Our Impact
Common Cause Rhode Island has been fighting for and winning key democracy reforms since our founding in 1970.
Common Cause Rhode Island has been fighting for and winning key democracy reforms since our founding in 1970.
We’ve worked to create a constitutional ethics commission, reform our legislature, enact merit selection of judges, put separation of powers into our state constitution, and expand voting rights, and much more.
1986
1970
1970
John W. Gardner, a Republican who served in the Cabinet of President Lyndon Johnson (a Democrat) launches Common Cause as an independent, non-partisan organization “for those Americans who want to help in the rebuilding of the nation.” 4,000 people responded to his initial newspaper ad calling for support—several of whom are still Common Cause members to this day. Common Cause rises to prominence in the anti-Vietnam War movement, lobbying Congress to cut off funding for the war effort.
Natalie C. Joslin responds to John Gardner’s ad and holds the first meeting of Common Cause Rhode Island. She volunteers with the organization, including serving as president of the Rhode Island board, for 52 years.
Common Cause Rhode Island makes a difference
Expanding Voting Rights in Rhode Island
In 2022, the Let RI Vote Act was signed into law after a hard-fought campaign by Common Cause Rhode Island. The law makes elections in our state more accessible to eligible voters as well as more secure. Among other provisions, it requires the state to create a secure online mail ballot application system, conduct more frequent voter roll cleanups, and provide a multilingual voter hotline.
Fighting for a Complete Census Count
Common Cause Rhode Island helped make the 2020 Census a success in our state. We worked closely with partners, held informational events for Rhode Island residents, and even helped lead the state’s Complete Count Committee—which utilizes local knowledge and resources to educate communities and get out the count. This concerted effort helped Rhode Island maintain its second seat in the U.S. House and bring valuable financial resources back to the state.
