Political Cell Phone Contributions

A big break for political candidates, fundraisers and political operatives in California is about to unfold. In 2012 the state may allow political contributions by cell phone text messages. The nation is already familiar with non profit contributions to relief organizations like the Red Cross and Oxfam. Political fundraising by cell phone, however, opens the door for the everyday Joe or Mary to contribute smaller donations to political campaigns.

October 13th, California’s Fair Political Practices Commission is set to approve a new tool for cell phones which will “allow text-message contributions in a similar manner that donations to non-profit organizations are allowed today,” said Roman Porter, the commission’s executive director. It is his idea. It originated after the Federal Election Commission rejected a different version of the proposal.

If the initiative in approved expect more solicitations for low dollar amounts in California. Those email and regular USPS letters asking citizens to “Please contribute $5, $10, $20, $30 dollars or whatever you can” may take a back seat to the more immediate television and radio ads requesting cell phone contributions. The immediate emotion that the contributor receives after hearing a heartfelt political message may be acted upon instantaneously.

The testing ground is California which will likely prove that political donations via text messaging will open the door for contributions from your neighbor and working class Americans who can’t write the big checks for political candidates. Blue states, according to Federal Election results, will probably be among the first to enact text message donations. Red States, though Republicans advocate for less Government, will likely be among the last if they don’t outright ban it.

This form of donation will promote true freedom of speech by those who are underrepresented in the world of campaign contributions.

Britton Loftin is a Political Strategist and Director of a Legislative & Government Affairs firm.

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2 Responses to Political Cell Phone Contributions

1. S. W. says:

   12:15am August 19, 2011 at 12:15 am

   A new way that mobile wireless is playing a role in the social and political landscape of America… I'm not surprised about CA, and I won't be surprised when other states follow suit! Technology will continue to play an increasing role in politics and matters of U.S. public policy.

   Reply

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