BillMoyers.com is proud to collaborate with EveryVoice on a series of op-eds featuring ideas from a variety of viewpoints for making our democracy one that is truly of, by and for the people. Discover more ways to fight back against our broken campaign finance system. It’s a fight we can win.

Tired of Money Buying Politicians? So Are We. Here’s How to End It.

By Adam Smith, Every Voice

“Floods and tsunamis and natural disasters are unavoidable and devastating, but the influence of big money in politics is created by people — which means it can be fixed by people, too.” By Adam Smith, Every Voice“Floods and tsunamis and natural disasters are unavoidable and devastating, but the influence of big money in politics is created by people — which means it can be fixed by people, too.” Read more »

In Richmond, We Would Not Let Democracy Be Bought

By Gayle McLaughlin, Richmond City Council

“Citizens United is a curse on our democracy and if it remains in place, our democracy nationwide will be destroyed.” By Gayle McLaughlin, Richmond City Council“Citizens United is a curse on our democracy and if it remains in place, our democracy nationwide will be destroyed.” Read more »

People Really Care About Campaign Finance Reform. The FEC Needs to Listen.

By Ann Ravel, Federal Election Commission

“We must involve and engage those whose participation and ideas are now shut out of the political process.” By Ann Ravel, Federal Election Commission“We must involve and engage those whose participation and ideas are now shut out of the political process.” Read more »

Money Is Shredding America’s Democracy

By Cynthia DiBartolo, Esq., Greater New York Chamber of Commerce

“Long-term growth will come through innovation and an open marketplace that is free from corruption and applies the same set of rules to everyone.” By Cynthia DiBartolo, Esq., Greater New York Chamber of Commerce“Long-term growth will come through innovation and an open marketplace that is free from corruption and applies the same set of rules to everyone.” Read more »

Transparency Is Key to Campaign Finance Reform

By Chris Gates, Sunlight Foundation

“Transparency is the first step in a reform agenda, because informed citizens can and will make the right choices about their country.” By Chris Gates, Sunlight Foundation“Transparency is the first step in a reform agenda, because informed citizens can and will make the right choices about their country.” Read more »

Soliciting Campaign Cash Threatens the Integrity of the Courts

By Alicia Bannon, Brennan Center for Justice

“States should adopt strict recusal rules that bar judges from hearing cases when lawyers and litigants spend substantial sums to get them elected.” By Alicia Bannon, Brennan Center for Justice“States should adopt strict recusal rules that bar judges from hearing cases when lawyers and litigants spend substantial sums to get them elected.” Read more »

Sick of Money Corrupting Politics? Take the Fight Local.

By Charlotte Hill, Represent.Us

“The best way to counter the dangerous misconception that nothing can be done to stop corruption is to start winning meaningful policy victories in cities and states.” By Charlotte Hill, Represent.Us“The best way to counter the dangerous misconception that nothing can be done to stop corruption is to start winning meaningful policy victories in cities and states.” Read more »

Already Time for Accountability in the 2016 Presidential Race

By Paul S. Ryan, Campaign Legal Center

“Not only are the early 2016 presidential election frontrunners claiming they’re not yet candidates, nearly all of them are denying that they’re even ‘testing the waters.'” By Paul S. Ryan, Campaign Legal Center“Not only are the early 2016 presidential election frontrunners claiming they’re not yet candidates, nearly all of them are denying that they’re even ‘testing the waters.'” Read more »

End Big Money’s Chokehold on Democracy. Amend the Constitution.

By Robert Weissman, Public Citizen

“As a matter of basic democratic principle, we need to make clear that We the People have the authority to set the rules for election spending as we see fit. We must overturn the Supreme Court-created doctrines that ‘money is speech’ and ‘corporations are people.'” By Robert Weissman, Public Citizen“As a matter of basic democratic principle, we need to make clear that We the People have the authority to set the rules for election spending as we see fit. We must overturn the Supreme Court-created doctrines that ‘money is speech’ and ‘corporations are people.'” Read more »

Maine Shows That Publicly Financed Elections Really Can Work

By Andrew Bossie, Maine Citizens for Clean Elections

“The Clean Election Act has allowed Mainers to have a government that’s truly reflective and accountable to the voters.” By Andrew Bossie, Maine Citizens for Clean Elections“The Clean Election Act has allowed Mainers to have a government that’s truly reflective and accountable to the voters.” Read more »

Conservative Campaign Finance Reform Increases Participation

By John Pudner, Take Back Our Republic

“The fundamental problem isn’t that there’s too much money in politics, it’s that too few Americans are participating.” By John Pudner, Take Back Our Republic“The fundamental problem isn’t that there’s too much money in politics, it’s that too few Americans are participating.” Read more »

The Path to Freedom From Corruption Goes Through New York State — And Your State

By Zephyr Teachout, Law Professor, Fordham University

“In New York City, where I live, candidates are free to fund their campaigns privately or publicly, and that freedom from begging has transformed politics and policy.” By Zephyr Teachout, Law Professor, Fordham University“In New York City, where I live, candidates are free to fund their campaigns privately or publicly, and that freedom from begging has transformed politics and policy.” Read more »

Our Diverse America Deserves a More Representative Democracy

By Heather C. McGhee, Demos

“This imbalance makes it easier for candidates for public office — of whatever race — to neglect the issues that matter to communities of color.” By Heather C. McGhee, Demos“This imbalance makes it easier for candidates for public office — of whatever race — to neglect the issues that matter to communities of color.” Read more »