A strong bipartisan majority of eight-in-ten voters favor Congress banning foreign individuals and entities from spending money to influence ballot initiatives. Support is robust across party affiliation (Republicans 77%, Democrats 84%, independents 74%) and congressional districts (very red districts 74%, very blue districts 80%).
While federal law prohibits foreign entities from spending money to influence elections, the Federal Elections Commission ruled last year that the law does not apply to ballot measures. States can prohibit foreign funding of ballot measures, and seven states have done so. Federal legislation prohibiting any foreign spending to influence ballot measures has been introduced by both Democrats and Republicans and is pending in Congress.
In an innovative survey of 2,702 registered voters by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, respondents went through a “policymaking simulation” designed to put citizens in the shoes of policymakers. Voters were given a briefing on the proposal, asked to evaluate pro and con arguments and then to make their final recommendation. The content was reviewed in advance by experts from both sides for accuracy and balance and to ensure the best arguments were being presented. CONTINUED
Program for Public Consultation, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland
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