Senate Republicans have chosen Senator John Thune to lead them next Congress. And much like his predecessor, Senator Mitch McConnell, one main “qualification” for the job comes at all of our expense: raking in millions of dollars in Big Money donations. That’s right: the incoming Senate Majority Leader built his candidacy around raising $31 million for the GOP this cycle and setting a new record for the largest transfer of money from his personal campaign to other Senate Republicans.  But Thune hardly stands out – in order to be serious contenders, Thune and the other Senators running had to prove they could keep the campaign cash flowing from the fossil fuel industry, big banks, private health insurers, and other special interests. • A primary selling point for Senator John Cornyn was raising over $400 million for the GOP in his career, including $33 million this cycle.  • And Senator Rick Scott, who’s also independently rich after co-founding the nation's largest for-profit healthcare company, is a leading advocate for essentially ending Medicare and the Affordable Care Act – hardly a coincidence.  • They have big shoes to fill, as Senator Mitch McConnell raised over $1 billion for the GOP during his time as Senate Majority Leader and Minority Leader.  The unfortunate truth is that no matter who got selected, Big Money is the real winner – which means the rest of us lose. Wealthy special interests shouldn’t have this big of a say in our democracy; that power belongs to the people. Common Cause knows this status quo must end – which is why we’re fighting to overturn Citizens United and pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the DISCLOSE Act.   These critical measures would help shine a light on secret political spending, get Big Money out of politics, and establish small-dollar citizen funded elections – giving ordinary Americans a stronger say in our democracy. Join us in calling on Congress to END the Citizens United era and pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the DISCLOSE Act!

President-elect Trump just announced on social media he is nominating election denier and far-right ideologue Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. If you’re familiar with Matt Gaetz, you already know he belongs nowhere near the Department of Justice, except as a defendant. Here’s what you need to know about Matt Gaetz, and why he simply cannot be allowed to be confirmed as Attorney General: • Rep. Gaetz was one of Donald Trump’s point men in Congress during the deadly January 6th attack – voting to overturn the 2020 election results from the wreckage later that day, and in the months that followed to shield Trump and the insurrectionists he led from accountability. • He’s also an anti-voter extremist – introducing bills to purge eligible voters and even threatening to shut down the government to pass his voter suppression agenda. That’s why he earned a “perfect” score of zero on our 2024 Democracy Scorecard.  • And, his words and actions prove he’s not up to the task of ensuring all Americans are treated equally – he called for violence against racial justice protestors in the summer of 2020, and openly promoted the white supremacist “Great Replacement Theory” the next year.  Attorney General of the United States is one of the executive branch’s most important roles – overseeing the Department of Justice, upholding the rule of law, and enforcing civil and voting rights protections. We already knew the Department of Justice was going to be on Trump’s target list – he swore revenge after they did their jobs and held him to the same laws every other American follows. But Matt Gaetz is, without exaggeration, one of the most extreme choices Trump could have made. We can’t let it stand. Here’s the good news: with a record as tarnished and controversial as Matt Gaetz’s, Senate confirmation is anything but a done deal. We need to speak out IMMEDIATELY to demand Senators put country before party and stop him. Can you add your name today?

At that point, our President will be a person who, in different instances, has been accused, admitted, and even convicted of a sex offense.   His recorded words and actions show the world his moral position, particularly WRT, to younger women.  We can not change that fact.   America has a duty to the world to clarify that this is how, in the past, he has treated people, young women in particular, and that he could treat you if you interact with him — which is why he is included in this specific National Registry.

