Posts by WVCCE
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Alerts and Updates WVCCE March 14, 2019
Tell Governor Justice: Veto SB 622
Despite the way practically every West Virginia voter, regardless of their party affiliation, feels about the state of our politics and money’s role in it, West Virginia politicians charged ahead with SB 622 — the bill no one asked for. No one except wealthy special interests of course. We want our elected officials to listen to us, the people — not wealthy special interests. SB 622 goes against this will and gives a greater voice to the wealthy and special interests that try to buy our elections, and that's wrong! Send a message to Governor Justice and ask him to veto SB 622. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency
Tell Governor Justice: Veto SB 622
Despite the way practically every West Virginia voter, regardless of their party affiliation, feels about the state of our politics and money’s role in it, West Virginia politicians charged ahead with SB 622 — the bill no one asked for. No one except wealthy special interests of course. We want our elected officials to listen to us, the people — not wealthy special interests. SB 622 goes against this will and gives a greater voice to the wealthy and special interests that try to buy our elections, and that's wrong! Send a message to Governor Justice and ask him to veto SB 622. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency
Press Release WVCCE March 7, 2019
WV Legislature poised to bring MORE money, LESS transparency into our politics
Despite the way practically every West Virginia voter — Republican or Democrat — feels about the state of our politics and money's role in it, West Virginia politicians are charging ahead with SB 622 — the bill no one asked for. No one except wealthy special interests, of course. SB 622 will give more power over our government to the richest few, lobbyists, and wealthy special interests. West Virginia should be a model of government by the people, not for the wealthiest few. The Legislature should shoot down SB 622 and give the people of West Virginia a real voice in our government through the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency
WV Legislature poised to bring MORE money, LESS transparency into our politics
Despite the way practically every West Virginia voter — Republican or Democrat — feels about the state of our politics and money's role in it, West Virginia politicians are charging ahead with SB 622 — the bill no one asked for. No one except wealthy special interests, of course. SB 622 will give more power over our government to the richest few, lobbyists, and wealthy special interests. West Virginia should be a model of government by the people, not for the wealthiest few. The Legislature should shoot down SB 622 and give the people of West Virginia a real voice in our government through the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE March 6, 2019
What Do We Want? Democracy! When Do We Want It? Now!
Unfortunately, some members of the WV Legislature have other ideas. The House of Delegates is set to vote on a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. Call your delegate(s) now and tell them to say YES to transparency, and NO to more money in West Virginia elections. On the bright side, as the WV House prepares to vote on SB 622, the US House of Representatives will vote this week on HR 1, the boldest set of democracy reforms in decades! Make your voice heard and call your Representative today: 888-724-8879 More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency, Voting Rights
What Do We Want? Democracy! When Do We Want It? Now!
Unfortunately, some members of the WV Legislature have other ideas. The House of Delegates is set to vote on a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. Call your delegate(s) now and tell them to say YES to transparency, and NO to more money in West Virginia elections. On the bright side, as the WV House prepares to vote on SB 622, the US House of Representatives will vote this week on HR 1, the boldest set of democracy reforms in decades! Make your voice heard and call your Representative today: 888-724-8879 More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates WVCCE March 3, 2019
Tell Delegates to Say YES to Transparency, NO to More Money in WV Elections
The WV Senate has passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. Ordinary working West Virginians don’t have that kind of money to donate to campaigns, so the overall effect of the bill would be disastrous for voters who struggle to have their voices heard above the special interests that try buy our elections. Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to strengthen the transparency provisions of SB 622, and say NO to more money in West Virginia elections. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Tell Delegates to Say YES to Transparency, NO to More Money in WV Elections
The WV Senate has passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. Ordinary working West Virginians don’t have that kind of money to donate to campaigns, so the overall effect of the bill would be disastrous for voters who struggle to have their voices heard above the special interests that try buy our elections. Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to strengthen the transparency provisions of SB 622, and say NO to more money in West Virginia elections. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
WVCCE Blog WVCCE February 24, 2019
Attacking and Packing the Courts Won’t Restore Honor and Integrity
