Posts by Julie Archer
72 posts found, showing 20 per page
Action Alert Julie Archer April 28, 2020
Our Court, Our Vote – Judges Are on the Ballot: Know Your Judicial Candidates
West Virginia voters will elect three justices to the West Virginia Supreme Court in the upcoming primary election. WV Citizens for Clean Elections is excited to launch a new website, wvcourtelections.org, to help voters learn more about these elections and the judicial candidates. Our rights as voters, workers, parents, and community members depend on the decisions of our elected judges. It is imperative that we are better informed about our courts and the judicial candidates so that we can use our right to vote effectively. More
Issues: Education, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting, Voting Rights, Workers
Our Court, Our Vote – Judges Are on the Ballot: Know Your Judicial Candidates
West Virginia voters will elect three justices to the West Virginia Supreme Court in the upcoming primary election. WV Citizens for Clean Elections is excited to launch a new website, wvcourtelections.org, to help voters learn more about these elections and the judicial candidates. Our rights as voters, workers, parents, and community members depend on the decisions of our elected judges. It is imperative that we are better informed about our courts and the judicial candidates so that we can use our right to vote effectively. More
Issues: Education, Elections, Fair Courts, Voting, Voting Rights, Workers
Action Alert Julie Archer March 20, 2020
Covid-19 and voting: YOU are now eligible to vote absentee!
In order to ensure people can exercise their right to vote during this public health crisis, anyone can cite health concerns as a reason for voting absentee. Update (3/31/20): All registered voters will be mailed an absentee ballot application for the 2020 primary and judicial elections. Update (4/7/20): The election has been delayed until June 9, past the anticipated peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Important deadlines to keep in mind with the new election date and other information here. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Healthcare, Voting
Covid-19 and voting: YOU are now eligible to vote absentee!
In order to ensure people can exercise their right to vote during this public health crisis, anyone can cite health concerns as a reason for voting absentee. Update (3/31/20): All registered voters will be mailed an absentee ballot application for the 2020 primary and judicial elections. Update (4/7/20): The election has been delayed until June 9, past the anticipated peak of the coronavirus outbreak. Important deadlines to keep in mind with the new election date and other information here. More
Issues: Democracy, Elections, Healthcare, Voting
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 29, 2020
Don’t Let Powerful Special Interests Have Their Way with Our Courts
On Thursday, WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies spoke out against proposed legislation to create an intermediate court of appeals in a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. SB 275 will likely make it out of Judiciary today; messages to House Finance to are needed to stop it. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Don’t Let Powerful Special Interests Have Their Way with Our Courts
On Thursday, WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies spoke out against proposed legislation to create an intermediate court of appeals in a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. SB 275 will likely make it out of Judiciary today; messages to House Finance to are needed to stop it. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 25, 2020
Fair Courts Update
There are only two weeks left in the 2020 legislative session and Wednesday is “crossover” day, the last day for bills to be considered in the house of origin. Once this critical deadline passes many of the bills we’ve been watching will be dead. While it is disappointing that bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy didn’t progress, it’s not unusual for the Legislature to forgo consideration of election bills in an election year. On the bright side, crossover day also puts a halt on a number of bad bills that would undermine the independence of the judiciary. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Fair Courts Update
There are only two weeks left in the 2020 legislative session and Wednesday is “crossover” day, the last day for bills to be considered in the house of origin. Once this critical deadline passes many of the bills we’ve been watching will be dead. While it is disappointing that bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy didn’t progress, it’s not unusual for the Legislature to forgo consideration of election bills in an election year. On the bright side, crossover day also puts a halt on a number of bad bills that would undermine the independence of the judiciary. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 28, 2020
Criminal Justice Reform Has Positive Momentum
Criminal justice reform is one of the few issues that enjoys bipartisan support among legislators. As the 2020 session got underway, key legislative leaders indicated parole and other reforms would be a priority as a way to reduce prison overcrowding, save the state money, and help with the state’s workforce participation rate, in addition to giving those who have been incarcerated a second chance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Criminal Justice Reform Has Positive Momentum
Criminal justice reform is one of the few issues that enjoys bipartisan support among legislators. As the 2020 session got underway, key legislative leaders indicated parole and other reforms would be a priority as a way to reduce prison overcrowding, save the state money, and help with the state’s workforce participation rate, in addition to giving those who have been incarcerated a second chance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 28, 2020
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: What We Could Gain & What’s at Stake
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. In addition to bills that are part of the platform we are also monitoring other legislative proposals related to our courts. Here’s a glimpse at some of these bills, what we have to gain if some reforms are passed, and what’s at stake if others advance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: What We Could Gain & What’s at Stake
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. In addition to bills that are part of the platform we are also monitoring other legislative proposals related to our courts. Here’s a glimpse at some of these bills, what we have to gain if some reforms are passed, and what’s at stake if others advance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 21, 2020
The Curious Case of Frederick County Virginia
