Legislation
Money & Influence Legislation
When big business pays for a measure or a candidate, voters deserve to know. Check out our bold new transparency measures.
Anti-Corruption & Accountability: Working For The People
We deserve a government that is as honest and hardworking as the people it represents.
For government to serve the people, it has to be accountable to the people and no one else. But Supreme Court rulings like Citizens United have let billionaires and special interests buy unlimited influence, so they can get their way at the rest of our expense.
Common Cause is the leading watchdog group calling out corruption where we see it and passing laws that put power in the hands of everyday people.
That means demanding common-sense limits on money in politics, transparency into who’s funding lobbying and campaigns, strong rules to stop government corruption, and small-dollar public financing to give ordinary people a fighting chance against Big Money.
What We’re Doing
Legislation
Ethics Legislation
Our government only works as well as our public officials— those officials need to be held to the highest ethical standards.
Campaign
Los Angeles Supermatch Public Financing Program
A stronger public financing system in Los Angeles has reduce the influence of wealthy special interests in local elections.
Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.
Updates
Blog Post
Government Transparency in an Emergency
A statement of principles from California Common Cause
Blog Post
Not so fast! Watchdog commission puts brakes on efforts to increase donor limits for legislative leaders
In a 2-2 vote by the California Fair Political Practices Commission last week, the commission declined to endorse a proposal that would give greater power and fundraising ability to state legislative leaders, while creating new reporting requirements. Common Cause California and other open government groups warned against fast-track approval of the proposal.
Blog Post
Will the Los Angeles Ethics Commission Commit to a Stronger Campaign Public Financing System?
This Tuesday, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission is expected to vote on new recommendations to city campaign finance laws. But after all the talk and all the studies, it’s not even clear that they will be discussing a ban on corporate donations or a boost to public financing.
Related Resources
Guide
California Municipal Campaign Finance Index
The Municipal Campaign Finance Index (MCFI) is an organized accounting of campaign finance laws in all California cities. The Index and its accompanying report supply comprehensive data and context for California’s municipal campaign finance landscape.
Report
Remote Public Participation at City Council Meetings Is Feasible, Strengthens Local Democracy
Report
The California Dream
A 2023 Report: Using Public Financing of Elections to Build an Inclusive and Multi-Racial Democracy Powered by Small Donors
Report
Local Campaign Contribution Limits
The Supreme Court has held that campaign contribution limits are a legitimate means of “deal[ing] with the reality or appearance of corruption inherent in a system permitting unlimited financial contributions.” Campaign contribution limits help to ensure that candidates are not overly reliant on a few wealthy donors to finance their campaigns. With a cap on individual contributions, candidates must also build a broader base of smaller contributions to be viable. As of 2014, the federal government and 38 states had enacted campaign...
Press
Press Release
Leading Democracy Reform Groups Launch Campaign for California Fair Elections Act
If passed, the act would remove a ban on public financing for elections and put power back in the hands of voters — not wealthy special interests.
Press Release
California Fair Elections Act Introduced to Allow Local Governments and California to Have Public Financing of Elections
SB 42 would put a measure on the November 2026 ballot to allow voters to decide the matter
Press Release
NEW: First-of-its-Kind Campaign Finance Index Updated for CA Cities
The interactive index covers all local campaign finance laws in California through 2024
Sean McMorris
Transparency, Ethics, and Accountability Program Manager
California Common Cause