Legislation
Money & Influence Legislation
When big business pays for a measure or a candidate, voters deserve to know. Check out our bold new transparency measures.
Money in Politics
Citizens United invited huge sums of dark money into our democracy. We're demanding reforms that put ordinary people ahead of billionaire campaign donors.
Americans know that money has too much influence in our political system. That is why we advocate for money in politics solutions that empower small-dollar donors to make an impact in campaigns, require disclosure of all campaign money raised and spent, remove the financial barriers stopping everyday people from running for office, and hold elected officials and wealthy special interests accountable to voters.
Even with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, states and cities across the country are proving that we can improve our campaign finance system with laws that amplify the voices of everyday Americans.
What We’re Doing
Campaign
Los Angeles Supermatch Public Financing Program
A stronger public financing system in Los Angeles has reduce the influence of wealthy special interests in local elections.
Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.
Updates
Blog Post
Not so fast! Watchdog commission puts brakes on efforts to increase donor limits for legislative leaders
In a 2-2 vote by the California Fair Political Practices Commission last week, the commission declined to endorse a proposal that would give greater power and fundraising ability to state legislative leaders, while creating new reporting requirements. Common Cause California and other open government groups warned against fast-track approval of the proposal.
Blog Post
Will the Los Angeles Ethics Commission Commit to a Stronger Campaign Public Financing System?
This Tuesday, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission is expected to vote on new recommendations to city campaign finance laws. But after all the talk and all the studies, it’s not even clear that they will be discussing a ban on corporate donations or a boost to public financing.
Related Resources
Report
The California Dream
A 2023 Report: Using Public Financing of Elections to Build an Inclusive and Multi-Racial Democracy Powered by Small Donors
Guide
California Municipal Democracy Index
The Municipal Campaign Finance Index (MCFI) is an organized accounting of campaign finance laws in all California cities. The Index and its accompanying report supply comprehensive data and context for California’s municipal campaign finance landscape.
Report
Local Campaign Contribution Limits
The Supreme Court has held that campaign contribution limits are a legitimate means of “deal[ing] with the reality or appearance of corruption inherent in a system permitting unlimited financial contributions.” Campaign contribution limits help to ensure that candidates are not overly reliant on a few wealthy donors to finance their campaigns. With a cap on individual contributions, candidates must also build a broader base of smaller contributions to be viable. As of 2014, the federal government and 38 states had enacted campaign...
Report
Money Talks: The State of Public Financing in California
The need for restructuring our campaign finance system has never been so dire. One reform with particular promise is the use of public funds to amplify the voice of everyday citizens in political campaigns. Public Financing helps to reduce corruption, hold politicians accountable and create a government of, by, and for the people.
Press
Press Release
Bills to Address AI’s Threats to Elections Clear First Hurdles
“These bills represent the most nuanced and most aggressive attempt in the United States to protect our democracy from digital threats” said Jonathan Mehta Stein, California Common Cause Executive Director.
Press Release
NEW REPORT: Hope Remains for Reining in Big Money in California Politics Post-Citizens United
State-level reform can help manage big money’s influence in California elections
Press Release
NEW REPORT: Common Sense Reforms Can Help Curb Money’s Influence in Local Politics
A new study shows contribution limits can be successful at the local level without often-speculated side effects