A federal judge blocked Ohio’s ban on foreign nationals and green card holders contributing to ballot campaigns, ruling that the law violated the First Amendment rights of non-U.S. citizens living legally in the United States. The judge stated that while Ohio lawmakers may have a legitimate interest in protecting ballot issues from foreign influence, the law missed the mark by not applying to foreign companies and potentially violating the rights of lawful permanent residents. The ban was added to a bill changing the deadline for presidential nominees to make the Ohio ballot, with penalties for violations including fines and criminal charges. Republican lawmakers had warned that the ban could be challenged in court, and the judge’s ruling on Saturday proved them right. The lawsuit challenging the ban was filed by various organizations and individuals, including a German citizen and a Canadian citizen living in Ohio. The judge emphasized that the First Amendment protects the rights of foreign nationals to participate in political speech, as well as the rights of U.S. citizens to hear that speech. The ruling was seen as a victory for free speech and the rights of lawful permanent residents in Ohio.
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Federal judge halts Ohio prohibition on foreign contributions to ballot initiatives
