“Donate $25 to save democracy now” might invite an eye roll. But what if it’s not wrong?
The truth is that grassroots donations really do have the power to reshape our electoral politics and level the playing field so that voters’ interests aren’t drowned out by special interests.
When the Supreme Court handed down its disastrous Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010, it opened the floodgates for billionaires and special interests to funnel unlimited amounts of money into campaigns and exert undue influence over our political process — all without disclosing information about their funding sources. In the 14 years since, large donors and powerful corporate interests have pushed politics to the extreme and undermined critical progress on the issues everyday Americans care about, like climate change, gun violence and abortion.
But that’s only part of the story.
Even before the Citizens United case, deep-pocketed donors used a tried-and-true way of influencing lawmakers: namely by funneling big contributions to their campaigns. As members of Congress who have seen the very real impact this has had on our democratic institutions, we are determined to turn the tide and return political power to where it belongs: the people.
That’s why we have reintroduced the Government by the People Act, to establish a federal small-donor matching system for candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation undergirds key provisions included in the Freedom to Vote Act (H.R. 11), a comprehensive set of reforms that reflect congressional Democrats’ unwavering commitment to strengthening our democracy.
Under the Government by the People Act’s system, candidates who reject big money from special interests and earn broad support from the electorate can remain competitive by receiving a six-to-one match on qualifying contributions up to $200. Importantly, these matching dollars would be completely funded through a fee imposed on corporate lawbreakers and high-end tax cheats. The use of taxpayer dollars is expressly prohibited. The legislation would also help a sample of states create a campaign finance program where each eligible resident can receive a $25 voucher to donate to House candidates.
By showing everyday citizens that they can be the real power behind a campaign, small-donor systems encourage people to reenter the political town square, engage with political issues and support quality candidates. Across the country, an increasing number of jurisdictions, including in our home states of Maine, Maryland and New York, are implementing small-donor matching programs for various elected positions.
The results have shown an increased number of candidates qualifying for these programs and more dollars flowing to participating candidates compared to those who go the traditional route, as well as increased interest in establishing these programs in additional jurisdictions.
It’s good for candidates, too. These systems create a new level of accountability among elected officials who must answer to a broad base of everyday citizens rather than being beholden to a small group of well-off individuals and political action committees or PACs. Instead of countless hours spent courting wealthy donors, candidates have an incentive to go into their communities, connect with voters and address constituents’ concerns. Just as importantly, they open opportunities for a new set of candidates who may not have access to the traditional, high-end donor community. Wherever these systems are implemented, we see increased diversity — racial, gender and socioeconomic — in the candidate pool.
For example, just two cycles after Washington, D.C., implemented its small-donor system for City Council and Board of Elections races, the number of female candidates increased by a third and the number of candidates of color doubled. The benefit is clear: electing candidates who have a deeper connection to the communities they represent will ensure public policy that serves everyone, not just a favored few.
In a post-Citizens United world, small-donor matching programs — where a donation of $25 can make a difference — are one of the best defenses against the undue influence of big money in politics. They allow everyday Americans to compete with the power of the ultra-wealthy and ensure that a more diverse and value-driven set of candidates can succeed.
It’s time to bring that kind of reform to the federal level and free congressional candidates from dependence on PACs, lobbyists and deep-pocketed donors. Our Government by the People Act can help restore faith in American democracy and build a better, more prosperous future for all.
Rep. John Sarbanes has represented Maryland’s 3rd district in the U.S. House since 2007. Rep. Yvette Clarke has represented New York’s 9th (formerly the 11th) district since 2007. Rep. Chellie Pingree has represented Maine’s 1st district, since 2009.