Groups working on Minnesota ballot question must disclose donors

Minnesota donors to who give money to support or oppose ballot questions will have to disclose their spending, ruled the state’s Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. The disclosure requirements will have an impact on the upcoming 2012 election, when Minnesotans will be voting on a state marriage amendment. The Star-Tribune and Associated Press both quote Mike Dean of Network partner Common Cause Minnesota in their write ups.

Star-Tribune: Minnesota: Donors must be disclosed in ballot tussle
Associated Press (via Forbes): Minn. ballot question donors face state regulation

Mike Dean and Common Cause Minnesota also released a statement in response to groups who have said that they will intentionally violate the ruling and not disclose their donors by funneling money through shell corporations. “This attack on Minnesota’s disclosure law is an attack on Minnesota’s desire for fair and open elections,” said Dean.

Common Cause: Minnesotans for Marriage Pledges to Violate Disclosure Law