According to the nature of our economy, it is specific that the cost increases over time (hello, inflation). But what we are seeing in elections cannot be considered normal.
The Pew Research Center recently asked the Americans to list which issues are the biggest problems before the economy.
Seventy percentSaid that the role of money in politics is a “very big problem” – it is the cost of health care, inflation, federal deficit, poverty and the most important place above every other issue.
This is important.
While the Congress and the presidential candidates are noticed that the people who reach power continue to creep in the system, due to which elections are more expensive than before. Sometimes it starts to feel like a competition for the competition.
Let’s look at.
Just three Presidential Chakras Earlier, in 2016, entered the total cost of all federal elections $ 6.5 billionSince 2012 (relatively) modest growth.
But after four years, more than the total cost Double $ 15.1 billion And, in 2024, almost matched that clan ($ 14.8 billionAmerica very Power all other countries on elections,
The source of money has also changed. Twenty -five years ago, most of the candidates who raised more than $ 200,000 for general election campaigns collected the money from within their districts that they win, they would eventually represent (if they live (if they live (79 percent Home candidates, 62 percent Senate candidates). As my organization has told, Congress elections In fact, we have become a national campaign nowOnly 17.6 percent local funds in the house race and only 27.5 percent in the Senate race for 2024.
Therefore, while more money is being invested in the US election system more than ever, traditional relations between elected officials and people who represent.
Thanks to the research conducted by Unite America, we know that almost all Congress elections are decidedLess than 10 percent voters,
Keep those low voter participation rates together with low local funds raising rates, and you end up with elected officials that no longer represent the people.
And if our officials do not admire their components, but are for partisan forces, then we end with a relaxed government.
We should not surprise that American people have enough.
Between a more political scenarioOpportive peaks are moving towardsMoney in politics is one of the few issues on which both sides of the corridor may agree –66 percent Republican and 78 percent DemocratsTo quote it as a very big problem.
And yet, our leaders look uninterrupted in changing a system that helps them to stay in power. In every Congress, a handful of MPs have introduced a law to improve the role of money in politics, but none of those bills have any chance to enact laws.
In fact, a meaningful campaign has not been implemented since the finance lawBipartisan operations actSigned in 2002-a quarter century ago.
Since then, courtsPass The eaten awayCleaning the way for the restrictions made by the lawSuper PACAnd unattainable “Dark currency“Funds that support them.
And then there is a federal Election Commission, which is entrusted to the expedition to raise money and expenses, implement rules and punish those who break the law.
But even at the best times, FEC rarely takes action. When fully staffed, it has three Republican and three Democratic Commissioners, leading to partial gridlock.
But what we are now facing the dedited votes will make a welcome change. To take action, FEC requires quorum of four commissioners. Right now it is only three, soIt cannot complete most of its main functions,
It leaves the judiciary as the only branch of the government considering changes in finance laws. Everyone’s eyes are on the main, where voters approved 2024 ballot measurement settingsCap on contribution to super PAC,
Opponents have filed a lawsuit to overturn the measure, and the matter has been prepared for review of the federal district court. This is likely to end before the Supreme Court in the next few years, as the most important decision on money in politics will beCitizens United,
Justice may consider another campaign finance case before the case goes to the High Court. The current law limits how much money party committees can spend in coordination with the campaign committees of the candidates. That law is being challenged and the caseThis decline can be heard,
While all this is happening (or, in FEC, not happening), political operators are already gearing up for the next elections and making strategies to raise as much money as possible. If nothing changes, the dollar will only grow up, and voters will be even more dissatisfied.
We deserve better.
Hillary is the Executive Director of Braith Opensacrates,
