The payvia group first presented this innovative service to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) this spring. payvia worked through a series of FEC advisory opinions (2012-17, 2012-26 and 2012-28), each approved by unanimous Commission votes, to allow political contributions by carrier billing for the upcoming election season. Political committees can now accept contributions powered by payvia.
Through payvia, any mobile phone user can text in a contribution in one of two ways using highly secure and authentic methods of double opt-in methods:
Mobile: mobile-originating message where the contributor simply text in their contribution amount to the candidate of their choice.
Online: web page opt-in where the contributor enters their mobile phone number and is then sent a one-time PIN via SMS. The user then enters the PIN and their contribution is placed directly on their mobile phone bill.