First Circuit rules Maine ban on foreign government election spending likely unconstitutional

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled on Friday that a law passed by Maine voters in 2023 prohibiting foreign government spending in elections is likely unconstitutional. The ruling underscores that the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on corporate contributions continues to control the campaign finance landscape, those on both sides of the issue said.

The decision, which affirmed a district court’s temporary stay on the state from enforcing the law, is not the final word, as it will next return to the lower court.

The law prevents foreign government-influenced entities, defined as companies with 5% or more foreign government ownership, from donating to state and local ballot measures. It also requires media outlets to establish policies to stop campaign ads from those prohibited entities.

Voters overwhelmingly approved the law in 2023 with 86% voting in support.




https://mainemorningstar.com/2025/07/14/first-circuit-rules-maine-ban-on-foreign-government-election-spending-likely-unconstitutional/