Posts by WVCCE
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WVCCE Blog WVCCE April 3, 2020
Absentee Voting Available to Anyone During the Coronavirus Emergency
The threat of COVID-19 is greater today than it was in June when West Virginia voters proved that voting by mail works. West Virginia voters can still use the pandemic as a reason to vote absentee, but they’ll need to take the extra step of going online or calling their county clerk to request an absentee ballot application. More here and at GoVoteWV.com. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Health, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
Absentee Voting Available to Anyone During the Coronavirus Emergency
The threat of COVID-19 is greater today than it was in June when West Virginia voters proved that voting by mail works. West Virginia voters can still use the pandemic as a reason to vote absentee, but they’ll need to take the extra step of going online or calling their county clerk to request an absentee ballot application. More here and at GoVoteWV.com. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Health, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog WVCCE April 3, 2020
COVID-19 Response for WV’s Criminal Justice System
What can be done to reduce the unique threat the COVID-19 virus poses to those who are incarcerated? An urgent response is needed from our Governor to prevent a severe COVID-19 outbreak that would put at risk the lives of inmates, correctional officers, their families, and jeopardize our health care system’s overall capacity to respond to this pandemic. West Virginia's criminal justice reform coalition, led by our friends at AFSC, is advocating for an urgent COVID-19 plan for the state's criminal justice system. More
Issues: Criminal Justice, Fair Courts, Health
COVID-19 Response for WV’s Criminal Justice System
What can be done to reduce the unique threat the COVID-19 virus poses to those who are incarcerated? An urgent response is needed from our Governor to prevent a severe COVID-19 outbreak that would put at risk the lives of inmates, correctional officers, their families, and jeopardize our health care system’s overall capacity to respond to this pandemic. West Virginia's criminal justice reform coalition, led by our friends at AFSC, is advocating for an urgent COVID-19 plan for the state's criminal justice system. More
Issues: Criminal Justice, Fair Courts, Health
Alerts and Updates WVCCE March 3, 2020
Tell Delegates to Reject Unnecessary Court
The West Virginia Legislature cannot justify the expense of creating a new layer of judicial bureaucracy, but the House Finance Committee voted to send SB 275, which would create an intermediate court of appeals, to the full House even though they couldn't pin down the exact cost. Tell the WV House committee members to reject SB 275 and invest the money that would be wasted on an unnecessary intermediate court on things West Virginia needs. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, WV Supreme Court
Tell Delegates to Reject Unnecessary Court
The West Virginia Legislature cannot justify the expense of creating a new layer of judicial bureaucracy, but the House Finance Committee voted to send SB 275, which would create an intermediate court of appeals, to the full House even though they couldn't pin down the exact cost. Tell the WV House committee members to reject SB 275 and invest the money that would be wasted on an unnecessary intermediate court on things West Virginia needs. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates WVCCE March 2, 2020
Don’t Let Powerful Special Interests Have Their Way with Our Courts
The millions that would be wasted on this unnecessary court could be better spent on things that help our families and communities thrive—fixing our roads, improving our schools and providing job training for West Virginia workers. However, in addition to the state’s spending priorities, West Virginians should also be concerned about the millions that special interest groups will undoubtedly spend to pack this new court. Special interest groups spending big bucks on judicial elections see the Supreme Court as an effective vehicle to further their political, ideological, or financial agendas. Why would this new court be any different? Tell the House Finance Committee to say NO to SB 275. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency
Don’t Let Powerful Special Interests Have Their Way with Our Courts
The millions that would be wasted on this unnecessary court could be better spent on things that help our families and communities thrive—fixing our roads, improving our schools and providing job training for West Virginia workers. However, in addition to the state’s spending priorities, West Virginians should also be concerned about the millions that special interest groups will undoubtedly spend to pack this new court. Special interest groups spending big bucks on judicial elections see the Supreme Court as an effective vehicle to further their political, ideological, or financial agendas. Why would this new court be any different? Tell the House Finance Committee to say NO to SB 275. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE February 25, 2020
Tell Delegates to Fund Critical Needs, Say NO to Unnecessary Court
Why are powerful, out-of-state special interests demanding that West Virginia give them an intermediate court that the Mountain State doesn’t need? To delay justice for West Virginians like you and for our small businesses, property owners, consumers and workers. Tell legislators that the money that would be wasted on an unnecessary intermediate court is better spent on things West Virginia needs — road repairs, better schools, job training for workers, broadband access, senior and veterans services, food programs and pantries so no West Virginian is hungry, and more. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence
