Our republic faces a mounting threat: foreign money and influence infiltrating our electoral system. As legislators, we must address this issue head-on and ensure that our elections remain free, fair, and reflective of the values of the people. I have recently introduced a resolution that supports a constitutional amendment to restore state authority over campaign finance laws—a critical step to safeguarding the integrity of our democratic process and reaffirming Utah’s commitment to federalism and self-governance.
The Urgency of This Moment
The need for this amendment has never been more apparent. According to The Problem of Foreign Money in Politics, a recent report by American Promise, foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are seeking opportunities to influence our elections, including exploiting loopholes in our campaign finance system. These actors may use dark money networks to funnel millions into elections, spreading misinformation and destabilizing our democratic processes.
As Utahns, we value transparency and fairness. Yet, under the current centralized system, states are limited in their ability to regulate foreign campaign contributions and spending. This has allowed foreign interests to infiltrate our electoral system, compromising voter trust and undermining the foundation of our democracy.
Restoring State Sovereignty
Decades of misguided precedent from the Supreme Court have limited Utah’s ability to address this issue head-on. States that have tried to protect their elections from foreign interference are seeing their efforts tied up in court, and their laws are challenged by the very foreign actors taking advantage of the current system.
By supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, we empower states to regulate campaign finance laws in ways that reflect the values and priorities of their citizens. This resolution focuses on restoring the balance of power between states and the federal government. Utah knows what is best for Utah.
Our state’s strong tradition of federalism underscores the importance of local governance. Utahns believe that decisions about our elections should be made here at home, not dictated by or influenced through foreign actors. This amendment ensures that our elections reflect Utah values, protecting our democratic processes from undue influence.
Defending Against Foreign Influence
The dangers of foreign money in our elections are real and immediate. As outlined in the American Promise report, foreign adversaries have leveraged dark money organizations to bypass existing disclosure laws, channeling funds into political initiatives that serve their interests. These activities threaten the integrity of our elections and erode public confidence in our democratic institutions.
This resolution is a critical step toward rallying the states to encourage closing these loopholes. By supporting stricter controls on foreign money and increasing transparency, we can safeguard our elections from manipulation. Utah’s leadership on this issue sends a powerful message: We will not allow foreign adversaries to compromise our republic.
Setting a National Example
Utah’s proactive stance on this issue is a model for other states to follow. By taking this bold step, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting our republic and strengthening federalism. Our resolution reflects the will of the people, as Utahns overwhelmingly support action against dark money and foreign interference in elections.
As the sponsor of this resolution, I am proud to advocate for this critical amendment with my colleagues. We have an opportunity to lead by example and show the nation that states can reclaim their rightful role in safeguarding democracy.
A Call to Action
This resolution declares our values as Utahns and Americans. Protecting our elections from foreign influence should not be a partisan issue. I urge my fellow lawmakers and citizens to support this resolution and join the movement to restore state sovereignty and defend our elections.
Together, we can ensure that our democratic processes remain free from undue influence and true to the principles that define our great state. Let us rise to this challenge and protect the future of our republic.
Senator Kirk Cullimore is the Senate Majority Leader in the Utah State Senate.
