Posts by Julie Archer
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Newsletter article Julie Archer March 29, 2021
Courts and the Constitution
After quickly passing their house of origin and then clearing their first committee assignment in the other, two measures we oppose related to West Virginia courts slowed down. Now one has cleared another legislative hurdle, and the other is likely to be on the move again soon as we enter the final two weeks of the legislative session. Here’s a quick update and actions you can take to stop these power grabs and attempts to politicize the judiciary. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Courts and the Constitution
After quickly passing their house of origin and then clearing their first committee assignment in the other, two measures we oppose related to West Virginia courts slowed down. Now one has cleared another legislative hurdle, and the other is likely to be on the move again soon as we enter the final two weeks of the legislative session. Here’s a quick update and actions you can take to stop these power grabs and attempts to politicize the judiciary. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer March 23, 2021
Voting Rights Are Under Attack, But We Can Fight Back
With 43 states trying to enact legislation that could make it harder to vote, it’s more important than ever that the Senate pass the For the People Act to thwart these attacks. More
Issues: Democracy, Voting Rights
Voting Rights Are Under Attack, But We Can Fight Back
With 43 states trying to enact legislation that could make it harder to vote, it’s more important than ever that the Senate pass the For the People Act to thwart these attacks. More
Issues: Democracy, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer March 2, 2021
Urgent: Register by 4PM TODAY for March 4 Public Hearing on Intermediate Court of Appeals
The House Judiciary Committee just announced virtual public hearing on SB 275, establishing an intermediate court of appeals will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday. If you want to speak, call 304-340-3252 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. TODAY, Tuesday, March 2 to register. More
Issues: Fair Courts
Urgent: Register by 4PM TODAY for March 4 Public Hearing on Intermediate Court of Appeals
The House Judiciary Committee just announced virtual public hearing on SB 275, establishing an intermediate court of appeals will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday. If you want to speak, call 304-340-3252 between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. TODAY, Tuesday, March 2 to register. More
Issues: Fair Courts
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer March 1, 2021
Update: Still Time to Contact Delegates on HJR 2
It’s obvious that at least some members of the Legislature are under the mistaken impression that the acting Supreme Court that intervened in the impeachment of former Justice Margaret Workman stripped them of their power to impeach. This is completely false. There’s still time to contact your delegate(s) and tell them to vote NO on this dangerous, unnecessary amendment to our constitution. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, WV Supreme Court
Update: Still Time to Contact Delegates on HJR 2
It’s obvious that at least some members of the Legislature are under the mistaken impression that the acting Supreme Court that intervened in the impeachment of former Justice Margaret Workman stripped them of their power to impeach. This is completely false. There’s still time to contact your delegate(s) and tell them to vote NO on this dangerous, unnecessary amendment to our constitution. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, WV Supreme Court
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer February 27, 2021
Tell Delegates to Vote NO on HJR 2
On Monday March 1, the House will be voting on HJR 2, a dangerous, unnecessary amendment to our state consitution. This bill would cut loose future impeachment proceedings of the WV Legislature from all constitutional restraint. Tell delegates to vote NO on HJR 2. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence
Tell Delegates to Vote NO on HJR 2
On Monday March 1, the House will be voting on HJR 2, a dangerous, unnecessary amendment to our state consitution. This bill would cut loose future impeachment proceedings of the WV Legislature from all constitutional restraint. Tell delegates to vote NO on HJR 2. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer February 22, 2021
Power Grabs and a Gift to Special Interests
We're less than two weeks into the 2021 session and the WV Legislature is moving quickly to undermine the ability of West Virginia courts to defend our democracy and guard against abuses of power. And after three consecutive years of not gettting their way, some legislative leaders still want to waste millions of dollars on an unnecessary intermediate court of appeals because big-money, out-of-state, powerful special interests are demanding it. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Voting Rights
Power Grabs and a Gift to Special Interests
We're less than two weeks into the 2021 session and the WV Legislature is moving quickly to undermine the ability of West Virginia courts to defend our democracy and guard against abuses of power. And after three consecutive years of not gettting their way, some legislative leaders still want to waste millions of dollars on an unnecessary intermediate court of appeals because big-money, out-of-state, powerful special interests are demanding it. More
Issues: Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer January 20, 2021
Demand Democracy: Help Pass the For the People Act
