Analysis & Commentary
Democracy
An Attack on Elections With Broad Implications
Reasonable people can debate the wisdom of voting to oust elected representatives before their terms are up – or the merits of rethinking the rules that govern public-sector unions. But there is no way to defend the one-two move to destroy a crucial safeguard of judicial integrity while burdening the right to vote.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani
– 06/04/11
In Wisconsin, Judges Are Elected—But Candidates Are Now Publicly Financed
Wisconsin’s 2011 Supreme Court election has been widely criticized, but there are also some silver linings. Most importantly, this election illustrates the importance of Wisconsin’s new judicial public financing system.
Authored by: Mark Ladov and Maria da Silva
– 05/06/11
Darkness or Disclosure?
Secret spending in our elections is a toxic problem. But last week, strong steps in the right direction were taken to fix it.
Authored by: Elizabeth Kennedy
– 04/27/11
Bringing Transparency to Maryland Elections
Dark money in politics poses a serious threat to our democracy. Maryland's disclosure laws are some of the worst in the country, but a new bill, currently awaiting the governor's signature, seeks to bring clarity on the Chesapeake.
Authored by: Mimi Marziani
– 04/22/11
Did Marge Have a Bake Sale or Did Monty Burns Write a Check?
Many of the financial disclosure laws that govern our elections are woefully out of date. Oregon's Legislature is currently considering a bill that would fix this problem through improved on-ad disclaimers.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 04/16/11
Judicial Public Financing in Wisconsin — 2011
This page reflects Wisconsin judicial advertisements in 2011.
– 04/05/11
Citizens Get United
Lady Gaga broke ties with Target because of their anti-LGBT political spending, but now we must fight for more corporate transparency laws so citizens can see who is spending money and where.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 03/24/11
Voter ID Legislation in the States
This legislative session, at least 38 states are considering or have considered some type of voter ID and/or proof of citizenship legislation. This document lists the status of each voter ID bill under consideration.
Authored by: Nhu-Y Ngo & Keesha Gaskins
– 03/22/11
We Can’t Rely Only on Whistle-Blowers
Months after the 2010 elections ended, America is still waiting for insiders to come forward to let the public know where the secret money in campaigns came from. That is why America needs more robust transparency laws.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 03/17/11
Trust but Verify…
As elections turn into fundraising arms races, we need stricter disclosure laws to shine a light on spending. Voters must be able to "trust but verify" the true source of money in politics.
Authored by: Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
– 03/01/11