In Oregon and nationwide, we’re building a democracy that works for all of us.

A democracy where everyone has an equal voice and our elected officials are held accountable to our needs.

Americans know that money has too much influence in our political system. That’s why we advocate for money in politics solutions that empower small-dollar donors to make an impact in campaigns, require disclosure of all campaign money raised and spent, remove the financial barriers stopping everyday people from running for office, and hold elected officials and wealthy special interests accountable to voters.

Even with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC, states and cities across the country are proving that we can reform and improve our campaign finance system with laws that amplify the voices of everyday Americans, require strong disclosure, and make sure everyone plays by the same commonsense rules.

For nearly 50 years, Common Cause has been at the forefront of the movement to rein in the power of big money in politics. From the days of Watergate to our current state and local campaigns, our work to reform the system has always been about making sure there is accountability in our politics and everyone has a voice and say in government.

We’re making big progress! In 2024 we passed historic state legislation in Oregon that – once implemented – will limit campaign contributions in state elections for the first time in over 50 years. And in June, Multnomah County voted to begin preparing to launch a small dollar elections program like the one we passed for Portland elections – a program that gives everyday voters as much voice as the wealthiest campaign donors.

We’ve got more work just ahead. We’ll need to stay at the table to defend and ensure effective implementation on these reforms.