As we begin a new year with a new president, WV Citizens for Clean Elections remains committed to the work to hold our government accountable to ensure we create a country where everyone can thrive. That's why we are joining with the Declaration for American Democracy coalition to support the For The People Act (HR 1) and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act (HR 4) to protect and strengthen the sacred right to vote and return the power of our democracy to the people. Will you join us to demand that the Biden-Harris administration and our members of Congress champion democracy reform as a first priority? More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Voting Rights
Demand Democracy: Help Pass the For the People Act
As we begin a new year with a new president, WV Citizens for Clean Elections remains committed to the work to hold our government accountable to ensure we create a country where everyone can thrive. That's why we are joining with the Declaration for American Democracy coalition to support the For The People Act (HR 1) and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act (HR 4) to protect and strengthen the sacred right to vote and return the power of our democracy to the people. Will you join us to demand that the Biden-Harris administration and our members of Congress champion democracy reform as a first priority? More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer January 12, 2021
Join Us for a “We Demand Democracy” Virtual Town Hall
Last week, our democracy survived an unacceptable attack, as a violent mob incited by the President attacked the US Capitol in an attempt to change the outcome of the election and disrupt the peaceful transition of power. There's a lot of work to do to repair the damage caused by Trump and his enablers. But, we have an opportunity with the new Congress, to transform our democracy. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
Join Us for a “We Demand Democracy” Virtual Town Hall
Last week, our democracy survived an unacceptable attack, as a violent mob incited by the President attacked the US Capitol in an attempt to change the outcome of the election and disrupt the peaceful transition of power. There's a lot of work to do to repair the damage caused by Trump and his enablers. But, we have an opportunity with the new Congress, to transform our democracy. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer December 1, 2020
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with WV Citizens for Clean Elections
Our demoncracy depends on a fair and impartial court system and transparent and accountable elections, which is why we formed the WV Citizens for Clean Elections in 2002 to strengthen our democracy and give power back to the people of West Virginia. This Giving Tuesday, will you join us in this fight by donating what you can so we are able to organize West Virginians, and bring our communities together to advance and protect our institutions? A generous supporter has agreed to match every donation up to $10,000. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with WV Citizens for Clean Elections
Our demoncracy depends on a fair and impartial court system and transparent and accountable elections, which is why we formed the WV Citizens for Clean Elections in 2002 to strengthen our democracy and give power back to the people of West Virginia. This Giving Tuesday, will you join us in this fight by donating what you can so we are able to organize West Virginians, and bring our communities together to advance and protect our institutions? A generous supporter has agreed to match every donation up to $10,000. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Fair Courts
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer September 1, 2020
Planning to Vote by Mail? Here’s What You Need to Know
As you probably know, all West Virginia voters have the option of voting absentee due to concerns about COVID-19. This is the safest option because you can vote from home. However, despite our efforts to make the process consistent with the primary, for the general election registered voters in most counties won’t be mailed an absentee ballot application. Here's what you need to know and what you can do to ensure that our democracy can function during this pandemic. More
Issues: Democracy, Health, Voting Rights
Planning to Vote by Mail? Here’s What You Need to Know
As you probably know, all West Virginia voters have the option of voting absentee due to concerns about COVID-19. This is the safest option because you can vote from home. However, despite our efforts to make the process consistent with the primary, for the general election registered voters in most counties won’t be mailed an absentee ballot application. Here's what you need to know and what you can do to ensure that our democracy can function during this pandemic. More
Issues: Democracy, Health, Voting Rights
Press Release Julie Archer July 16, 2020
Editorial Memo: Funding is Critical to Ensuring Free, Fair and Safe Elections
The election is just months away, and West Virginia and other states are running out of time to make critical purchases and plans to ensure free, fair and safe elections. State and federal leaders must urgently invest in and put in place changes across the country so all Americans have equal access to the ballot box, and no American has to choose between their safety and their vote. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Health, Voting Rights
Editorial Memo: Funding is Critical to Ensuring Free, Fair and Safe Elections
The election is just months away, and West Virginia and other states are running out of time to make critical purchases and plans to ensure free, fair and safe elections. State and federal leaders must urgently invest in and put in place changes across the country so all Americans have equal access to the ballot box, and no American has to choose between their safety and their vote. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Health, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer June 5, 2020
