On January 28, Virginia lawmakers passed legislation supporting efforts for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money to influence our elections, adding to the growing national bipartisan call for such an amendment. In passing the resolution, Virginia becomes the 22nd state in the nation to support efforts for this amendment.
“The historic level of campaign spending in Virginia directly threatens the integrity of the election process, dilutes the power of individual voters and distorts public discourse,” said Jeff Clements, President and CEO of American Promise. “As we saw people trying to destroy our democracy from the events inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, this resolution for a Constitutional amendment restores our democracy and gives voice back to the people.”
The Virginia Chapter of American Promise, partner organization Take Back Our Republic, and private citizens of all backgrounds have worked across the commonwealth and party lines to build bipartisan consensus and uphold Virginia’s founding principles of free speech and independence. Advancing a Constitutional amendment to regulate and set limits on election contributions and expenditures in state elections will secure the equal rights of all Americans, including Viriginians, to free speech and representation in government.
“Virginia is one of only five states with no limitation on campaign finance contributions,” said Michael Deal, American Promise Virginia Chapter member and resident of Vienna, VA. “By becoming the 22nd state to support efforts for this Constitutional Amendment, Virginia will have taken an initial, highly symbolic step in restoring ordinary citizens’ voices.”
Nancy Morgan, leader of the American Promise Virginia Chapter and resident of Alexandria, VA, added: “It is exciting that our Virginia State Senator, Creigh Deeds agrees with citizen activists that 245 years after the Virginia Declaration of Rights endorsed that ‘all power is vested in and derived from the People’, that there is a need for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would allow Congress and the states to regulate election spending.”
Citizens of Virginia can learn more ways to get involved in the campaign to get big money out of politics by visiting this page.