If a felon can be elected to office, as has been demonstrated by recent examples, it highlights the inconsistency in denying voting rights to others with similar records. It shows that individuals with criminal convictions can hold positions of leadership and public trust, which logically should extend to their right to vote and influence policy. The right to vote is a fundamental part of democracy. Excluding felons from voting creates a two-tiered system, where some Americans are denied a voice in the decisions that affect them, even though they live and work in their communities post-incarceration. Denying felons voting rights sends a message that they are not full citizens, which undermines the principles of equality and justice.   Allowing felons to vote supports their reintegration into society by encouraging civic engagement and responsibility. Studies show that when individuals have a stake in their community, including through voting, they are more likely to contribute positively and less likely to reoffend. Felony disenfranchisement disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities due to systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Restoring voting rights is a step toward addressing these racial inequities, giving historically marginalized groups a stronger voice in policies that directly affect them. Felony disenfranchisement laws date back to post-Reconstruction efforts aimed at reducing the political power of African Americans. Ending these restrictions strengthens democracy by ensuring that all voices, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are included in the political process. In summary, this petition advocates for fair treatment of all citizens and aligns with democratic values. Restoring voting rights to felons not only addresses inconsistencies in our political system but also promotes rehabilitation and community integration, making democracy stronger and more inclusive.

Organizations like True the Vote are waging a war on democracy, challenging the rights of over 850,000 Americans—primarily targeting communities of color and young voters. My new film, Vigilantes Inc: America's New Voter Suppression Hitmen, reveals the alarming reality of armed vigilantes in Texas who have been intimidating voters and creating a climate of fear. In states like Arizona, poll watchers dressed in tactical gear are patrolling ballot drop boxes, turning what should be a safe space for civic engagement into a battleground of intimidation. Meanwhile, in Georgia, True the Vote has purged thousands of voters from the rolls and is poised to challenge millions more nationwide—threatening to disenfranchise enough legal voters to swing election outcomes. This is Jim Crow 2.0.  The Department of Justice must enforce the KKK Act of 1870 to prosecute these brazen acts of voter intimidation, but that’s just scratching the surface. With 44,000 self-appointed vigilantes mobilized to confront voters and a disturbing rise in political violence fueled by disinformation, we need federal monitors on the ground to protect election integrity. The presence of armed groups at polling places doesn’t just undermine public confidence; it puts voter safety at risk and suppresses turnout, as we saw in the 2022 midterms. The Brennan Center for Justice has identified ten states at high risk of disruption: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. Federal election monitors are essential to ensure that voters in these states—and beyond—are shielded from harassment and can cast their ballots without fear. Attorney General Merrick Garland has made promises to protect election integrity, but now we need action. Voters should not have to dread exercising their constitutional rights. Armed intimidation, mass voter purges, and harassment driven by disinformation have no place in our elections. Sign this petition to demand that President Biden and the DOJ deploy federal monitors at polling stations nationwide and enforce existing laws to protect the right to vote. Our democracy is hanging in the balance, and we must act now.

Emma Prusch Farm Park stands as a living testament to San Jose’s agricultural heritage and serves as an irreplaceable community treasure. When Emma Prusch gifted this land to the people of San Jose in 1962, she entrusted us with preserving a piece of Santa Clara Valley’s farming legacy amid our rapidly urbanizing landscape. Her vision continues to enrich our community in countless ways. This park is far more than just open space - it’s a vital educational hub where urban children discover the wonders of agriculture through hands-on experiences. The park houses San Jose’s largest 4-H barn, providing unique opportunities for city youth to learn farming skills that are increasingly rare in our digital age. Through its community gardens and rare fruit orchards, the park connects diverse groups of residents, fostering cultural exchange and community bonds through shared cultivation of the land. Veggielution Community Farm, operating within the park, plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by providing fresh produce and educational programs to low-income families. This partnership exemplifies how the park continues to serve its intended purpose of benefiting all San Jose residents, regardless of their background. The park’s programs and facilities offer irreplaceable opportunities for environmental education, agricultural preservation, and community engagement. In our rapidly developing city, Emma Prusch Farm Park remains one of the last connections to the agricultural heritage that once earned our valley the nickname ‘Valley of Heart’s Delight.’ Protecting this legacy and ensuring its proper management isn’t just about preserving the past - it’s about securing these vital resources for future generations of San Jose residents

