Arkansas’ Campaign Contribution ‘Blackout Period’ Halted

Arkansas can’t enforce a law prohibiting “a longtime political activist” from donating to political campaigns until two years before election day, because the law likely violates her First Amendment rights, the Eighth Circuit said Monday.

Potential donor Peggy Jones is likely to win her case challenging the law, as Arkansas didn’t present any evidence supporting the state’s rationale for it, namely, that the “blackout period” prevents corruption or its appearance, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said. The court affirmed a trial court order that halted the provision while the lawsuit proceeds.

Jones wants to donate money ...