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.

Ordinary working West Virginians don’t have that kind of money to donate to campaigns, so the overall effect of the bill would be disastrous for voters who struggle to have their voices heard above the special interests that try buy our elections.

SB 622 increases disclosure in some small ways, like requiring PACs and entities making independent expenditures to file reports electronically, but completely fails to address the flood of secret money in our elections.

We need more transparency of political spending in our elections, not more money.

Under current law, even though the spending itself is often disclosed, the money is frequently funneled through multiple PACs and organizations in order to obscure its true origin. The Legislature should increase transparency of political spending by closing these loopholes that make it possible for groups that spend money on political advertising to hide the identity of their donors. 

More transparency will discourage negative attack ads, give candidates the ability to respond, and inform voters about who’s trying to influence our votes.

We deserve to know who is trying to influence our votes and our elected representatives, not be kept in the dark.

It’s time to put an end to big money funneled through groups with secret donors.

Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to strengthen the transparency provisions of SB 622, and say NO to more money in West Virginia elections.

#FightBigMoney #WVProDemocracy

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  1. Excessive money in elections has limited American democracy. It’s ironic to me that so many republicans seem to have abandoned democracy for rule by a few & wealthy Americans. Strengthen the transparency provisions of SB 622. Vote NO to more money in WV elections.

  2. This legislative session has been a disappointment for me. It is important that there be transparency when it comes to our delegates and state senators. Please voteYES on TRANSPARENCY. Too many special interest already contribute much more money to candidates than is legigivifbwe are to keep these representatives accountable to the voters, ie, the citizens of WV. Please voteNO on an increase of moneies allowed to be donated by individuals or corporations. NO on MORE MONEY.
    I am still hoping that the concealed carry law on WV campuses will not pass the Senate. It is a danger to our society to have so many weapons readily available. Our colleges and universities are places where differing opinions can be expressed and not suppressed because of fear that someone will take out a gun and shoot you for your ides.

  3. OPPOSE SB 622.
    We need more transparency in political spending, not more money, in our elections.

    SB 622 does not address this need.

    Thank you.

  4. still no legeslators breaking from the fossil fuel disaster in spite of ton’s of evidence . see video The end of ICE! or chris hedges video of intrview with author!
    share that with everyone you communicate with.
    Fact WV could soon be the wealthiest State in the 50 if our geothermal electric generation was implemented as a state owned utility ,see , Ellen Brown ,the state banking option, how that made North Dacota’ State Bank the best performing in all America! I have much more to share call talk do the research and learn more facts that don’t support a fossil fuel future for WV!

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