MONTGOMERY – A bill by State Rep. James Lomax to ban foreign national influence in Alabama elections has gained the backing of two of the state’s most powerful elected officials.
“Elections directly impact the day to day lives of every Alabamian. Protecting ballot initiative elections from foreign influence should be of great importance to every Alabamian,” Lomax (R-Huntsville) said. “I am proud to advocate for legislation that promotes election integrity and safeguards Alabama elections against foreign influence.”
House Bill 363 would ban foreign nationals and foreign corporations from directly or indirectly donating to political candidates or political action committees for any election for candidates, constitutional amendments, or referendums.
“Alabama’s hardworking men and women deserve to have their elections funded honestly, transparently, and without influence from foreign actors with America-last agendas,” said Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen.
Foreign nationals are already banned from donating to political candidates or committees under federal law. However, loopholes in the law have led to millions of foreign dollars being funneled to influence ballot issue campaigns, like constitutional amendments and referendums, across the United States. Additionally, state and local prosecutors need the ability to pursue instances of criminal foreign influence in our elections under state law.
“Alabamians deserve fair, secure, and transparent elections—period. During my time as a Legislator, I sponsored the ‘Zuckerbucks’ bill which prohibited third-party donations being used to fund election-related expenses,” Allen said. “Upon its passage, the Alabama elections process has been protected from inappropriate and unjustified third-party influence.
“This legislation similarly fortifies the integrity of our elections by eliminating loopholes that foreign actors could use to influence and manipulate elections.”
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said the bill is a common-sense measure of election integrity.
“Foreign entities have zero business attempting to influence the decisions Alabamians make when casting their ballots,” said Ledbetter (R-Rainsville). “Alabama’s elections are among the most secure in the United States, and Rep. Lomax’s legislation is a commonsense measure to ensure that remains the case.”
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