Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is urging residents to report any suspected foreign interference in ballot campaigns, following the enactment of Senate Bill 152, known as the Foreign Influence in Ballot Measures Act. The law gives Hanaway’s office the authority to investigate foreign-sourced funding that could influence the state’s ballot initiatives, according to an official announcement.
"Election integrity isn’t just about casting a ballot; it’s about ensuring that those who seek to influence Missouri’s elections are Americans, not foreign actors," Hanaway said in an official announcement. The new law prohibits a range of activities, including donations from foreign governments and entities, as well as financial influence from foreign individuals in Missouri ballot measures.
The Attorney General's Office has created a reporting system that allows the public to submit information through a Foreign Contribution Reporting Form. This enables residents to notify authorities of questionable funding sources connected to ballot measures. Hanaway emphasized that community participation is important for maintaining accountability and transparency in state elections.
Under SB 152, investigations into potential foreign influence include strict privacy protections. Attorney General Hanaway’s office cannot disclose the details of any entity or tax-exempt donor under review unless a violation is confirmed, in compliance with Missouri’s Personal Privacy Protection Act. Members of the public can submit information through the state’s website to help identify possible concerns and support the integrity of Missouri’s elections.
