Analysis & Commentary
Democracy
The Governmental Interests that Support Public Financing
This memo summarizes the governmental interests that justify public financing programs in the aftermath of Arizona Free Enterprise Club v. Bennett, which overturned the "trigger fund" provisions of Arizona's public financing program.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani and Adam Skaggs
– 09/14/11
“Citizens Without Proof” Stands Strong
A 2006 national survey commissioned by the Brennan Center found that as many as 11% of voting-age adults – millions of Americans – did not have a current and valid government-issued photo ID. This is a troubling statistic for advocates of strict photo ID policies. Hans von Spakovsky and Alex Ingram of the Heritage Foundation recently published a memo attacking our study and this widely-cited, independently confirmed statistic. This document contains details on our study and explains why their attacks are baseless.
Authored by: Wendy Weiser, Keesha Gaskins, & Sundeep Iyer
– 09/08/11
Super Stardom Calling
By committing to transparency and accountability for the Super Committee, Senator John Kerry has a chance to be a Super hero.
Authored by: Elizabeth Kennedy
– 08/22/11
Sen. Toomey, be a Super (Committee) Hero
With great power comes great responsibility, and now Super Committee member Senator Pat Toomey has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability as the committee's work advances.
Authored by: Elizabeth Kennedy
– 08/21/11
The Need for Super Accountability
Given the stakes, the debt reduction super committee’s dealings must be as transparent as possible. All potentially corrupting outside influences — campaign contributors, ties to business corporations, relationships with political groups — must be made public.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani
– 08/10/11
Research and Publications on Voter ID
Social science research on the impact voter identification restrictions.
– 08/10/11
Voter ID Laws Passed in 2011
Alabama, Kansas, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin all passed new voter ID laws in their 2011 legislative sessions. We've compiled their vital details on each new law in this document.
Authored by: The Brennan Center Voting Rights and Elections Project
– 08/08/11
The Importance of Super Committee Transparency
The Brennan Center calls on Congress to support disclosure measures for the new "Super Committee," including disclosure of campaign contributions, solicitation, and lobbying contacts.
– 08/05/11
On Capital Tonight, Brennan Center Urges LATFOR to Follow Law
The Brennan Center's Wendy Weiser appeared on Capital Tonight to discuss the decision by New York's task force on reapportionment, known as LATFOR, not to comply with the law ending prison-based gerrymandering.
– 07/28/11
A Loss for ‘We the People’
The high court's ruling in the Arizona public financing case is no win for free speech. It actually stifles speech by creating a new right to speak without response.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani
– 07/18/11