Tell Delegates to Fund Critical Needs, Say NO to Unnecessary Court
Why are powerful, out-of-state special interests demanding that West Virginia give them an intermediate court that the Mountain State doesn’t need? To delay justice for West Virginians like you and for our small businesses, property owners, consumers and workers. Tell legislators that the money that would be wasted on an unnecessary intermediate court is better spent on things West Virginia needs — road repairs, better schools, job training for workers, broadband access, senior and veterans services, food programs and pantries so no West Virginian is hungry, and more. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence
Document WVCCE February 11, 2020
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Bills We Support
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy Platform have been introduced. Here's a list of the bills and their status. More
Issues: Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency, Voting Rights
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Bills We Support
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy Platform have been introduced. Here's a list of the bills and their status. More
Issues: Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates WVCCE February 10, 2020
Stand Up for Democracy: Tell Legislators to Protect Our Right to Peacefully Assemble
Just like voting or contacting elected officials, peaceful protest is an important way for everyday people to influence how government makes decisions about our air, water, and land; when we go to war; and other issues. Several of our allies are opposing a bill before the Legislature that would discourage peaceful protest and stop people from criticizing the powerful. Stand up for democracy! Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to vote NO on HB 4615. More
Issues: Democracy
Stand Up for Democracy: Tell Legislators to Protect Our Right to Peacefully Assemble
Just like voting or contacting elected officials, peaceful protest is an important way for everyday people to influence how government makes decisions about our air, water, and land; when we go to war; and other issues. Several of our allies are opposing a bill before the Legislature that would discourage peaceful protest and stop people from criticizing the powerful. Stand up for democracy! Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to vote NO on HB 4615. More
Issues: Democracy
Newsletter WVCCE January 31, 2020
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: Join Us for Good Government Lobby Day
Please join us for our first ever lobby day in support of our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform on February 17. More details and registration information here. Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. Read this post for a look at some of these bills, what we have to gain if some reforms are passed, and what’s at stake if others advance. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: Join Us for Good Government Lobby Day
Please join us for our first ever lobby day in support of our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform on February 17. More details and registration information here. Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. Read this post for a look at some of these bills, what we have to gain if some reforms are passed, and what’s at stake if others advance. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts
WVCCE Blog WVCCE January 23, 2020
Join Us for Good Government Lobby Day – Monday, February 17
Join us for our first ever lobby day in support of our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. We will be participating in the Centennial Celebration of the WV Ratification of the 19th Amendment at the State Capitol. It’s also President’s Day. If you have the day off, come lobby your legislators about common sense policy solutions that can move us toward a government that's more transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of ALL West Virginians. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Join Us for Good Government Lobby Day – Monday, February 17
Join us for our first ever lobby day in support of our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. We will be participating in the Centennial Celebration of the WV Ratification of the 19th Amendment at the State Capitol. It’s also President’s Day. If you have the day off, come lobby your legislators about common sense policy solutions that can move us toward a government that's more transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of ALL West Virginians. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates WVCCE January 21, 2020
Post-Citizens United, We Can Make Democracy Healthy Again
In spite of the decision, there are things we can do to make democracy healthy again but it will take political will and the power of the people demanding change. We can restore balance to a system skewed in favor of the wealthy and special interests by implementing reforms like those included in our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform, and give everyday people a stronger voice in our elections. More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Public Financing, Secret Money, Transparency
Post-Citizens United, We Can Make Democracy Healthy Again
In spite of the decision, there are things we can do to make democracy healthy again but it will take political will and the power of the people demanding change. We can restore balance to a system skewed in favor of the wealthy and special interests by implementing reforms like those included in our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform, and give everyday people a stronger voice in our elections. More
Issues: Citizens United, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Public Financing, Secret Money, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE January 4, 2020
Happy New Year, YOU Did It!
