Maine can’t enforce foreign election interference law that appeals court calls unconstitutional

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine can’t enforce a voter-approved foreign election interference law that a federal appeals court said likely violates the Constitution by limiting political donations.

Voters overwhelmingly approved a ban on foreign governments and companies with 5 percent or more foreign government ownership from donating to state referendum races. The law is one of a handful around the country that attempt to limit foreign influence on U.S. elections.

The law has been on hold pending federal lawsuits from utilities companies and media organizations that raise constitutional challenges about it. The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston said in court papers in July that it affirmed a lower-court ruling that the law likely violates the First Amendment.

“The prohibition is