EDITORIAL: Campaign finance reform will help prevent corruption, restore trust in politics
Although voting is incredibly important, more comprehensive steps must be taken to strengthen democracy
Yesterday, November 8, was Election Day, an important day for American democracy — where we, the voters, decide who will lead us and the direction in which we want the country to go. Election Day is a check on the power of government institutions and empowering to everyday citizens across the country.
In recent years, though, elections have become increasingly consumed by money: Those with wealth and those in positions of power have more say in elections than everyday citizens.
In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, that corporations could donate to campaigns, just like any other citizen. This ruling reversed decades of campaign finance restrictions.
The ruling opened the floodgates for corporations and political action committees, also known as PACs, to pour money into elections. Unchecked and unable to be regulated, these corporations have soiled American political life as such large donations influence how politicians act.
Instead of serving the people, a process of pay-to-play emerges wherein people who have more money have an outsized say in how campaigns are run and what policies are instated.
If politicians need to just rely on corporate donations, they will likely do what is in the best interest of those corporations. If, for example, a politician takes money from the National Rifle Association they will legislate according to those special interests.
The issue of money in politics fundamentally undermines our democracy. Our democracy is based on the idea that the people, actual living humans, have the most power in our political system — not conglomerates.
Indeed, allowing big money in politics detaches politicians from their voter bases and their communities. Politicians, in essence, work for those who give them money instead of the people who actually elect them.
It would be in the best interest of the country — where, based on a poll conducted by the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics, a majority of Americans believe the government is "corrupt and rigged against everyday people" — to drastically reform our campaign finance system.
In a sign of positive change, many grassroots-based campaigns, such as those run by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), have only accepted donations from individuals. This move elevates individual voters and their concerns — a breath of fresh air in the age of more money and less transparency.
To this end, the logical starting point for reform would be in regard to how donations are made. Small-dollar donations should be the typical way campaigns fundraise. If a campaign is fueled by donations from individuals who give small amounts, there would be increased accountability and credibility for the candidate.
In terms of accountability, candidates would have to prove to their voters — and as consequence, donors — that they are working for them. Candidates will have to show what work they have done, what they have accomplished and how it has made their constituents’ lives better.
As far as credibility, if voters see that candidates are engaging with them and making a concerted effort to win their support, candidates will be viewed as caring about local issues and the communities they seek to serve. An increase in credibility is not only good for the politicians but also for our democracy.
If politicians do not have to rely on small-dollar donations, they do not have to prove themselves to their constituents. If they do not have to get a literal “buy-in” from voters, they will likely not feel as tethered to their communities' needs.
What is so desperately needed is a restoration of faith in our democratic institutions. It needs to be clear that our politicians care about the people and that the government works for the people — not corporate interests or only those with extreme wealth.
Prioritizing small-dollar donations in political campaigns would signal a serious effort to regain voters’ trust, but it must only be a starting point. There need to be large campaign finance reforms and ethics reforms to reign in the power of lobbyists, as well.
Ultimately, there are many problems facing our country. We have to remain alert to these pressing concerns, while also demanding structural changes regarding how campaigns are conducted. We need more transparency and proper regulation, and we need politicians to devote more time to us.
Being informed is an essential element. If enough voters — especially young voters — begin to say enough of this madness, this insanity of corporate power, politicians will have to adjust. We must continue engaging, voting and organizing on the path to lasting change.
The Daily Targum's editorials represent the views of the majority of the 154th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.