Supreme Court Elections Provide Opportunity to Increase Trust, Accountability, and Transparency in the Judiciary
This moment is an opportunity to bring greater trust, accountability, and transparency to the judiciary, but rebuilding trust in the judiciary cannot end with a single individual. As voters, it’s incumbent upon us to seek out unbiased information about the candidates rather than relying on misleading, inaccurate attack ads. The court and legislators must also seize this opportunity to begin to rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary by strengthening disclosure of political spending and the adoption of a strong, objective recusal standard. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Supreme Court Elections Provide Opportunity to Increase Trust, Accountability, and Transparency in the Judiciary
This moment is an opportunity to bring greater trust, accountability, and transparency to the judiciary, but rebuilding trust in the judiciary cannot end with a single individual. As voters, it’s incumbent upon us to seek out unbiased information about the candidates rather than relying on misleading, inaccurate attack ads. The court and legislators must also seize this opportunity to begin to rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary by strengthening disclosure of political spending and the adoption of a strong, objective recusal standard. More
Issues: Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer April 3, 2020
WV House Rejects New Court Sought by Powerful Special Interests
If you were one of the people who responded to calls to action from WV Citizens for Clean Elections Coalition and our partners and allies during the 2020 WV Legislative Session, thank you! You helped defeat a bad bill sought by powerful special interests. Besides the intermediate court of appeals, there were also multiple constitutional amendments proposed that would have undermined the independence of the courts. We must continue to fight these attacks and push for increased transparency in our elections and the adoption of strong recusal standards to remove political pressure and conflicts of interest from our courts. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency
WV House Rejects New Court Sought by Powerful Special Interests
If you were one of the people who responded to calls to action from WV Citizens for Clean Elections Coalition and our partners and allies during the 2020 WV Legislative Session, thank you! You helped defeat a bad bill sought by powerful special interests. Besides the intermediate court of appeals, there were also multiple constitutional amendments proposed that would have undermined the independence of the courts. We must continue to fight these attacks and push for increased transparency in our elections and the adoption of strong recusal standards to remove political pressure and conflicts of interest from our courts. More
Issues: Dark Money, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Judicial Independence, Transparency
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer January 29, 2020
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: What We Could Gain and What’s At Stake
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. In addition to bills that are part of the platform we are also monitoring other legislative proposals related to our courts. Here’s a glimpse 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: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: What We Could Gain and What’s At Stake
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. In addition to bills that are part of the platform we are also monitoring other legislative proposals related to our courts. Here’s a glimpse 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: Citizens United, Clean Elections, Dark Money, Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Voting Rights
Alerts and Updates Julie Archer December 4, 2019
Take Action Today to Restore the Voting Rights Act
Congress must pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4) and restore our ability to prevent racial discrimination in voting so that we can build the truly representative democracy that we deserve. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on HR 4 on Thursday or Friday of this week. Please contact your US Representative today and urge their support for this crucial legislation. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
Take Action Today to Restore the Voting Rights Act
Congress must pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (HR 4) and restore our ability to prevent racial discrimination in voting so that we can build the truly representative democracy that we deserve. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on HR 4 on Thursday or Friday of this week. Please contact your US Representative today and urge their support for this crucial legislation. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer September 26, 2019
Lawmakers need to protect, promote right to vote
In West Virginia, pro-voter advocates envision a state where elected officials don’t make it harder to vote, but rather ensure that every eligible citizen has a chance to make their voice heard. In the wake of the Shelby v. Holder decision, it is policies like AVR, and other reforms that provide new opportunities for people to register and vote, that affirm our civil rights, which need our support. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
Lawmakers need to protect, promote right to vote
In West Virginia, pro-voter advocates envision a state where elected officials don’t make it harder to vote, but rather ensure that every eligible citizen has a chance to make their voice heard. In the wake of the Shelby v. Holder decision, it is policies like AVR, and other reforms that provide new opportunities for people to register and vote, that affirm our civil rights, which need our support. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer July 5, 2019
