{"id":351425,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/foreign-interference-in-us-elections-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-04T09:31:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T14:31:18","slug":"foreign-interference-in-us-elections-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/foreign-interference-in-us-elections-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Foreign Election Interference Laws in the United States"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Foreign Election Interference Laws in the United States<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Foreign <\/span>election interference<\/span> laws are federal statutes, executive orders, and regulations designed to prevent foreign nationals<\/span>, foreign governments<\/span>, and foreign agents from influencing U.S. elections<\/span>. These laws prohibit various forms of interference, including illegal campaign contributions, cyberattacks, disinformation<\/span> campaigns, and covert funding. Violations can result in criminal penalties such as fines and imprisonment, as well as economic sanctions<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Foreign <\/span>election interference<\/span> is a serious threat to the integrity of U.S. elections<\/span>. In recent years, efforts to meddle with American elections have come from countries like Russia<\/span>, China, and Iran<\/span>. These attempts aim to influence U.S. politics and weaken trust in democracy.<\/p>\n

The United States government<\/span> has developed laws and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the integrity of election results. Understanding these safeguards is important for American citizens<\/span><\/a>. Protecting democracy is a shared responsibility, and every voter plays a part.<\/p>\n

This article explores the nature of foreign interference<\/span> and its potential impact on U.S. elections<\/span>. We review existing legal protections<\/a> and their enforcement mechanisms. We\u2019ll also provide you with practical insight to help you steer clear of foreign influence<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you suspect violations of foreign interference<\/span> or campaign finance laws, consider speaking with a lawyer. An election law attorney licensed in your state<\/a> can help you understand your legal options. That way, you can make informed decisions about your next steps.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let\u2019s start our discussion with some basics.<\/p>\n

What Is Foreign <\/span>Election Interference<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)\u00a0defines foreign <\/span>election interference<\/span> as harmful actions taken by a foreign government<\/span>, foreign nationals<\/span>, or foreign agents to influence or undermine U.S. political processes. These actions are designed to weaken the interests of the United States and its allies. It can do this by:<\/p>\n