During the first post-Citizens United presidential election last year, the American people were able to see just how outsized and distorted Super PACs and corporate influence have become in our democracy.
Fortunately, the American people aren’t just taking note; they’re taking action. Unprecedented public support for meaningful reform has already led to substantial progress in states all across the country and a mounting public movement demanding a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore our democracy has emerged. Over 400 cities and towns, as well as 12 states, have called on Congress to send the states an amendment proposal that would overturn the disastrous decision.
Now Delaware has stepped up to the plate in the fight against Citizens United and is looking to add its voice to the growing consensus. Earlier this month, members of the Delaware General Assembly began gathering signatures for a letter to be sent to Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Representative Carney urging them and their colleagues to pass a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and related cases.
As we have seen in the bipartisan legislative votes on similar-worded resolutions in West Virginia and New Hampshire, ensuring our elections remain free from outside and outsized influence is not a Democratic value or a Republican value; it’s an American value. This is an issue that cuts across party lines and speaks to the core of our democratic principles.
Over two dozen Delaware legislators have already signed the letter in support, but we are still a few signatures shy of getting a full majority. If you live in Delaware and would like to see if your state senator and representative have signed on, you can find out on our United For the People website here. If they haven’t yet, please take the time to call your legislators and encourage them to sign the letter in support. With your help, we can ensure that the “First State” adds its voice to the growing coalition who believe democracy is for the people, not for the corporations.