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.
Midwest a hotspot for census, redistricting efforts Participation crucial to full and fair representation Gerrymandered election districts deprive voters of meaningful choices and heighten partisanship. New laws and processes must be put in place to create legislative bodies that are representative of the population. Activity is…
Midwest reform groups urge President Obama to support federal public financing legislation Make elections about voters and volunteers, not big money donors CHICAGO — In a letter sent to President Obama today, Midwest Democracy Network partner organizations called on President Obama to “use the full powers of the White House” to make much-needed public financing reforms of congressional and presidential elections a reality. “From our vantage…
New study finds five Midwestern states have dim sunshine laws Clouded transparency leads to chilled participationCHICAGO—While every state in the nation has laws that require public access to government records and meetings, in five Midwestern states that were recently analyzed, documents are often kept secret and doors can remain tightly closed. According to a study released Wednesday by the Citizen Advocacy Center in celebration of…
New guide brings redistricting out into the openThe Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, George Mason University, and the Joyce Foundation are pleased to announce the release of A Citizen’s Guide to Redistricting, authored by Brennan Center counsel Justin Levitt. The Citizen’s Guide is a comprehensive look at the rules for drawing district lines, including a description of how redistricting works…
New poll gauges Midwest’s attitudes on political reform Midwesterners issue call to action on reform and voice support for candidates who offer changes in political system Distrust of state government continues to rise in five-state region, public supports broad political reform agenda to make government more effective
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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