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An Introduction to Federal Campaign Finance
Campaign finance plays a central role in the democratic process. Elections can’t happen without campaigns, and — to state the obvious — running a campaign costs money. Lots of it. (Political campaigns at the state and federal levels have become much more expensive in recent years.) So where does all the money come from? It may be a daunting question, but it’s an important one to ask in our effort to become more informed citizens. The collection of laws that govern how campaigns are funded is often referred to as the campaign finance system. But in truth, “system” may be a bit of a misnomer — at least if “system”…
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The Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022
Ready to participate in our Electoral Count Act call to action? Check it out here! The Electoral Count Act of 1887 (ECA) is a confusing law with outdated language that was designed to govern how electoral votes are counted following a presidential election. Last year, we wrote about the historical context of this law and why it is so important to see it updated as soon as possible. Fortunately, after a lot of hard work by many advocacy groups and organizations, a bipartisan group of senators collaborated to propose S.4573 – Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022. This bill was introduced by Republican Senator Susan Collins…
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Principled Voter Part 10: Principled Voter Promise
Welcome to our Principled Voter series, which helps voters better understand the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and then vote in ways that work toward solutions. Principled voters are Golden Rule voters. They ask if their vote will harm others or leave people behind. Principled voters use their vote to protect others and create a better future. Here is one issue to consider as you become a principled voter. When day comes, we step out of the shade,Aflame and unafraid.The new dawn blooms as we free it,For there is always light,If only we’re brave enough to see it,If only we’re brave enough to be it.—…
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Principled Voter Part 9: Rights and Responsibilities
Welcome to our Principled Voter series, which helps voters better understand the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and then vote in ways that work toward solutions. Principled voters are Golden Rule voters. They ask if their vote will harm others or leave people behind. Principled voters use their vote to protect others and create a better future. Here is one issue to consider as you become a principled voter. “Freedom is never absolute, . . . it must always be contained within the framework of other people’s freedom” — Eleanor Roosevelt A principled voter first asks, “How do my candidates balance the tension between rights…
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Principled Voter Part 8: Political Violence
Welcome to our Principled Voter series, which helps voters better understand the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and then vote in ways that work toward solutions. Principled voters are Golden Rule voters. They ask if their vote will harm others or leave people behind. Principled voters use their vote to protect others and create a better future. Here is one issue to consider as you become a principled voter. “Making sure you are registered to vote and informed on the issues may be the most patriotic thing you could ever do.” — Susan Madsen “I do believe that political arrangements which are based upon violence,…
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Principled Voter Part 7: Relieving Human Suffering
Welcome to our Principled Voter series, which helps voters better understand the problems affecting both themselves and others in our society — and then vote in ways that work toward solutions. Principled voters are Golden Rule voters. They ask if their vote will harm others or leave people behind. Principled voters use their vote to protect others and create a better future. Here is one issue to consider as you become a principled voter. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller A principled voter first asks, “How do my candidates help relieve human suffering?” Our national reaction to…
