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Ohio Elections Commission determines foreign national cannot contribute to a ballot issue PAC

Monday, February 28, 2022

By Christopher N. Slagle, Gregory J. Lestini, Brock A. Miskimen, Matthew R. Koppitch, Rachael N. Mains

The Ohio Elections Commission recently issued an advisory opinion addressing whether a foreign national can contribute to a ballot issue political action committee (PAC) in Ohio.

The Ohio Elections Commission determined that R.C. 3517.13 (W) prohibits a foreign national from contributing to a ballot issue PAC in Ohio. This question was raised due to a recent decision from the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), in which it dismissed a similar pending matter because it did not have enough linkage between an election involving a candidate that sufficiently invoked the FEC jurisdiction. However, Ohio law differs, and therefore the Ohio Elections Commission jurisdiction differs from the FEC’s jurisdiction.

This is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal advice and does not create or imply an attorney-client relationship.

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Authors

Christopher N. Slagle Partner & Government Relations Chair

Columbus 614.227.8826 VCard

Marietta 740.374.2248

Gregory J. Lestini Partner & Financial Services/Insurance Chair

Columbus 614.227.4893 VCard

Marietta 740.374.2248

Brock A. Miskimen Of Counsel

Columbus 614.227.2340 VCard

Matthew R. Koppitch Senior Associate

Columbus 614.227.8824 VCard

Rachael N. Mains Associate

Columbus 614.227.4851 VCard

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Ohio Elections Commission determines foreign national cannot contribute to a ballot issue PAC

Authors

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