Five Things to Know Before Making a Political Donation
It’s election season, and you know what that means: messages from unknown numbers in all caps asking you to donate money to one candidate or another. Right now my phone is full of messages that I will most likely be the sole arbiter of the next President of the United States. The question arises: how did these people get my number? Can my five bucks really make a difference for a presidential candidate? Here’s what you and the candidate need to know about political donations.
Donation limits
Political donations are subject to strict restrictions under federal and state laws. In federal elections, individuals can donate up to $2,900 per election candidate (primary and general). There are also annual limits on total donations to all candidates, parties and PACs. Be sure to review current limits before donating.
Government Donor Records
You can easily find out how people you know have contributed to political candidates and campaigns. All political donations over $200 are publicly reported and available to everyone.
You can use sites like FollowTheMoney.org to view and search state campaign finance data for the 2024 election. Select the state you are interested in on the map, after which a new tab will open with an overview of the state. From here, you can select an office type (such as governor) to see race-specific donation details.
Your name, address, employer and donation amount will be publicly visible. This transparency is meant to prevent corruption, but it also means your donation history is accessible.
Time matters
Donations made earlier in the election cycle are generally more beneficial to candidates than donations made later. Campaigns use early funds to build infrastructure, publicity, and mobilize supporters. Donations closer to Election Day are less effective.
Beware of scams
Unfortunately, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people’s political passions. Be wary of unsolicited requests for donations, especially if they seem urgent or suspicious. Always check the legitimacy of any campaign or organization before donating. Here are five signs you can use to tell if these messages and emails asking for political donations are genuine or from an opportunistic scammer.
Fundraising continues
Even if you donate only a small amount, you will likely be inundated with fundraising requests from candidates at all levels of government for that political party. Even a small political donation can result in your contact information being shared widely. You may frequently receive fundraising calls not only from the candidate you supported, but also from many others across the political spectrum. You can opt out of these lists, but they often appear after you make a donation.
Making political donations is a meaningful way to help a candidate, even if you can only give within the limits of your ability and comfort level. By understanding the rules and consequences, you can ensure that your contribution will have the maximum positive impact and that your phone will not be bombarded with spam messages from unknown numbers for the rest of your life. Here’s how to make sure you’re registered to vote in your state .