We are an alliance of political reformers and policy researchers committed to improving democratic institutions in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. We advocate for a political system that will create a healthy economy, good jobs, access to health care and quality schools.
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund released the responses of statewide candidates and legislative hopefuls to six questions on democracy reform issues the three groups posed to all candidates.[text]
Campaign Finance Reform • Election Law & Voting Rights • Redistricting
The CHANGE Illinois! coalition issued 20 questions ranging from campaign finance to redistricting to each candidate for governor and the General Assembly.[text]The 20 questions fall into five categories: campaign finance, lobbying,…
Campaign Finance Reform • Election Law & Voting Rights • Open Government • Redistricting
According to The Huffington Post, state and federal candidates have spent $395 million in ads for November elections this year, with more than half of them negative. Only $286 million was spent at this point…
The Minnesota Campaign Finance Disclosure Board distributed $3,953,090 in public subsidy payments to 87 percent of the candidates running for state offices Wednesday.[text]365 of the 416 candidates accepted the public subsidies…
Below are some highlights for what is happening on the political reform front outside the Midwest Democracy Network region…with a focus on election law.[text]
Census and Redistricting - 2009-2010
Midwest a hotspot for census, redistricting efforts Participation crucial to full and…
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Public Financing for Federal Campaigns - 2009
Midwest reform groups urge President Obama to support federal public financing legislation
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Midwest Open Government Project - 2009
New study finds five Midwestern states have dim sunshine laws Clouded…
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A Citizen’s Guide to Redistricting - 2008
New guide brings redistricting out into the open
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