Montgomery, AL – Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, alongside Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, is advocating for the passage of House Bill 363 (HB 363), a measure aimed at banning foreign national influence in Alabama elections. The bill, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, seeks to prevent foreign nationals and foreign corporations from directly or indirectly contributing to political candidates or political action committees for elections, including candidates, constitutional amendments, and 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 Allen, emphasizing the importance of maintaining election integrity.
While foreign nationals are already prohibited from donating to political candidates or committees under federal law, loopholes have allowed foreign money to flow into campaigns related to ballot issues, such as constitutional amendments and referendums, across the U.S. According to Allen, these loopholes have allowed millions of dollars from foreign sources to influence important political decisions.
Allen, who previously sponsored the “Zuckerbucks” bill to prevent third-party donations in election-related funding, views HB 363 as another vital step in safeguarding Alabama’s elections. “During my time as a Legislator, I sponsored the ‘Zuckerbucks’ bill which prohibited third-party donations being used to fund election-related expenses,” he explained. “This legislation similarly fortifies the integrity of our elections by eliminating loopholes that foreign actors could use to influence and manipulate elections.”
Speaker Ledbetter also voiced strong support for the bill, calling it a “common-sense measure” that would further protect Alabama’s election system. “Foreign entities have zero business attempting to influence the decisions Alabamians make when casting their ballots,” Ledbetter said. “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.”
Lomax, who is proud to sponsor HB 363, emphasized the significance of protecting the electoral process from external influence. “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 remarked. “I am proud to advocate for legislation that promotes election integrity and safeguards Alabama elections against foreign influence.”
The bill’s passage is viewed as a proactive measure to address foreign interference and maintain the integrity of Alabama’s election system. Allen and Ledbetter thanked Lomax for his sponsorship and continued efforts to uphold election security.
For more details, you can read the full text of HB 363 here.
Wes Allen currently serves as Alabama’s 54th Secretary of State, overseeing elections and more than 1,000 other responsibilities under Alabama law. To learn more about the role of the Secretary of State, visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
