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.
73% of Michiganders say they only trust the state government “some of the time” or “almost never.”
Go to the Midwestern Attitudes Poll »
77% of Michiganders express high interest in an organization that focuses on getting their state government to work better.
Go to the Midwestern Attitudes Poll »
A Democratic group is asking the Federal Election Committee if they can side-step a 2002 law that restricts members from raising soft money for their campaigns.According to the Hartford Courant, the National Democratic Redistricting Trust is…
According to Gavel Grab, While the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision upheld requirements for disclosure of corporate political spending, it also left corporations a significant loophole for escaping disclosure. That analysis is presented in a New York…
Lobbyist spending in Michigan took a steep dive in 2009, falling $2.3 million. The 6.8 percent drop in spending totaled $31,849,916 in 2009, according to a release by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.The state’s top lobbyists, however, haven’t seen…
The National Institute for Latino Policy conducted a study of the Census Information Centers Program in an effort to help future planning and provide a more in-depth understanding of the program’s role within the U.S. Census Bureau.The study begins with…
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization established in 1920 to encourage citizen participation in government. It never supports or opposes any political party or candidate but does advocate on selected issues. Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to anyone who supports the principles and purpose of the organization.
Common Cause has been the “people’s lobby” since 1970. With nearly 400,000 members from every state in the union, Common Cause works for open, honest and accountable government and increased civic engagement. In Congress, state legislatures, town halls, and courtrooms around the country, Common Cause represents the unified voice of the people against special interests and the corrupting influence of money.
The Michigan Campaign Finance Network is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals concerned about the influence of money in politics and the need for campaign finance reform in Michigan.
Census and Redistricting - 2009-2010
Midwest a hotspot for census, redistricting efforts Participation crucial to full and…
More »
Public Financing for Federal Campaigns - 2009
Midwest reform groups urge President Obama to support federal public financing legislation
More »
Midwest Open Government Project - 2009
New study finds five Midwestern states have dim sunshine laws Clouded…
More »
A Citizen’s Guide to Redistricting - 2008
New guide brings redistricting out into the open
More »
MI: Poll -- Majority of voters say rewriting state constitution too costly
MI: Lawmakers look for way to afford 'Pure Michigan' tourism ad campaign
MI: Cox tells court he can't find his home phone records for stripper lawsuit
Brennan Center Democracy Program
Citizen Advocacy Center Government Monitoring
George Mason University United States Elections Project