US EditionMaine can’t enforce foreign election interference law that appeals court calls unconstitutional
Maine voters approved the ban by 86% in 2023 after concerns of foreign influence from a Canadian-owned utility, but a federal court ruled it likely violates the First Amendment.
- In 2023, Maine voters passed a law that prohibits foreign governments and entities with at least 5% foreign government ownership from contributing financially to state referendum campaigns.
- The law was enacted after a Canadian-owned utility invested millions to sway a Maine project in which it holds a stake, with the goal of restricting foreign interference in elections.
- Federal lawsuits from utilities and media organizations challenged the law’s constitutionality, arguing it likely violates the First Amendment, as affirmed by an appeals court in July.
- Judge Lara Montecalvo expressed that the ban casts too wide a net, effectively preventing U.S. companies from engaging in political speech simply due to the potential influence of foreign shareholders who may not have any active role or control.
- As a result, Maine cannot enforce the law while legal challenges continue, and supporters like Rick Bennett say the fight to save the law is ongoing.
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Associated Press News+21 Reposted by 21 other sources
Maine can't enforce foreign election interference law that appeals court calls unconstitutional
Maine can’t enforce a voter-approved foreign election interference law that a federal appeals court says likely violates the Constitution by limiting political donations.
·United States
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Total News Sources24
Leaning Left9Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 47%
C 53%
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