OMG, New York City Council OKs Text Donations For Elections

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Donating money to a political candidate in New York is about to get as easy as hitting "send" on your cellphone.

The City Council voted Tuesday to allow residents to donate via text message. Under the bill, which must be signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a voter could use his or her phone to give up to $99 to a candidate in an election cycle.

Those donations would also be eligible to be matched by the city Campaign Finance Board.

Councilwoman Gale Brewer said she hopes permitting the new technology will "make it easier" for people who are not connected to the political process to play a role.

Donors can give up to $4,950 total in city elections.

Texted donations were permitted for the first time in a presidential election last year.

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