You may have read or heard about the WV Senate passing a resolution inviting Frederick County, VA to become part of West Virginia. The resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, said the idea is rooted in history that predates West Virginia entering the union. So why wasn’t Frederick County included in the state of West Virginia when the new state was formed? More
The Curious Case of Frederick County Virginia
You may have read or heard about the WV Senate passing a resolution inviting Frederick County, VA to become part of West Virginia. The resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, said the idea is rooted in history that predates West Virginia entering the union. So why wasn’t Frederick County included in the state of West Virginia when the new state was formed? More
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 21, 2020
Post-Citizens United, We Can Make Democracy Healthy Again
Tuesday marks ten years since the US Supreme Court issued its decision in Citizens United v. the FEC. In the case, the Court ruled that corporations and other outside groups could not be restricted from spending money on elections. This led to the creation and growth of super PACs and the rise of dark money spending, increasing the power of the wealthiest donors and special interests to influence our elections. More
Issues: Clean elections
Post-Citizens United, We Can Make Democracy Healthy Again
Tuesday marks ten years since the US Supreme Court issued its decision in Citizens United v. the FEC. In the case, the Court ruled that corporations and other outside groups could not be restricted from spending money on elections. This led to the creation and growth of super PACs and the rise of dark money spending, increasing the power of the wealthiest donors and special interests to influence our elections. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 13, 2020
This Session, Join Us in the Fight for a Democracy that Works for Everyone
The 2020 legislative session has begun and we’re ready to fight for a democracy that works for everyone -- a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone's voice is heard. This year, our goal is to elevate and build support for the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform with emphasis on priority planks for WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies. More
Issues: Clean elections
This Session, Join Us in the Fight for a Democracy that Works for Everyone
The 2020 legislative session has begun and we’re ready to fight for a democracy that works for everyone -- a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone's voice is heard. This year, our goal is to elevate and build support for the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform with emphasis on priority planks for WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies. More
Issues: Clean elections
Action Alert Julie Archer July 2, 2019
Tell the State Election Commission to Support Transparency, Hold Politicians Accountable
Earlier this year, legislators passed SB 622, a bill that is disastrous for those of us who want elections where candidates listen to the voices of everyday people, not wealthy donors and special interests. Right now, the State Election Commission is writing rules on how the new law will be implemented and enforced. We looked at the rules, and they need to be strengthened. You can help! Please send a letter to the Commission urging them to support increased transparency and to strengthen the rules to hold politicians accountable. More
Issues: Clean elections, Inequality
Tell the State Election Commission to Support Transparency, Hold Politicians Accountable
Earlier this year, legislators passed SB 622, a bill that is disastrous for those of us who want elections where candidates listen to the voices of everyday people, not wealthy donors and special interests. Right now, the State Election Commission is writing rules on how the new law will be implemented and enforced. We looked at the rules, and they need to be strengthened. You can help! Please send a letter to the Commission urging them to support increased transparency and to strengthen the rules to hold politicians accountable. More
Issues: Clean elections, Inequality
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 4, 2019
Tell Delegates to Say YES to Transparency, NO to More Money in WV Elections
On Tuesday, the Senate passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. More
Issues: Clean elections
Tell Delegates to Say YES to Transparency, NO to More Money in WV Elections
On Tuesday, the Senate passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 25, 2019
Attacking, packing courts won’t restore faith in system
On Valentine’s Day, news broke that former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry will spend two years in prison for using his position for personal gain, actions which came to light as reporters looked into lavish spending on renovations at the court, and Loughry sought to shirk responsibility and shift blame by going to federal prosecutors. More
Issues: Clean elections
Attacking, packing courts won’t restore faith in system
On Valentine’s Day, news broke that former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry will spend two years in prison for using his position for personal gain, actions which came to light as reporters looked into lavish spending on renovations at the court, and Loughry sought to shirk responsibility and shift blame by going to federal prosecutors. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 25, 2019
Tell Senators to Say NO to More Money in WV Elections
Can you afford to give $2,800 to a candidate, $5,000 to a political action committee (PAC), or $10,000 to a political party? On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee just passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. That means state and local elections that suddenly look more like the worst big-money congressional elections. More
Issues: Clean elections
Tell Senators to Say NO to More Money in WV Elections
Can you afford to give $2,800 to a candidate, $5,000 to a political action committee (PAC), or $10,000 to a political party? On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee just passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. That means state and local elections that suddenly look more like the worst big-money congressional elections. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 10, 2019
Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West Virginians understand the urgent need to strengthen our democracy and make our politicians work for us, not wealthy special interests. We need your help to make this a reality. Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Unfortunately, these bills are being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump at (304) 357-7880 and ask him to put these bills up for a vote! More
Issues: Clean elections
Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West Virginians understand the urgent need to strengthen our democracy and make our politicians work for us, not wealthy special interests. We need your help to make this a reality. Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Unfortunately, these bills are being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump at (304) 357-7880 and ask him to put these bills up for a vote! More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 27, 2019
Pro-Democracy Platform Update: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Pro-Democracy Platform Update: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 20, 2019
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Stand Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Clean elections, Kids and families, Our children our future
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Stand Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Clean elections, Kids and families, Our children our future
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 16, 2018
Redistricting Reform Stalls; Election Transparency Fails to Advance
Unfortunately, the two election related bills we most wanted to see pass this session failed to reach the Governor’s desk. A bill to reform the redistricting process – the redrawing of the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts – made significant progress before stalling in the House of Delegates. While a bill to improve election transparency and strengthen disclosure of political spending was never taken up by its assigned committee. Here's is a summary of what happened with these, other election, and ethics bills during the 2018 legislative session. More
Issues: Clean elections, Our children our future
Redistricting Reform Stalls; Election Transparency Fails to Advance
Unfortunately, the two election related bills we most wanted to see pass this session failed to reach the Governor’s desk. A bill to reform the redistricting process – the redrawing of the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts – made significant progress before stalling in the House of Delegates. While a bill to improve election transparency and strengthen disclosure of political spending was never taken up by its assigned committee. Here's is a summary of what happened with these, other election, and ethics bills during the 2018 legislative session. More
Issues: Clean elections, Our children our future
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 16, 2018
Two Constitutional Amendments Headed for the Ballot in November
During the 2018 legislative session, legislators approved resolutions putting two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot. On the final night of the session, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise version of SJR 3, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. In addition to SJR 3, the Legislature also approved another proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that is being deceptively explained as an effort to take away Medicaid funding for abortion, but which aims to take away reproductive rights for women more broadly. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Healthcare, Inequality
Two Constitutional Amendments Headed for the Ballot in November
During the 2018 legislative session, legislators approved resolutions putting two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot. On the final night of the session, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise version of SJR 3, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. In addition to SJR 3, the Legislature also approved another proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that is being deceptively explained as an effort to take away Medicaid funding for abortion, but which aims to take away reproductive rights for women more broadly. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Healthcare, Inequality
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 4, 2018
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Passes Senate, Bills to Help Those Affected By Drilling Die in Committee
The “co-tenancy” bill (HB 4268) has now passed the Senate unchanged. In other news, the Senate unanimously passed SB 360, which would change the way royalties are calculated for flat-rate leases. Unfortunately, most of the bills that were a priority for WV-SORO this legislative session are dead because they were not taken up by their assigned committees and sent to the floor in time to meet yesterday’s deadline (often referred to as Crossover Day) for bills to be out of the house of origin. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking, Pollution
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Passes Senate, Bills to Help Those Affected By Drilling Die in Committee
The “co-tenancy” bill (HB 4268) has now passed the Senate unchanged. In other news, the Senate unanimously passed SB 360, which would change the way royalties are calculated for flat-rate leases. Unfortunately, most of the bills that were a priority for WV-SORO this legislative session are dead because they were not taken up by their assigned committees and sent to the floor in time to meet yesterday’s deadline (often referred to as Crossover Day) for bills to be out of the house of origin. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking, Pollution
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 4, 2018
As Redistricting Bill Dies in the House, Commission Proposal Considered in Senate Judiciary Committee
HB 2383, which would specify factors that can (and cannot) consider in the redistricting process, failed to advance before Crossover Day (the deadline for bills to be out of the house of origin). The next day the Senate Judiciary Committee took up a bill (HB 4002) passed by the House of Delegates earlier in the session mandating that the House go to 100 single delegate districts after the 2020 census. In an interesting twist, Senator Stephen Baldwin (D-Greenbrier) offered and amendment to HB 4002 that would incorporate the provisions of a Senate bill (SB 54), a bill he co-sponsored with Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump (R-Morgan) and others, which would establish an independent commission to propose redistricting plans. Read more here. More
Issues: Clean elections
As Redistricting Bill Dies in the House, Commission Proposal Considered in Senate Judiciary Committee
HB 2383, which would specify factors that can (and cannot) consider in the redistricting process, failed to advance before Crossover Day (the deadline for bills to be out of the house of origin). The next day the Senate Judiciary Committee took up a bill (HB 4002) passed by the House of Delegates earlier in the session mandating that the House go to 100 single delegate districts after the 2020 census. In an interesting twist, Senator Stephen Baldwin (D-Greenbrier) offered and amendment to HB 4002 that would incorporate the provisions of a Senate bill (SB 54), a bill he co-sponsored with Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump (R-Morgan) and others, which would establish an independent commission to propose redistricting plans. Read more here. More
Issues: Clean elections