Democracy Matters: Democracy Matters Change Elections, Change America


Introduction: Introduction Founder – Adonal Foyle Born – Canouan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Was impoverished Age 15 – moved to the USA


Adonal Foyle: Adonal Foyle Drafted 1st round by the Golden State Warriors. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Colgate University Decided to use good fortunes for the betterment of society


Adonal Foyle: Adonal Foyle Saw the inherent inequality and injustice in the campaign finance system. Felt that youth action was essential in any movement. Decided to start Democracy Matters.


Adonal Foyle: Adonal Foyle Democracy Matters informs and engages college students and communities in efforts to strengthen our democracy. Focuses on money in politics and other pro-democracy reforms


Problems with Money in Politics: Problems with Money in Politics “Real democracy on the other hand has to allow everyone an equal opportunity to influence political decisions, regardless of your race, gender or sexual preference, and regardless of your wealth.” Adonal Foyle


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics Must ask ourselves in our society, Who rules? Who has access? For which people, groups, or interests is legislation made?


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics 6 Main problems: The Wealth Primary Money equals Victory Not Everybody Gives Campaign = Dialing for Dollars Common American is Shut Out Current System Costs Taxpayers Money


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics Only the wealthy can run or those with access to wealth Winners in 2002 - avg. House race $966,670, avg. Senate race $5,029,904 (Center for Responsive Politics) The wealth primary - money is increasingly deciding who can run as a viable candidate.


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics Money in campaigns is proportional to victory Winners outspent losers in 2002 Senate races by 2:1 (Center for Responsive Politics)


Problems in money and politics: Problems in money and politics Contributions do not come from large, diverse population 0.11% of U.S. adults -- were responsible for 83% of all political contributions 0.28 % of U.S. adults -- gave contributions large enough to be itemized at all Only 10% of campaign contributions come from zip codes with predominantly people of color


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics Campaigns spend too much time chasing money Do not meet constituents and focus less on learning their issues. “Not only didn't I talk to voters, the only time I saw them was on the elevator in a Center City Philadelphia building on my way to an office where I dialed for dollars, nearly every day.” Peter H. Kostmayer-7term congressman


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics The common American is shut out of the process Not just in ability to run, but in access to politician and ability to influence legislation "Senators and representatives, faced incessantly with the need to raise ever more funds to fuel their campaigns, can scarcely avoid weighing every decision against the questions, 'How will this influence my fundraising?' rather than 'How will this influence national interest?" Late Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ)


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics


Problems in Money and Politics: Problems in Money and Politics Privately financed elections cost taxpayers money Corporate handouts – Medicare Bill - Drug companies ripped off consumers Lack of oversight – Enron scandal, Tax evasion and tax cuts


Private Money in Specific Issues: Private Money in Specific Issues The current system has had a dramatic influence on: Environmental Causes Health Care Student Loans Car Insurance


The Solution: Clean Elections : The Solution: Clean Elections Clean Money, Clean Elections Reform (a.k.a. Full Public Financing of Elections) is the solution that helps diminish all of the previously mentioned problems


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections What is it? Provides an option for a viable candidate to use public funding for the costs of a campaign Views elections as a public good where the best possible candidate should have access to the system regardless of wealth


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections How it works: To be eligible candidates show that they have broad support Normally through signatures & small $5 donations from registered voters in their district Candidates receive funds for both primary and general If unopposed, amount is less If outspent, amount raises incrementally


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections Where does money come from? No more taxes in many cases Arizona receives funds in 5 ways A 10% surcharge is imposed on all civil and criminal fines and penalties collected An individual who files a state income tax return may designate a $5.00 contribution to the fund The taxpayer may redirect portions of taxes owed to the fund The $5 contributions collected by Clean Elections candidates Fines levied against candidates for failure to comply with campaign laws or rules


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections The Benefits: Candidates spend more time with constituents, learning their issues and gaining grassroots support Candidates can state that they have taken no money from special interests Candidates can produce legislation that focuses on their constituents.


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections Current Clean Money systems Arizona and Maine (state legislature, state-wide offices) North Carolina (judicial elections) New Mexico (Public Regulation Commission)


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections Results Arizona Clean Elections candidates now hold 10 out of 11 state-wide offices 49% of all state offices (statewide and legislative) are now held by Clean Election Candidates Minorities represented just 16% of the total number of candidates, but 30% of the number of Clean Elections candidates


The Solution: Clean Elections: The Solution: Clean Elections Maine 78% of Maine’s state legislature was elected with Clean Elections 15% increase in number of legislative candidates in primaries, from 374 in 2000 to 429 in 2004 Maine became the first state in the country to pass a form of universal health care


Youth’s Role: Youth’s Role The need for young adults: grassroots movements and community service Youth have been essential in every major social movement Civil Rights Disability Rights Women’s Labor


Youth’s Role: Youth’s Role Youth provide the energy and devotion to provide change and better our future Campuses serve as ideal organizing institutions


The On-Campus Internship: The On-Campus Internship “Youth are not apathetic, just need outlets for action” Adonal Foyle Democracy Matters is about becoming active in society and promoting change


The On-Campus Internship: The On-Campus Internship What you can do: Find out if your school has a chapter email joanm@democracymatters.org Start your own Become a paid campus intern Similar to running a normal student organization 8-10 hours a week $750 a semester


The On-Campus Internship: The On-Campus Internship Intern duties: Create a Democracy Matters chapter that works to get private money out of politics and people back in. Build coalitions of student activists Organize teach-ins Train college students to run workshops Coordinate with other colleges Lobby and educate elected officials Run petition drives and canvasses


The On-Campus Internship: The On-Campus Internship Other activities Organize a music festival Start a radio show Plan a conference Host a debate Perform guerrilla theater


The On-Campus Internship: The On-Campus Internship "There is a problem, public financing is the answer, and Democracy Matters dispenses the resources and guidance to students in order for them to fix it. That opportunity is an amazing one…." Shawn Cloonan, University of Texas at Austin


Democracy Matters: Democracy Matters Currently at 85 campuses 25 states Democracy Matters organizers have: Placed Clean Money reform on ballots Written legislation for legislators Started new pro-democracy non-profits


Democracy Matters: Democracy Matters


Democracy Matters: Democracy Matters