Missouri on just became the latest state to prohibit foreign entities from financing ballot measure campaigns, as Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 152 into law on Tuesday. Missouri is the 19th state to adopt such an explicit ban, and the ninth state to do so in 2025.
The legislation bars foreign nationals, governments, and entities from directly or indirectly contributing to ballot initiative campaigns, a response to growing concerns over foreign influence in US elections. Kehoe’s signing follows similar legislative action in Louisiana, where Gov. Jeff Landry approved House Bill 693 on June 20.
The first such ban was enacted nearly three decades ago in California, under the administration of then-Gov. Pete Wilson in 1997. Since then, momentum has grown as lawmakers nationwide seek to reinforce the integrity of ballot initiative processes—often seen as particularly vulnerable to large infusions of outside cash.
Of the 19 states with bans now in place, 11 had Republican trifectas (control of both legislative chambers and the governorship) at the time of enactment. Six had divided governments, and only two were under Democratic trifectas. This year’s surge has been overwhelmingly driven by Republican-led states — seven of the nine states enacting bans in 2025 fall into that category.
Lawmakers in several other states, including Idaho and North Carolina, are reportedly considering similar bans.
While Alaska’s laws require transparency for candidate elections, contributions to ballot measure campaigns can come from any source, including out-of-state entities, except foreign nationals, with no contribution limits.
Alaska has yet to join the growing list of states that have outlawed foreign money in initiative campaigns. The Last Frontier has is a target for Outside entities to push “citizen-led” ballot measures.
It’s about time to get this done before it’s too late.
It is saddening that our neighbors here in Anchorage support the foreign takeover of basic infrastructure to strengthen their faith in child genital mutilation, transgender conversions, failed public schools, and increased homelessness. When will successful people in Anchorage confront the mental illness of Anchorage’s leadership?
Let’s include the millions from out-of-state in the “foreign” definition. Non-Alaskans have a bigger influence on Alaska than Alaskans! When I write my senators or congressman, I get a form letter back with my name at the top (most of the time it’s not really even addressing the issues I raised) because if I do donate, it isn’t at the level of an actual response. However,, if I was giving substantial amounts like many outside donors, I my concerns would rate actual attention.