Oregon may allow cryptocurrency campaign donations

Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson announced Tuesday proposed changes to campaign finance administrative rules allowing campaigns to accept donations of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

See Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

“Cryptocurrency is here to stay, and Oregon needs to adapt to that reality by allowing this new form of donating,” Richardson said in a news release. “Allowing cryptocurrency to be a part of our elections process is a new and innovative way to expand participation in Oregon elections.”

The draft administrative rules mirror the policy of the Federal Elections Commission by allowing contributions but not expenditures. The Elections Division is seeking feedback on these rules.

A public hearing on the draft rules will be held on July 23 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Elections Division at 255 Capitol St., Suite 501, Salem, OR 97310.

Public comments can also be submitted to elections.sos@oregon.gov until August 7 at 4 p.m.