding the contribution date.

Prohibits foreign nationals from directing, dictating, controlling, or participating in the decision-making process of any person’s activities to influence the campaign for or against a constitutional amendment, statewide referendum, or statewide, county, or municipal question.

Prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly soliciting donations, contributions, or expenditures by another person to influence the approval or rejection of a constitutional amendment, statewide referendum, or statewide, county, or municipal question.

Requires committees campaigning for or against a constitutional amendment, statewide referendum, or statewide, county, or municipal question to obtain an affirmation from donors upon receipt of a contribution that the person is not a foreign national and has not knowingly or willfully accepted funds in excess of $100,000 from foreign nationals within the four years preceding the contribution date.

Requires that investigations of possible violations shield the identity of lawful donors to the maximum extent possible.