I got the message below from Common Cause and followed up with messages to my U.S. representative and senators:
"It’s already starting… every election year, voters see thousands of political ads without any idea who is paying for them. That represents millions in secret money spent by corporate front groups, wealthy special interests, and billionaires looking to protect their bottom line.
"Everyone deserves to know who is spending money on our elections -- it’s the only way for voters to know who is trying to influence our views and our elected representatives.
"That’s why it’s time for Congress to pass the DISCLOSE Act, which would require big campaign spenders to disclose their donors to the public, including in the ads that go up on the air. It’s a common sense solution to protect our right to know -- and it’s time for our representatives in Congress to act.
"Send a message to your members of Congress today and tell them: voters deserve to know who is trying to influence our votes.
"Since the Citizens United decision in 2010, at least $800 million has come through secret money groups -- and that’s just at the federal level. The money has been funneled through various groups, many with misleading names and without any transparency or accountability.
"It’s corrupting our democracy -- and it's getting worse every election.
"A new DISCLOSE Act has been introduced in Congress, and it's stronger than ever because it requires Dark Money groups to report their secret funders, includes robust follow-the-money transfer provisions to reveal contributors hiding behind front groups, and requires leaders of corporations, unions, and other organizations to 'stand by their ad.'
"Overwhelming bipartisan majorities in states ranging from California and Washington to Montana and Alaska have passed similar legislation -- and it’s time to bring this solution nationwide.
"The Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act would set strict disclosure requirements on any individual, corporation, or other entity that spends significant money to influence elections.
"Sign and send a petition to your members of Congress to help pass the DISCLOSE Act now!"
