Non-US citizens CAN NOT donate to US-based RP ChipIns!

[IamVoting4RonPaul]

I am putting this notice here, as well as, the international forum because of the confusion about "foreigners" donating to ChipIns. Many of us, including myself, saw this as a great way to help "the world" donate to our various RP projects. However, I discovered this information yesterday from a Swiss Meetup group. . .

http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/foreign.shtml

Non US-citizens cannot directly or indirectly fund a US federal election campaign.

ChipIns are indirectly funding a campaign as far as I can tell. Is it worth getting the official campaign in hot water? I don't think it would be fair to Dr. Paul. Email and let me know what you think.

Lisa C.
Brisbane, Australia
iamvoting4ronpaul(at)mac.com

[UtahApocalypse]

I disagree. A chip-in is funding someone's own personal venture and activities. It is not controlled, directed, or funding the campaign in any way. Yes, I agree its a gray area. The fact of the matter though is its not implicitly spelled out.

[MozoVote]

It's still "indirect funding". The reality is I can't see the FEC spending the time to bust chips in the few hundred dollar range. The cost of an attorney just to file the paperwork to prosecute would cost more than that.

Someone raising a five figure amount could get smacked, though.

[paulpwns]

Thats not correct.

Also why would you name the thread a statement, only to have a question inside?

[American]

But if I was to sell you something on ebay and I just happened to take that money and donate it to the RP campaign, but didnt make that determination until after the sale I dont think it would be in violation.

short story long, I dont think its realistic to think we can get 10 million dollars in foreign funds, but a couple of hundred if not thousand I cant see this being a big deal.

[IamVoting4RonPaul]

A non-US citizen can go to the Ron Paul store on the official website and buy a t-shirt but cannot donate to the Pensacola billboard ChipIn.

For those of you soliciting and accepting donations from foreigners for ChipIns are doing Dr. Paul no favors. If you don't think "they" won't find something to use against him (especially as he becomes more popular) you are wrong. All Howard Dean had to do was go a little "kooky" at some public appearance and the media destroyed him (I was not a Dean supporter -- knew nothing about him).

If Ron Paul supporters overseas (except US expats and perm. residents) really want to help, they can advertise in their own backyards to raise awareness. There are more Americans living overseas than live in many US states.

Violating election laws during a campaign IS a big deal and they will be looking for violations.

Good luck to us all,

Lisa C.
Brisbane, Australia

[American]

A non-US citizen can go to the Ron Paul store on the official website and buy a t-shirt but cannot donate to the Pensacola billboard ChipIn.

For those of you soliciting and accepting donations from foreigners for ChipIns are doing Dr. Paul no favors. If you don't think "they" won't find something to use against him (especially as he becomes more popular) you are wrong. All Howard Dean had to do was go a little "kooky" at some public appearance and the media destroyed him (I was not a Dean supporter -- knew nothing about him).

If Ron Paul supporters overseas (except US expats and perm. residents) really want to help, they can advertise in their own backyards to raise awareness. There are more Americans living overseas than live in many US states.

Violating election laws during a campaign IS a big deal and they will be looking for violations.

Good luck to us all,

Lisa C.
Brisbane, Australia

I agree, if this is done intentional to avoid or circumvent the law then I am sure everyone can agree this is not in the best interest to Dr. Paul. I am also sure that there might be times when people start out with one intention but actually act on another.

Thanks for the information, and the link from your research.

I do find your post somewhat interesting about contributions to Dr. Paul when you clearly live in Australia buy your own admission, can you vote for Ron Paul in Australia as you name suggests?

[szczebrzeszyn]

Wether it's illegal or not, I don't think it's a good idea anyway. It's up to you - Americans - to go to vote and win. I sometimes help people like Palast etc. and I remember getting an email from them telling me, that they have more support from the world than USA. And they mostly investigate YOUR issues!. Something is wrong here...
You have some huge amount of work in front of you, but I believe you can make it. I hope that enough citizens will finally wake up and realize it's not some lala land anymore. I'm urging my CA-based relatives to vote for RP, but it's not THAT easy!

[TechnoGuyRob]

What's the FEC going to do? :p

[torchbearer]

Thats not correct.

Also why would you name the thread a statement, only to have a question inside?

You know the answer. Its not sincere concern. Its trolling.
Anyone can have a chipin for any reason.
You only have the rights you are willing to fight and die for.... cower in fear, and you are no longer free.

[American]

I'm not sure what it is, but I know most on this forum are Americans

[Ninja Homer]

Non US-citizens cannot directly or indirectly fund a US federal election campaign.

ChipIns are indirectly funding a campaign as far as I can tell.

That's true, but a US-citizen can sell a bumper sticker to a Non US-citizen for whatever price they choose. ;)

[CurtisLow]

If chipins can not be used. Whats the best way to ask for donations for meetups to collect money to go towards advertising? Or should we even not ask?

[KewlRonduderules]

But if I was to sell you something on ebay and I just happened to take that money and donate it to the RP campaign, but didnt make that determination until after the sale I dont think it would be in violation.

short story long, I dont think its realistic to think we can get 10 million dollars in foreign funds, but a couple of hundred if not thousand I cant see this being a big deal.

This is the only way foreigners can hope contribute- kinda like playing craps at a Las Vegas casino and hoping you roll snake eyes. Unless, you are really sneaky about it but I would never advocate this approach. Illegal is illegal. If someone engages in this type of behavior, I certainly and I would think most of the grassroots do not want to know about it.

Foreigners contributing to Chip-Ins is illegal. The campaign won't get busted the chip-in will and whoever is responsible for it.

[jake]

http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/foreign.shtml

"The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating or spending funds in connection with any federal, state, or local election in the United States, either directly or indirectly. It is also unlawful to help foreign nationals violate that ban or to solicit, receive or accept contributions or donations from them. Persons who knowingly and willfully engage in these activities may be subject to fines and/or imprisonment."

Summary: Chip-In contributions from non-Americans is NOT acceptable by the Federal Elections Commission. Chip-In's would fall under the prohibited category of indirect financial contribution.

[IamVoting4RonPaul]

I have never been on this forum before. Trevor from http://thisnovember5th.com/ just called and spoke with the FEC himself -- contact him for confirmation if you don't believe me.

Again, it is illegal for "foreigners" to donate to US-based RP ChipIns.

Here is the link again: http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/foreign.shtml

I am an overseas American. I can both donate and vote.

Lisa C.
iamvoting4ronpaul(at)mac.com

[jake]

circumvention of the FEC guidelines for foreign nationals; selling goods or services to a foreign nationals for the purpose of funding a federal, state, or local election is prohibited by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) title 22, chapter 11, subchapter 11.

Summary: Do not solicit contributions of funds either directly or indirectly from foreign nationals.

hope this helps.

[Menthol Patch]

I also agree anyone can have a chip in for any reason.