Transparency, Disclosure Vital For Electoral Process.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2010
www.lwv.org      

Contact: Kelly Ceballos
202-263-1331
[email protected]

TRANSPARENCY, DISCLOSURE VITAL FOR ELECTORAL PROCESS
League Urges Senate to Support DISCLOSE Act

Washington, DC –  The League of Women Voters today urged the U.S. Senate to support action on the DISCLOSE Act, which would restore transparency to U.S. elections by requiring disclosure of corporate and union spending in candidate elections. 

“It is critically important for the DISCLOSE legislation to be passed this year,” said Elisabeth MacNamara, national president of the League of Women Voters.  MacNamara sent a letter on behalf of the League to Senators urging their support this week.

“Voters deserve to know the sources of funding for election advertising and without this critical legislation, corporations, unions and other organizations can make secret, unlimited political expenditures for campaign ads,” said MacNamara. 

“Secret money, whether foreign or domestic, has no place in America's democracy,” MacNamara said.  “Voters have a right to know -- whether it is a corporation, union, trade association, or non-profit advocacy group making unlimited political expenditures and influencing elections.  This is not only common sense – it is crucial if voters are to remain the cornerstone of our democracy,” stated MacNamara. 

“In the wake of the Citizens United decision, the DISCLOSE Act is essential,” MacNamara said. “It requires CEOs to stand by their ads, and exposes special interest groups behind last-minute attacks. It stops manipulation of elections by fly-by-night hit groups, and prevents U.S. corporations controlled by foreign – or even hostile – governments from pumping secret money into our elections,” added MacNamara.

“Our democracy belongs to people -- not special interests,” concluded MacNamara.  “The League of Women Voters strongly urges Senators to support quick action to enact the DISCLOSE Act this year.”  

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.