Some key findings from the study:

• Virginia has NO laws limiting campaign contributions
• Virginia has NO laws on how active campaign funds can be spent
• Virginia oversight of campaign finances is weak; enforcement of sanctions for violations is limited and lacks teeth
• Virginia has few rules that limit the ability of individuals or businesses to influence elections without revealing their identities
• Virginia is one of only 5 states with no limits on campaign contributions by donors
• Virginia ranks 43rd out of 50 states in the relative strength of

Lack of campaign finance regulations enables the distortion of democracy by huge gifts from invisible donors influencing our elections. The donors may be our utility companies, out-of-state donors, and donors from foreign countries attempting to destabilize democracy. Without regulations, elected officials can spend donations on personal expenses that donors did not intend.

Read more:

• study report
• powerpoint presentation
• consensus questions