This Election Day, Victories for 'Government Of, By and For the People'

Washington, D.C. -- Across the country, voters took a stand for accountability, fairness and voter access in our political process.

Members of the Communications Workers of America, a partner of the 50-organization Democracy Initiative, are committed to restoring government “of, by and for the people,”  not one bought and paid for by ultra-wealthy special interests,” said CWA President Chris Shelton.

In Maine, voters approved Question 1, strengthening the state’s landmark Clean Elections system and small-dollar public financing of campaigns and making candidates more accountable to the voters, by requiring that outside groups disclose their top three donors on all political ads. In Maine, members of CWA Local 1400 joined Mainers for Accountable Elections and Maine Citizens for Clean Elections in building a grassroots campaign that publicized the issue and got people out to vote.

In Seattle, in a big vote, voters created a first-in-the-nation system that will democratize city elections by giving every voter a chance to invest in political campaigns. The initiative also limits contributions for city contractors, closes the revolving door, and increases transparency and accountability.

CWA is a founding member of the Democracy Initiative, which since 2013 has brought together organizations representing 30 million activists to restore political equality and break through the barriers raised by the corrupting influence of money in politics and attacks on voting rights.