About Us
For more than 50 years, Common Cause and our members have fought for the democracy we deserve.
Common Cause puts its state and national policy expertise, massive network of grassroots supporters, and nonpartisan approach into action to strengthen our democracy against the challenges it faces today. We work at every level of government on priorities that impact each of our lives—like defending the right to vote, limiting big money’s influence on our elections, holding public officials accountable, and more. Our efforts are driven by our national headquarters in D.C. and our more than 25 state offices, led by teams of on-the-ground specialists who know how to win impactful reforms that fortify our democracy.
When We the People come together, we can make a real and lasting difference. Taking action with Common Cause means joining a nationwide movement in pursuit of a democracy that gives all of us a voice in the decisions that shape our future.
Our Mission Statement
Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
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Common Cause works...
In the Legislature
At the national, state, and local level, Common Cause works with officials from across the political spectrum to pass proven, common-sense solutions and stop attacks on our rights. Our team members and supporters are frequent visitors to the U.S. Capitol and statehouses across the country, meeting with decision-makers to discuss target legislation. We have a long history of making lasting change through the legislative process.
In the Courts
Common Cause has played a key role in some of the most impactful court cases over the last several decades. We work at every level of the country’s legal system, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and have consistently demonstrated that through hard-hitting legal action, we can make real progress on the democracy issues that count—like fair redistricting, government transparency, and campaign finance.
On the Ground
Common Cause’s power lies in its 1.5 million supporters nationwide. We mobilize our members at lobby days in statehouses to advocate for key reforms and shut down harmful bills; as election protection monitors, helping voters each Election Day; at pro-democracy rallies and demonstrations across the country; and much, much more. We know that when our members turn out and work together, we get results.
And Beyond...
Common Cause is committed to leading the most important fights for our democracy, no matter where they take place. We show up in many ways—including online, where our members contact legislators in support of target bills, spread the word about our work on social media, and report harmful election disinformation.
Our History
John Gardner, a Republican who served in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Cabinet, founded Common Cause as “a people’s lobby” in 1970. Today, we are 1.5 million members and supporters strong and have active offices in over 25 states. Our long and rich history includes milestones like lowering the national voting age to 18, enacting a ban on “soft money” in political campaigns, and helping to create the Office of Congressional Ethics.
Our Commitment to Equity
At Common Cause, we know that racial equity and inclusion must be at the core of what we strive to be, as must equity and inclusion for all individuals across identities and differences (ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religious beliefs, tribe, caste, age, class, thinking and communication styles, etc.). These values are essential to the successful execution of our mission: creating a truly representative and inclusive government.