Rather than attacking and packing the courts, the Legislature and Court should double-down on implementing reforms to promote a fair and impartial judiciary and improve confidence in both the judicial system and the electoral process. Ways they can do this include strengthening disclosure of the secret, special interest money flooding our judicial elections., funding our judicial public financing program/system so that candidates for the Supreme Court don’t have to take money from parties who might later have cases before the Court and making the current process of filing judicial vacancies more transparent. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Public Financing, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Attacking and Packing the Courts Won’t Restore Honor and Integrity
Rather than attacking and packing the courts, the Legislature and Court should double-down on implementing reforms to promote a fair and impartial judiciary and improve confidence in both the judicial system and the electoral process. Ways they can do this include strengthening disclosure of the secret, special interest money flooding our judicial elections., funding our judicial public financing program/system so that candidates for the Supreme Court don’t have to take money from parties who might later have cases before the Court and making the current process of filing judicial vacancies more transparent. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Public Financing, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates WVCCE February 24, 2019
Tell Senators to Say NO to More Money in WV Elections
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee just passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. This would be disastrous for ordinary working West Virginians who struggle to have their voices heard above the special interests that try to buy our elections. Contact your Senators and tell them we need more disclosure of political spending in our elections, not more money. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Tell Senators to Say NO to More Money in WV Elections
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee just passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. This would be disastrous for ordinary working West Virginians who struggle to have their voices heard above the special interests that try to buy our elections. Contact your Senators and tell them we need more disclosure of political spending in our elections, not more money. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE February 15, 2019
By George, Are you Abe-le to Help Us Promote the #WVProDemocracy Platform?
Let Abe do the walkin' ... er' talkin'. Join us at the Capitol on President's Day to help promote the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. If you have the day off, come stamp your bills to help spread the word about the need to protect voting rights and fight the influence of money in politics; then lobby your legislators and ask them to support the platform. We'll be in the Upper Rotunda, Senate side starting at 9 AM. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy
By George, Are you Abe-le to Help Us Promote the #WVProDemocracy Platform?
Let Abe do the walkin' ... er' talkin'. Join us at the Capitol on President's Day to help promote the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. If you have the day off, come stamp your bills to help spread the word about the need to protect voting rights and fight the influence of money in politics; then lobby your legislators and ask them to support the platform. We'll be in the Upper Rotunda, Senate side starting at 9 AM. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy
Alerts and Updates WVCCE February 8, 2019
Call to Action: Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West Virginians understand the urgent need to strengthen our democracy and make our politicians work for us, not wealthy special interests. We need your help to make this a reality. Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Unfortunately, these bills are being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump at (304) 357-7880 and ask him to put these bills up for a vote! More
Issues: Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Call to Action: Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West Virginians understand the urgent need to strengthen our democracy and make our politicians work for us, not wealthy special interests. We need your help to make this a reality. Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Unfortunately, these bills are being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump at (304) 357-7880 and ask him to put these bills up for a vote! More
Issues: Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Secret Money, Transparency
Alerts and Updates WVCCE February 2, 2019
Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform Update
Good news! Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform and the list is growing. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. We’ll continue to keep you posted. In the meantime, here’s the list of Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform bills that have been introduced so far. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform Update
Good news! Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform and the list is growing. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. We’ll continue to keep you posted. In the meantime, here’s the list of Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform bills that have been introduced so far. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog WVCCE January 28, 2019
Pro-Democracy Platform: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing (Updated 2/2/2019)
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Pro-Democracy Platform: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing (Updated 2/2/2019)
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates WVCCE January 27, 2019
This Is What Democracy Looks Like, And You’re In It
