We're feeling optimistic for the new year. Portland expanded clean elections to include candidates for local office, as well as banning contributions from corporations and foreign entities. We plan to carry that energy into 2023, because we're heading into a new era for clean elections.
Here's how we're fighting big money in politics. In the next Legislative session, we have three priorities:
- Expanding clean elections to county races. This is HUGE and EXCITING! The Maine Clean Elections program hasn't seen a change like this in years. Expanding clean elections to county races, including district attorney and sheriff races, will will ensure these important officials in our justice system won’t be influenced by their donors.
- Passing municipal disclosures. This would require anyone spending more than $5,000 in a local election to disclose that spending, like local referendum questions, to the Maine Ethics Commission. Big money shouldn't be able influence direct democracy in small towns.
- True source disclosure. True source disclosure is the next level of true transparency: it helps the voter trace back the money to the source donor and/or corporation and not just a vague PAC name.
- Protect Maine Elections. Ensuring that the referendum that would ban foreign governments from influencing our election is either passed outright by the legislature or at the ballot in November 2023.
We'll need your help in the new year. If you like our work, consider making a donation today. MCCE is at the forefront of these efforts. Thank you for supporting the government of, by, and for the people!