This week marks 10 years since the Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling that opened the door to unlimited corporate money and unrestricted outside spending in our elections. By now, the problem is all too familiar. We have seen an explosion of political spending fueled by a small and wealthy elite.

Since Citizens United paved the way for SuperPACs, they have spent more than $4.5 billion -- over $1 billion of which came from just 11 individual donors. In the 2016 cycle, total political spending surpassed $6 billion, and in 2020, we're heading toward what is likely to be the most expensive election in American history.

After years of a seemingly never-ending big money arms race, it is easy to be cynical about the prospects for campaign finance reform, particularly with a Republican Senate and White House and a conservative Supreme Court committed to protecting the corrupt status quo. But focusing only on the role of the federal government misses the full picture.

The roadmap to fixing our corrupt political system runs through our states and cities, and there is reason for optimism. Since the Citizens United decision, nearly a dozen cities, states, and counties have passed meaningful campaign finance reforms that provide us with innovative models for combatting big money's influence on our elections.

From Seattle voters passing "democracy vouchers" to fund city elections to the New York State Legislature passing the first statewide small-donor matching program in the country (after thousands of calls from Stand Up America community members), real progress is being made, and Stand Up America is on the frontlines of the fight.

For a closer look at how states and cities are leading the charge for reform, read more here.

These innovative approaches to public financing don't get money out of our politics, but they do dramatically change where the money comes from, who can run for office, and who elected officials listen to. Small-donor programs enable candidates who aren't wealthy or well-connected to raise sufficient funds from their neighbors.

Candidates can replace high-dollar fundraisers with house parties, and then, once elected, govern with their constituents' best interests in mind, not wealthy donors. Inspired by these results, House Democrats included small-dollar matching in the H.R.1. For the People Act, their first legislative priority after retaking Congress, which is now being blocked by McConnell and Trump.

By now, it's incredibly clear that neither McConnell nor Trump have any intention of setting aside their partisanship and doing what's right for the American people. That's why we need activists like you in the fight for progressive change at the ballot box, while also supporting campaign finance reform at the state and local level. No one else is waiting in the wings to swoop in and save the day -- it's up to us.

In the coming months, the Stand Up America community will be mobilizing on both fronts like never before and we need you on our organizing team. We will be texting voters in key states to help get out the vote, drive calls to state legislatures, and support democracy reform ballot initiatives. Will you join us?

JOIN THE ORGANIZING TEAM

While overturning Citizens United would help stem the flow of outside political spending, comprehensive reform requires not only restricting outside money, but changing how we fund our campaigns in the first place.

Cities and states are showing us how to do just that. In 2020, voters and lawmakers in Arizona, Alaska, Maryland, Oregon, Philadelphia, and other cities and states will consider critical reforms, from small-dollar matching to lower contribution limits. They should seize the opportunity to strengthen our elections and build momentum for national reform. And we need your help to make that happen. Join us.

Thanks for all you do.

Sean Eldridge
Founder and President, Stand Up America

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