Colorado's Politicians Could Soon Accept Crypto Contributions

Colorado's Secretary of State has proposed allowing political committees to accept contributions in cryptocurrency.

AccessTimeIconMay 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. UTC
Updated Aug 18, 2021 at 9:08 p.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

The state of Colorado could soon allow political committees to accept contributions in cryptocurrency.

The Office of the Colorado Secretary of State published a new working draft of its "Rules Concerning Campaign and Political Finance" on Wednesday, which notably includes a new section on cryptocurrency donations.

  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
  • The document, which updates the Code of Colorado Regulations, does not specify any particular cryptocurrencies in the new rule, but does allow for market volatility and includes certain restrictions.

    The proposed guidance states:

    "A committee may accept contributions in cryptocurrency, up to the acceptable limit for a cash or coin contribution. The amount of the contribution is the value of the cryptocurrency at the time of the contribution. The committee must report any gain or loss after the contribution as other income or receipts."

    Further sections note that anonymous contributions must be below $20, with contributions at or above that level being donated to a charitable organization or the state treasurer.

    No maximum limit is specified in the document for contributions from identified donors, instead referring to supplementary documentation. According to the Secretary of State's website, this limit can range from $200 to no prohibition, depending on the position for which a candidate is running.

    Residents of Colorado can provide feedback to the secretary's office on the draft until 5:00 p.m. local time on May 23. If approved, Colorado would become the latest state to allow cryptocurrency donations for this purpose.

    The Federal Election Commission – which oversees national-level campaigns – previously announced it would allow bitcoin donations to political campaigns, as previously reported by CoinDesk. However, it is unclear whether the 2014 guidance would apply to the wider set of cryptocurrencies which exist today.

    Vote button image via Shutterstock

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.