It’s important to address Elon Musk’s unchecked influence because his actions don’t just affect individuals or isolated industries—they threaten the core stability of our democracy, economy, and national security. Musk’s partnerships with authoritarian regimes give foreign powers control over what information Americans can access, stifling free speech and weakening democratic movements. His support for extremist voices and efforts to destabilize the U.S. dollar are deeply harmful and could lead to a weakened economy, social unrest, and increased vulnerability to manipulation from both foreign and domestic actors. This isn’t just about Musk; it’s about defending the values and systems that keep our country secure and democratic. When powerful figures act without accountability, democracy suffers. By joining this campaign, we can stand together to demand that our leaders take action, ensuring that no individual—no matter how influential—is allowed to undermine the very principles that protect all Americans. If we don’t act now, the consequences could be irreversible. Our collective voices can send a clear message: protecting democracy, national security, and economic stability is a priority for the American people. Join us in demanding a full investigation into Musk’s activities to protect the future of our nation.

Did you see that Elon Musk pledged (then walked back) an eye-popping $45 million per month to elect Trump and his allies in 2024? That's a staggering sum – and Musk is far from the only big spender this year. On the right, on the left, and everywhere in between, we have billionaires and special interests buying their way to outsize influence in our elections, simply because they're richer than you or me. But no matter who it is, we ALL pay the price when wealthy megadonors get to buy their way to a bigger say in our democracy – with inaction on healthcare and minimum wage, and tax giveaways to the ultra-rich. That's why Common Cause has fought for years to undo the Citizens United status quo and pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the DISCLOSE Act – which would return power to everyday Americans and limit Big Money’s influence in our democracy. Join us in calling on Congress to END the Citizens United era and pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the DISCLOSE Act!

Well-funded special interests are plotting to throw the U.S. Constitution into chaos – and we need your help to stop them. Secretive, corporate lobby groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) are wielding their influence with state lawmakers, demanding that they vote to call an Article V Constitutional Convention – an unprecedented event with no rules that could lead to a rewrite of the U.S. Constitution. With your help, we already defeated calls for an Article V Convention in Wyoming, Maine, and Idaho this year – but if we don’t keep up the pressure, our extremist opponents could soon successfully secure enough votes to write their extreme far-right priorities into our Constitution. We need your help to stop this attack on our Constitution. Add your name now to tell your lawmakers to REJECT all calls for an Article V Convention.

Election officials from all 50 states – Democrats and Republicans alike – are sounding the alarm about Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s failed leadership, warning that his reckless plans risk disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of voters this year.  That’s because DeJoy’s USPS cuts have caused lost and delayed election mail, hiked prices, and a Postal Service that risks letting voters down this November  – especially when states are passing new laws to reject ballots that were mailed before Election Day, but arrive after. Lawmakers and election officials are raising serious concerns – and so are we – because voters deserve a Postal Service that protects our right to vote by mail. But, so far, DeJoy’s response to these concerns has been silence. It’s simple: when a voter mails in their ballot, they deserve to be 100% confident that it will arrive on time and be counted. And, as Postmaster General, DeJoy has a responsibility to make sure the American people can trust his Postal Service with their votes.  We must make sure DeJoy can't use his power to deny our voices in this year's elections. Add your name to DEMAND answers.

After losing the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump said “It doesn’t matter if you won or lost the election. You still have to fight like hell.”  Does this sound like an “official” act of the presidency to you? This shocking quote comes from Special Counsel Jack Smith's newly unsealed evidence, which challenges the Supreme Court’s dangerous ruling on presidential immunity and confirms what we know: presidents shouldn’t have a blank check to try and overturn the will of the voters.  But here’s the good news: with Common Cause’s support, Rep. Joe Morelle has introduced a constitutional amendment that will permanently declare that no American is above the law – not even former presidents – and prohibit presidents from pardoning themselves.  This is a chance to right the Supreme Court’s wrong. Add your name if you agree: Attempting to overturn an election is not an “official” act of the president. No one is above the law, including Donald Trump.

We are a peaceful state worried about our farms, land, and cattle. We have had an influx in recent years or radicalized people from other states who have taken over our politics and our society. This is not Idaho nor is it Idaho values. Tell our politicians we will not accept their behavior to our Native Peoples or our state as a whole.