Article XV
Campaign Finance and Electoral Integrity
Section 1: Campaign Budget Limits
To preserve the integrity of the democratic process, strict limits shall be imposed on the amount of money that can be spent during an election campaign, with no campaign or cause exceeding $5 per person based on the population of the affected area. These limits will be enforced for all candidates running for federal, state, and local office, ensuring a level playing field for all participants. The specific cap amounts shall be set and adjusted by Congress based on inflation and other relevant factors. No candidate shall be allowed to exceed the set spending limit, and violations shall result in severe penalties, including disqualification from the election.
Section 2: Diversifying Candidate Pools
Efforts shall be made to diversify the candidate pool, ensuring that individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and geographic regions have an equal opportunity to run for office. By enforcing strict campaign spending caps, the electoral process will become more accessible to a broader spectrum of candidates, preventing a system where only the wealthiest individuals can afford to run. These measures will encourage diverse voices and perspectives in political representation.
Section 3: No Foreign Money Interference
The use of foreign money in any form of election financing shall be strictly prohibited. No candidate, campaign, or organization shall accept any financial contribution, donation, or support from foreign individuals, corporations, or governments. Violations of this provision shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate or organization involved and possible criminal charges. This provision ensures that U.S. elections remain free from foreign influence.
Section 4: Ban on Super PACs, Interest Groups, and Corporate Contributions
Super PACs, interest groups, and corporations shall be prohibited from contributing to candidates, political parties, or campaigns in any form, including direct or indirect financial support or organizing on a candidate’s behalf. These entities shall also be banned from engaging in electioneering activities that influence the outcome of an election. Candidates and political organizations must rely solely on individual donations from U.S. citizens, with strict spending limits enforced.
Section 5: Loss of 527 Exemption Status
All organizations holding 527 status, including national party committees such as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC), shall lose their exemption from campaign finance regulations. These organizations will be subject to the same spending limits and financial oversight as all other political entities. Their funding, activities, and expenditures will be transparent and monitored by independent regulatory bodies to prevent undue influence over the election process.
Section 6: Prohibition on ‘Buying Votes’
Candidates running for public office shall be strictly prohibited from offering fiscal rewards, direct payments, or promises of monetary compensation in exchange for votes. Any attempt to "buy votes" through financial promises, whether in the form of tax incentives, government spending, or other forms of personal or fiscal reward, shall result in disqualification from the election and criminal charges. This ensures that electoral decisions are made based on the values and policies of the candidates, not on financial transactions.
Section 7: Congressional Power to Enforce
Congress shall have the power to enforce the provisions of this article through appropriate legislation, establishing and overseeing regulatory bodies responsible for monitoring campaign finances, investigating violations, and ensuring compliance. Penalties for violations shall be severe and include fines, criminal charges, and disqualification from candidacy or future elections.