High Court Delivers a Victory for Transparency but Delaware Can Do More

Statement by Claire Snyder-Hall, Program Director, Common Cause Delaware on Supreme Court Ruling in 'Delaware Strong Families' Case

The court’s decision in Delaware Strong Families is a strong victory for transparency in our elections. It reaffirms that every American has a right to know who is attempting to influence our elections, that disclosure laws are constitutional, and that the court views them as a vital hedge against political corruption.

Delaware’s disclosure law was strengthened in 2012; this decision should be the impetus for additional legislation to further improve it and other anti-corruption statutes. The nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity gave Delaware’s government an ‘F’ for integrity last year; only two states scored lower. We were 24^th in public access to public information and 34^th in disclosure requirements for lobbyists. We must do better.