New Poll Shows Majority of Chicago Businesses Support Fair Elections

Common Cause Illinois commends the Committee for Economic Development for commissioning an important new study showing the broad support from the business community for Fair Elections. Today, Crain’s Custom Media released the poll showing that a majority of Chicago business leaders support a small-donor match program similar to the Fair Election Ordinance currently before City Council.

Survey respondents consisted of individuals in top management positions or upper management positions in organizations with at least $1 million in revenue in 2015 in the Chicago area. The Fair Elections Ordinance was introduced by Alderman Joe Moore, Alderman John Arena, and Alderman Michelle Harris. The Fair Elections Coalition is led by Common Cause Illinois and Reclaim Chicago.

 Key Findings:

• Almost all felt that companies that have paid lobbyists or make political contributions gain a business advantage
• Roughly eight-in-ten believe that Chicago’s elected officials are generally more responsive to lobbyists than voters
• A majority support a small-donor match program similar to the Fair Election Ordinance, while only 17% oppose such a program

“Chicago’s top business leaders now join the four-in-five Chicago voters that have already endorsed our Fair Elections campaign,” said Brian Gladstein, Executive Director of Common Cause Illinois. “This is a clear mandate from both business leaders and everyday Chicagoans to pass the Fair Elections Ordinance and help get big money out of politics.”

If approved, the Fair Election ordinance will provide a six-to-one match for candidates who opt into the system and do not receive any donations over $500 per election cycle.  For more information on the details of the ordinance, go to FairElectionsIL.org or call Brian Gladstein at 773-505-5144.