Joanne Antoine
Executive Director
Common Cause Maryland
About Us
For 50 years, Common Cause Maryland and our members have fought for the democracy we deserve.
Founded in 1974, Common Cause Maryland is one of the state’s most effective watchdog groups and has been a strong force for reform at the state and local levels – putting 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 Maryland 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: Common Cause Maryland 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.
Common Cause Maryland works...
In the Legislature and Local Governments
At the state, local, and at times municipal level, Common Cause Maryland 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 make frequent visits to the statehouse and local government buildings, meeting with decision-makers to discuss target legislation. We have a long history of making lasting changes through the legislative process.
On the Ground
Common Cause Maryland’s power lies in its over 32 thousand supporters throughout the state. We mobilize our members at lobby days in Annapolis 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; and much, much more. We know that when our members turn out and work together, we get results.
And Beyond...
Common Cause Maryland is committed to leading the most important fights for our democracy, no matter where they occur. 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 Team
Morgan Drayton
Policy & Engagement Manager
Common Cause Maryland
Our Commitment to Equity
Common Cause Maryland’s mission is not only one of fixing broken systems of governance but also, and more importantly, changing inequitable systems that are working as designed to prevent a democracy that works for everyone. We are not “restoring” or “rebuilding” a democracy but, rather, striving to create a truly representative and inclusive government for the first time.
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 to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promotes equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empowers every single Marylander to participate fully in the political process.
