Secretary of State Wes Allen and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter Pledge Support for Banning Foreign Influence in Alabama Elections

March 6, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL. – Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, is joined by Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter in support of HB 363- a ban on foreign national influence in Alabama elections. HB 363, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, would ban foreign nationals and foreign corporations from directly or indirectly donating to political candidates or political action committees for any election for candidates, constitutional amendments, or referendums.

"Alabama's hardworking men and women deserve to have their elections funded honestly, transparently, and without influence from foreign actors with America-last agendas," Allen said.

Foreign nationals are already banned from donating to political candidates or committees under federal law. However, loopholes in the law have led to millions of foreign dollars being funneled to influence ballot issue campaigns, like constitutional amendments and referendums, across the United States. Additionally, state and local prosecutors need the ability to pursue instances of criminal foreign influence in our elections under state law.

"Alabamians deserve fair, secure, and transparent elections-period. During my time as a Legislator, I sponsored the 'Zuckerbucks' bill which prohibited third-party donations being used to fund election-related expenses," Allen explained. "Upon its passage, the Alabama elections process has been protected from inappropriate and unjustified third-party influence. This legislation similarly fortifies the integrity of our elections by eliminating loopholes that foreign actors could use to influence and manipulate elections."

Speaker Ledbetter champions HB 363 as a common-sense measure of election integrity.

"Foreign entities have zero business attempting to influence the decisions Alabamians make when casting their ballots," said Speaker Ledbetter. "Alabama's elections are among the most secure in the United States, and Rep. Lomax's legislation is a commonsense measure to ensure that remains the case."

Representative Lomax is proud to sponsor legislation aimed at strengthening Alabama election law.

"Elections directly impact the day to day lives of every Alabamian. Protecting ballot initiative elections from foreign influence should be of great importance to every Alabamian," Lomax said. "I am proud to advocate for legislation that promotes election integrity and safeguards Alabama elections against foreign influence."

Secretary Allen and Speaker Ledbetter thank Representative James Lomax for sponsoring this legislation.

Read HB 363 here: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/HB363-int.pdf.

Wes Allen is Alabama's 54th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama's Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties visit http://www.sos.alabama.gov.