Arizona's Push to Protect Small Donors' Privacy

Arizona is looking to boost privacy for those who give small amounts to political campaigns. Right now, anyone donating less than $100 can stay anonymous. But a new bill wants to raise that limit to $200. The idea is to shield these smaller donors from potential backlash. Why the change? The argument is that big donors should be known, but small contributors might not need the same level of scrutiny. There's a fear that revealing their names, addresses, and employers could lead to harassment. A past example from California shows just how bad it can get. Supporters of Proposition 8 faced serious threats, including scary packages and boycotts of their businesses, after their info was leaked online.This isn't the only recent change to Arizona's campaign finance laws. Last year, voters approved a measure requiring big donations to be public if they're used for political ads. But that rule is facing legal challenges. Some lawmakers argue it's unconstitutional, and the case is still making its way through the courts. The debate here is about balancing transparency and privacy. Should everyone who donates to a campaign be public knowledge, or should there be limits to protect ordinary people from harassment? It's a tough question, and Arizona is trying to find the right answer.