Appeals Court Lets Ohio Enforce Law Banning Foreign Nationals From Spending on Campaigns

‘Ohio has a compelling interest in preventing foreign influence in its elections,’ Judge Amul Thapar said.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 6, 2018. Justin Merriman/Getty Images

A federal appeals court on Oct. 8 enabled Ohio to enforce a law that bans foreigners from spending on ballot campaigns, reversing a ruling from a lower court.

The law does not violate the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment because it is targeting a compelling interest and is narrowly tailored, a majority of a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit panel ruled.