Happy New Year, YOU did it! Thanks to contributions from folks like you, we raised the $5,000 needed to meet our #WVProDemocracy match. Actually, we more than made it. We raised $7,380! We hope we can continue to count on you — every session people like you help advance our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform by calling legislators, writing letters to the editor, and talking with friends and neighbors. Stay tuned for updates and calls to action starting next week. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts
Happy New Year, YOU Did It!
Happy New Year, YOU did it! Thanks to contributions from folks like you, we raised the $5,000 needed to meet our #WVProDemocracy match. Actually, we more than made it. We raised $7,380! We hope we can continue to count on you — every session people like you help advance our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform by calling legislators, writing letters to the editor, and talking with friends and neighbors. Stay tuned for updates and calls to action starting next week. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts
Alerts and Updates WVCCE December 2, 2019
You don’t have to wait for #GivingTuesday to give democracy a boost
The season of giving is here and you can help give democracy a boost by making a tax-deductible donation toward the WV Pro-Democracy Match today. Every dollar you give will be matched up to $5,000. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
You don’t have to wait for #GivingTuesday to give democracy a boost
The season of giving is here and you can help give democracy a boost by making a tax-deductible donation toward the WV Pro-Democracy Match today. Every dollar you give will be matched up to $5,000. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates WVCCE October 30, 2019
Tired of Being Ghosted by Politics as Usual? Support the #WVProDemocracy Campaign
Tired of being ghosted by politics as usual? Want to exorcise big money from our elections? It's spooky when politicians rely on campaign contributions from big money ghouls! WV Citizens for Clean Elections is working to restore health to our democracy, to clean up elections and assure that our courts are fair and impartial. But it takes money to fight big money. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, WV Supreme Court
Tired of Being Ghosted by Politics as Usual? Support the #WVProDemocracy Campaign
Tired of being ghosted by politics as usual? Want to exorcise big money from our elections? It's spooky when politicians rely on campaign contributions from big money ghouls! WV Citizens for Clean Elections is working to restore health to our democracy, to clean up elections and assure that our courts are fair and impartial. But it takes money to fight big money. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates WVCCE October 15, 2019
Support the WV Pro-Democracy Movement by Making a Gift Today
WV Citizens for Clean Elections is working to restore health to our democracy, to clean up elections, and assure that our courts are fair and impartial. Right now WV Citizens for Clean Elections has an opportunity to receive an additional $5,000 for our work if we can raise $5,000 from our friends and supporters by the end of the year. Will you pitch in? Join us in the fight for a democracy that works for everyone—a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone's voice is heard—by making a donation today. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
Support the WV Pro-Democracy Movement by Making a Gift Today
WV Citizens for Clean Elections is working to restore health to our democracy, to clean up elections, and assure that our courts are fair and impartial. Right now WV Citizens for Clean Elections has an opportunity to receive an additional $5,000 for our work if we can raise $5,000 from our friends and supporters by the end of the year. Will you pitch in? Join us in the fight for a democracy that works for everyone—a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone's voice is heard—by making a donation today. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog WVCCE August 20, 2019
Judicial Public Financing is a Racial Justice Issue
We know that protecting and improving public financing won't transform our courts overnight. In order for our courts to be more fair and just, there has to be a concerted effort, starting even before law school, to recruit a diverse pool of talented law students who could eventually become judges. We also know that you shouldn't have to be wealthy, white, and male to run for state supreme court, and that West Virginians who end up before our judges should be able to trust that there are a range of life experiences represented. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Public Financing, WV Supreme Court
Judicial Public Financing is a Racial Justice Issue
We know that protecting and improving public financing won't transform our courts overnight. In order for our courts to be more fair and just, there has to be a concerted effort, starting even before law school, to recruit a diverse pool of talented law students who could eventually become judges. We also know that you shouldn't have to be wealthy, white, and male to run for state supreme court, and that West Virginians who end up before our judges should be able to trust that there are a range of life experiences represented. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Public Financing, WV Supreme Court
Press Release WVCCE August 2, 2019
Stand Up for Voting Rights – Media Advisory
On Voting Rights Act Anniversary, State and Community Leaders Call on Congress to Restore the Law. 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, Outside the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse, 300 Virginia St E., Charleston, WV 25301. This press conference and rally marks the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). We’ll call on Congress to restore the protections in the VRA and ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard free from discrimination. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Stand Up for Voting Rights – Media Advisory
