California Approves Political Donations By Text

SACRAMENTO (AP) -- California's political watchdog agency has voted to allow campaign contributions via text messages.

The Fair Political Practices Commission voted Thursday to allow contributions by text as long as the candidates report donors who give more than $100. Donations under $25 do not require detailed contributor information to be recorded.

Commission Chairwoman Ann Ravel said one of the ways to involve more people in the political process is by making it easier to give to campaigns.

The regulation will take effect in about 30 days. After that, campaigns can set up contributions by text with their phone carriers, just like people can give to charities now.

Groups such as California Common Cause support the change, which it says will mean more "small-donor contributions from everyday voters."

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