It’s Time to Declare Independence from Big-Money in West Virginia Politics
This Independence Day, we will all be celebrating the founding of the United States and our declaration of independence from the tyranny of monarchy. In West Virginia politics, however, it seems we have another tyranny to overthrow — the tyranny exercised by powerful special interests in our state’s democracy. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Disclosure, Transparency
It’s Time to Declare Independence from Big-Money in West Virginia Politics
This Independence Day, we will all be celebrating the founding of the United States and our declaration of independence from the tyranny of monarchy. In West Virginia politics, however, it seems we have another tyranny to overthrow — the tyranny exercised by powerful special interests in our state’s democracy. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Dark Money, Disclosure, Transparency
Press Release Julie Archer September 17, 2018
WV Citizens for Clean Elections to Launch Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
We're launching a campaign to build support for common sense solutions that they say can put state government on a path to solving problems that affect all West Virginians. The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform would increase accountability and transparency in West Virginia elections, make voting more accessible to all citizens, limit the influence of big money in our politics, ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts, and increase citizen participation in the electoral process. Our growing campaign already has thirty-seven legislative candidates from across the aisle supporting reform agenda to make W.Va. politics clean, fair and accountable. The list includes Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, as well as Libertarian and Mountain party candidates. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
WV Citizens for Clean Elections to Launch Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
We're launching a campaign to build support for common sense solutions that they say can put state government on a path to solving problems that affect all West Virginians. The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform would increase accountability and transparency in West Virginia elections, make voting more accessible to all citizens, limit the influence of big money in our politics, ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts, and increase citizen participation in the electoral process. Our growing campaign already has thirty-seven legislative candidates from across the aisle supporting reform agenda to make W.Va. politics clean, fair and accountable. The list includes Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, as well as Libertarian and Mountain party candidates. More
Issues: Clean Elections, Democracy, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer August 1, 2018
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Empowering People, Fighting Big Money
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform is a set of common sense solutions that can help put our government on a path to solve problems that affect us. This is not about Democrat vs. Republican; this is about fixing a broken system, and moving toward a government that’s more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of ALL West Virginians. The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform would increase accountability and transparency in West Virginia elections, make voting more accessible to all citizens, limit the influence of big-money in our politics, ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts, and increase citizen participation in the electoral process. More
Issues: Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Empowering People, Fighting Big Money
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform is a set of common sense solutions that can help put our government on a path to solve problems that affect us. This is not about Democrat vs. Republican; this is about fixing a broken system, and moving toward a government that’s more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of ALL West Virginians. The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform would increase accountability and transparency in West Virginia elections, make voting more accessible to all citizens, limit the influence of big-money in our politics, ensure fairness and impartiality in our courts, and increase citizen participation in the electoral process. More
Issues: Democracy, Disclosure, Fair Courts, Transparency, Voting Rights
WVCCE Blog Julie Archer July 13, 2018
Political spending in judicial races need transparency
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. To rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary and the electoral process, we must shed light on the money that is being spent behind voters’ backs. Bringing transparency to the judicial budgeting process is clearly a part of this, but legislators should seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being spent to influence our votes and skew justice in favor of corporate and special interests. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court
Political spending in judicial races need transparency
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. To rebuild trust in the West Virginia judiciary and the electoral process, we must shed light on the money that is being spent behind voters’ backs. Bringing transparency to the judicial budgeting process is clearly a part of this, but legislators should seize this opportunity to bring disclosure to the secret money being spent to influence our votes and skew justice in favor of corporate and special interests. More
Issues: Disclosure, Fair Courts, Secret Money, Transparency, WV Supreme Court