On Voting Rights Act Anniversary, State and Community Leaders Call on Congress to Restore the Law. 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, Outside the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse, 300 Virginia St E., Charleston, WV 25301. This press conference and rally marks the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). We’ll call on Congress to restore the protections in the VRA and ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard free from discrimination. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates WVCCE August 1, 2019
Win for Transparency, Stand Up for Voting Rights
Please join us Tuesday, August 6 at noon at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charleston to stand up for voting rights and call on Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1962 by passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4). More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Win for Transparency, Stand Up for Voting Rights
Please join us Tuesday, August 6 at noon at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charleston to stand up for voting rights and call on Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1962 by passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4). More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog WVCCE July 11, 2019
Campaign Legal Center & WVCCE Comments on SB 622 Rules
The Campaign Legal Center and WV Citizens for Clean Elections submitted the following comments to the State Election Commission regarding the proposed rule to implement SB 622. We recommend a number of ways the rule can be strengthened to prevent circumvention of the law and to hold politicians and those who spend money to influence our elections accountable. We also ask the Commission to help strengthen political transparency in West Virginia by supporting future legislation to end “dark money” spending in the state. More
Issues: Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency
Campaign Legal Center & WVCCE Comments on SB 622 Rules
The Campaign Legal Center and WV Citizens for Clean Elections submitted the following comments to the State Election Commission regarding the proposed rule to implement SB 622. We recommend a number of ways the rule can be strengthened to prevent circumvention of the law and to hold politicians and those who spend money to influence our elections accountable. We also ask the Commission to help strengthen political transparency in West Virginia by supporting future legislation to end “dark money” spending in the state. More
Issues: Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE July 2, 2019
Tell the State Election Commission to Support Transparency, Hold Politicians Accountable
Earlier this year, legislators passed SB 622, a bill that is disastrous for those of us who want elections where candidates listen to the voices of everyday people, not wealthy donors and special interests. Right now, the State Election Commission is writing rules on how the new law will be implemented and enforced. We looked at the rules, and they need to be strengthened. You can help! Please send a letter to the Commission urging them to support increased transparency and to strengthen the rules to hold politicians accountable. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Tell the State Election Commission to Support Transparency, Hold Politicians Accountable
Earlier this year, legislators passed SB 622, a bill that is disastrous for those of us who want elections where candidates listen to the voices of everyday people, not wealthy donors and special interests. Right now, the State Election Commission is writing rules on how the new law will be implemented and enforced. We looked at the rules, and they need to be strengthened. You can help! Please send a letter to the Commission urging them to support increased transparency and to strengthen the rules to hold politicians accountable. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE May 9, 2019
Join Us for a Public Screening of Knock Down the House
Join us Sunday, May 19 at the LaBelle Theater in South Charleston for the first West Virginia screening of the new documentary Knock Down the House hosted by our partners at the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC). Doors open at 6:30 PM and the film begins at 7:00 PM. The film follows four determined women on the campaign trail as they challenge big-money politicians in the 2018 election. Although the West Virginia legislature recently passed a bill (SB 622) to allow more money into our elections, it's exciting to see new leaders emerging who are saying no to big-money and rejecting politics as usual. The way forward isn't with laws like SB 622. The solution is empowering small donors, ensuring equal access to the ballot box, and giving everyday people a greater voice in the political process More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy
Join Us for a Public Screening of Knock Down the House
Join us Sunday, May 19 at the LaBelle Theater in South Charleston for the first West Virginia screening of the new documentary Knock Down the House hosted by our partners at the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC). Doors open at 6:30 PM and the film begins at 7:00 PM. The film follows four determined women on the campaign trail as they challenge big-money politicians in the 2018 election. Although the West Virginia legislature recently passed a bill (SB 622) to allow more money into our elections, it's exciting to see new leaders emerging who are saying no to big-money and rejecting politics as usual. The way forward isn't with laws like SB 622. The solution is empowering small donors, ensuring equal access to the ballot box, and giving everyday people a greater voice in the political process More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy