The League sent a letter to the U.S. Senate urging Senators to cosponsor and support the We the People Democracy Reform Act of 2017. This legislation is a comprehensive solution to the issues facing our democracy. The reforms included will empower citizens and remove barriers to participation for all Americans, irrespective of political party. The Act provides an important roadmap for solving the vital issues facing our political system and serves as a vehicle to help renew Americans’ faith that the problems facing our democracy can be solved.
October 26, 2017
To: Members of the U.S. Senate
From: Chris Carson, President
Re: Co-Sponsor the “We the People Democracy Reform Act of 2017,” S. 1880
The League of Women Voters strongly urges you to cosponsor the “We the People Democracy Reform Act,” S. 1880. The legislation provides comprehensive solutions to the issues facing our democracy.
This important piece of legislation, sponsored by Senator Tom Udall, combines in one bill several key democracy reform proposals developed by Senator Udall, Representative David Price and other members of Congress. The Act provides an important roadmap for solving the vital issues facing our political system and serves as a vehicle to help renew Americans’ faith that the problems facing our democracy can be solved.
At a time when too many Americans do not think they have a meaningful voice in their democracy, when confidence in our institutions is at historic lows, and cynicism at record highs, this democracy reform package is needed more than ever. The reforms included will empower citizens and remove barriers to participation for all Americans, irrespective of political party. This legislation will:
- Break down barriers that prevent Americans from registering to vote. The Act establishes an opt-out system of automatic registration, requires states to allow same-day registration and includes the establishment of online voter registration for all eligible voters.
- Empower small donors by creating a public financing system to match small contributions to presidential and Senate candidates. It will also close disclosure loopholes that allow outside groups to flood elections with millions of dollars of secret money.
- Define coordination between candidates and Super PACs, provide real-time reporting for donations larger than $1000, require candidates to take responsibility for financing campaign ads, establish a new agency to oversee federal elections, and put in place other campaign finance and lobbying reforms.
- Establish independent, citizen redistricting commissions at the state level to draw congressional districts allowing voters to pick their politicians, not the other way around.
The “We the People Democracy Reform Act” is necessary to ensure that all Americans can have a stronger voice in our government. The League of Women Voters urges you to cosponsor this vital legislation.
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