It's a new year, and a new WV Legislature, and you can help West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform during the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session. When legislators listen to regular West Virginians, they can work with us to pass bills that make West Virginia a better place to live. The governor can sign those bills into law, and our courts can uphold those laws. But too often, our politicians look like they are listening to big-money special interests rather than people like you and me. It’s time to make them listen. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights
This Is What Democracy Looks Like, And You’re In It
It's a new year, and a new WV Legislature, and you can help West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform during the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session. When legislators listen to regular West Virginians, they can work with us to pass bills that make West Virginia a better place to live. The governor can sign those bills into law, and our courts can uphold those laws. But too often, our politicians look like they are listening to big-money special interests rather than people like you and me. It’s time to make them listen. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog WVCCE January 22, 2019
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Get Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Voting Rights
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Get Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog WVCCE October 23, 2018
WV Supreme Court of Appeals Election Resources
Among the many important races on the ballot this election, West Virginia voters will have the opportunity to elect two new justices to fill vacancies on the WV Supreme Court of Appeals. It's a crowed field, with 10 candidates running for each of the two seats, which will be listed on the ballot as Division 1 and Division 2. We've compiled some resources and reporting on the Supreme Court races to help voters learn more about the candidates running to complete these two unexpired terms on the Court. More
Issues: Fair Courts, WV Supreme Court
WV Supreme Court of Appeals Election Resources
Among the many important races on the ballot this election, West Virginia voters will have the opportunity to elect two new justices to fill vacancies on the WV Supreme Court of Appeals. It's a crowed field, with 10 candidates running for each of the two seats, which will be listed on the ballot as Division 1 and Division 2. We've compiled some resources and reporting on the Supreme Court races to help voters learn more about the candidates running to complete these two unexpired terms on the Court. More
Issues: Fair Courts, WV Supreme Court
Press Release WVCCE October 22, 2018
Film Screening & Discussion to Highlight Need for Reform
Dark money groups spend millions to shape our elections at all levels of government without revealing where their money comes from. But it doesn't have to be this way. ‘Dark Money’ (darkmoneyfilm.com) takes viewers to Montana to follow an intrepid local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. The film also shows how attorneys, elected officials, and local activists in Montana fought back and won. Come see the film and be inspired to help us fight big money in West Virginia elections More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure
Film Screening & Discussion to Highlight Need for Reform
Dark money groups spend millions to shape our elections at all levels of government without revealing where their money comes from. But it doesn't have to be this way. ‘Dark Money’ (darkmoneyfilm.com) takes viewers to Montana to follow an intrepid local journalist working to expose the real-life impacts of the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. The film also shows how attorneys, elected officials, and local activists in Montana fought back and won. Come see the film and be inspired to help us fight big money in West Virginia elections More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure
Document WVCCE October 8, 2018
Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Campaign Flier
The document below contains two versions of our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption campaign flier. A half-page, double-sided flier (two per page) and a full page. Download the filer here or email julie@wvoter-owned.org to request copies. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy
Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Campaign Flier
The document below contains two versions of our Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption campaign flier. A half-page, double-sided flier (two per page) and a full page. Download the filer here or email julie@wvoter-owned.org to request copies. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy
WVCCE Blog WVCCE October 1, 2018
Join Us in October for a Screening of ‘Dark Money’
Join us at the Underground Cinema by WVIFF for October's Movies That Matter Monday's Film, 'Dark Money,' a political thriller that examines one of the greatest present threats to American democracy: the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials. But the citizens of one state won’t allow their democracy to be dismantled without a fight. You can join them. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Secret Money
Join Us in October for a Screening of ‘Dark Money’
Join us at the Underground Cinema by WVIFF for October's Movies That Matter Monday's Film, 'Dark Money,' a political thriller that examines one of the greatest present threats to American democracy: the influence of untraceable corporate money on our elections and elected officials. But the citizens of one state won’t allow their democracy to be dismantled without a fight. You can join them. More
Issues: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Secret Money
Press Release WVCCE September 10, 2018
Petition demands fair, transparent judicial elections
