Ohio House Passes Bills to Ban Foreign Interference in Ohio Elections, Ensure Both Major Political Parties Appear on Ballot

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 1, legislation to close a loophole in current law and ban foreign funding in state ballot issue campaigns, announced State Rep. Dave Dobos (R-Columbus).

Under current state and federal law, it is illegal for foreign nationals to donate to political candidates, but ballot issues are not addressed. By extending current law to ban foreign donations to state ballot issues, this legislation aims to protect Ohio’s election integrity and ensure foreign influence does not sway election results.

“Ohio’s constitution is sacred and foreign nationals have no business swaying historic decisions that may change it,” said Dobos. “I am pleased the House took action to ban foreign influence in state ballot issues.”

House Bill 1 will achieve the following: 

• Prohibit direct and indirect contributions from foreign nationals;
• Ban the spending, including independent expenditures, of funds tied to foreign nationals; and
• Ensure independent investigatory and enforcement power by the Ohio Attorney General.

The Ohio House today also passed House Bill 2, legislation sponsored by Dobos that will delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2024 general election, ensuring that candidates from both major political parties appear on Ohio’s ballots. 

“We have a responsibility to ensure every registered voter has the chance to vote for his candidate for president,” said Dobos during his floor speech.⿯“I also believe this change will increase voter turnout for our conservative candidates.” 

House Bills 1 and 2 now head to the Ohio Senate for consideration.