Non US resident donating to a US political candidate

February 4, 2004 9:00 AM

Following a link from the blue, I ended up here. What would happen if I, as a non-US resident sent Dean - or any of the other candidates - money? Would it be likely to show up? Could they do anything to me? (I should emphasise that i have no intention of giving him a penny)
posted by biffa to Law & Government (4 answers total)

I'm pretty certain that as long as you follow the finance laws, you'd be OK. Politicians are sorta like the phone company in that way.
posted by cmonkey at 11:07 AM on February 4, 2004

Federal Statute states:

It shall be unlawful for a foreign national directly or through any other person to make any contribution of money or other thing of value, or to promise expressly or impliedly to make any such contribution, in connection with an election to any political office or in connection with any primary election, convention, or caucus held to select candidates for any political office; or for any person to solicit, accept, or receive any such contribution from a foreign national.

Though, I am not really sure what would happen to you, being a "foreign national"... I would assume the penalty would be on the campaign for accepting your money.
posted by Steve_at_Linnwood at 11:07 AM on February 4, 2004

or they bust you when you step off the plane. BAM!
posted by fishfucker at 12:17 PM on February 4, 2004

I contributed to Dennis Kucinich. I live in the UK, but I'm a US citizen. I was surprised there did not seem to be any extra step as a non-resident.
posted by Goofyy at 2:23 AM on February 5, 2004