With impeachment trials for current and former members of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals set begin in the State Senate tomorrow, WV Citizens for Clean Elections is worried that the legislative response to the recent spending scandal could enable a single party, through a pre-planned partisan impeachment process, to seize control of the third branch of Government for the next two years. We are urging West Virginians to sign the Our Court, Our Vote petition, which is addressed to Governor Jim Justice and members of the WV Legislature, and which demands a prompt and transparent special election for any open seats on the Supreme Court. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Petition demands fair, transparent judicial elections
With impeachment trials for current and former members of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals set begin in the State Senate tomorrow, WV Citizens for Clean Elections is worried that the legislative response to the recent spending scandal could enable a single party, through a pre-planned partisan impeachment process, to seize control of the third branch of Government for the next two years. We are urging West Virginians to sign the Our Court, Our Vote petition, which is addressed to Governor Jim Justice and members of the WV Legislature, and which demands a prompt and transparent special election for any open seats on the Supreme Court. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog WVCCE August 24, 2018
Making sense of the chaotic West Virginia Supreme Court impeachment
We're continuing to follow the WV Supreme Court impeachment saga closely. Earlier this week, the State Senate approved it's procedural rules for the impeachment trials. Current and former justices are scheduled to appear before the Senate on September 11 to answer to the charges against them. Stay tuned! In the meantime, check out this piece from our friends at the Institute for Southern Studies about the impeachment, and how corporate interests have shaped the court in an effort to deny ordinary West Virginians their day in court. More
Issues: Dark Money, Fair Courts, Public Financing, WV Supreme Court
Making sense of the chaotic West Virginia Supreme Court impeachment
We're continuing to follow the WV Supreme Court impeachment saga closely. Earlier this week, the State Senate approved it's procedural rules for the impeachment trials. Current and former justices are scheduled to appear before the Senate on September 11 to answer to the charges against them. Stay tuned! In the meantime, check out this piece from our friends at the Institute for Southern Studies about the impeachment, and how corporate interests have shaped the court in an effort to deny ordinary West Virginians their day in court. More
Issues: Dark Money, Fair Courts, Public Financing, WV Supreme Court
Press Release WVCCE June 13, 2018
Supreme Court scandal highlights need to improve trust in the judiciary
The recent Supreme Court spending scandal and charges against Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry are an opportunity to implement reforms to improve confidence in both the judicial system and the electoral process. West Virginians are rightly furious over Justice Loughry’s behavior, but we know they are also worried about another threat to public trust in the judiciary — the secret special-interest money in judicial elections. In both cases, transparency has to be a part of the solution. The court must bring transparency to the judicial budgeting process and legislators must seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being used to influence our votes. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Supreme Court scandal highlights need to improve trust in the judiciary
The recent Supreme Court spending scandal and charges against Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry are an opportunity to implement reforms to improve confidence in both the judicial system and the electoral process. West Virginians are rightly furious over Justice Loughry’s behavior, but we know they are also worried about another threat to public trust in the judiciary — the secret special-interest money in judicial elections. In both cases, transparency has to be a part of the solution. The court must bring transparency to the judicial budgeting process and legislators must seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being used to influence our votes. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Press Release WVCCE June 6, 2018
Workshop on Role of the Courts in Protecting Democracy, Fundamental Rights – June 18 in Charleston
WV Citizens for Clean Elections and the WV Association for Justice are hosting a free workshop on the role of the courts in protecting our democracy and our fundamental rights. Through a series of interactive discussions and presentations, participants will leave with knowledge about who sits on the bench in West Virginia, how judges are selected/elected, threats to judicial independence, and actions to strengthen and protect the impartiality of our courts. The free workshop will be held Monday, June 18 in Charleston at the Four Points Sheraton and includes an appetizer buffet reception. Attendees are asked to please register in advance. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, WV Supreme Court
Workshop on Role of the Courts in Protecting Democracy, Fundamental Rights – June 18 in Charleston
WV Citizens for Clean Elections and the WV Association for Justice are hosting a free workshop on the role of the courts in protecting our democracy and our fundamental rights. Through a series of interactive discussions and presentations, participants will leave with knowledge about who sits on the bench in West Virginia, how judges are selected/elected, threats to judicial independence, and actions to strengthen and protect the impartiality of our courts. The free workshop will be held Monday, June 18 in Charleston at the Four Points Sheraton and includes an appetizer buffet reception. Attendees are asked to please register in advance. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, WV Supreme Court