Georgia lawmakers approve legislation to reduce foreign interference in elections

Georgia Takes Action to Secure Elections from Foreign⁢ Interference

Lawmakers in Georgia ‌have taken a significant step towards safeguarding the⁣ integrity of ‌their state’s elections by passing Senate Bill ​368, a⁤ crucial piece of legislation aimed at curbing foreign influence in the electoral process. This important bill is ⁢currently awaiting the approval of Governor Brian ⁢Kemp.

A Bipartisan Effort to Protect Democracy

The bipartisan Senate Bill 368 received overwhelming ‌support, ⁢passing⁣ unanimously in the state Senate and with a resounding 161-2 vote in the state‌ House. The‍ bill not only aligns with federal law prohibiting political ​donations from foreign ​nationals but also prohibits foreign entities⁣ from contributing‍ to political campaigns and candidates within Georgia.

This groundbreaking legislation also mandates ‌that individuals acting ​as representatives of foreign entities, specifically in relation to political donations, must register with the Georgia ⁤State Ethics Commission. Advocates of the​ bill, such as​ Republican⁤ state Rep. ⁣Matt Reeves, emphasize that this⁤ measure will help mitigate the​ undue influence of external actors on Georgia’s ⁤democratic processes.

Representative Reeves articulated, “Ensuring the sanctity⁢ of the ballot box in Georgia is paramount, reserved exclusively for⁢ our citizens ⁣and shielded from⁣ foreign⁤ interference ​and monetary influence on our elections.”

Championing Election Integrity

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has been⁣ a ‍vocal advocate for this legislation, describing it as a ​”commonsense measure⁣ to safeguard Georgia elections‌ against foreign interference.” Raffensperger underlined the necessity‌ for Georgia voters to have confidence in the integrity⁢ of their electoral system, ensuring that representatives of foreign entities disclose their involvement transparently.

Raffensperger emphasized the broad, bipartisan support garnered by the ⁣bill, illustrating ‍the unity around the fundamental principle that American elections should be ‌safeguarded for Americans alone. The ⁢unwavering commitment to election integrity is a top priority for Georgians⁢ and their elected representatives.

Given Georgia’s pivotal ⁤role as a hotly ‌contested state ‍in national elections, particularly the upcoming presidential election between President ⁤Joe Biden​ and former President Donald Trump, the need for robust election safeguards ⁢is paramount.⁤ Georgia,‍ alongside other swing ⁣states, has been proactive in enacting measures to enhance election security ‍following the contentious ‍2020 election.

As the Peach State prepares for⁤ another high-stakes⁤ election, the passage of Senate⁤ Bill 368 stands as a testament to ⁤Georgia’s dedication to upholding the democratic process and fortifying its elections against external interference.