Students and other voters across the country went to the polls in record numbers this past November, demanding change in Washington D.C. We were fed up with business as usual in our nation’s capitol, especially with the way special interest money has corrupted and gummed up our political process. We spoke loudly and clearly that it was time for reform. Sen. Durbin of Illinois has heard that call and now is standing up to the powers that have controlled Washington for too long.

On March 21st, Sen. Durbin introduced a Senate bill that may create a federal system of “Clean Elections.” This system is designed to make our government fairer and less corrupt by giving an equal grant to Congressional candidates who agree to accept no private contributions larger than $5.

Clean Elections is a reform that will combat the influence of large political contributors who try to buy political influence. An example affecting DU students directly is the student loan industry, an industry that has worked to keep interest rates artificially high and costs of education up. Pro-environmental policy has been stifled for too long by big corporate polluters, another group of election bankrollers. “Clean Elections” candidates will be able to work on legislation that benefits us all, not just their donors. With “Clean Elections,” citizens – including young people – without connections to high dollar donors can run for election.

“Clean Elections” has proved that it works! In Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, North Carolina, Portland, Ore. and Albuquerque, N.M.- where “Clean” Elections has been voted in – the system has brought more voter choice, more diverse candidates, grassroots campaigns, and citizen access to their representatives. Clean Elections unequivocally creates a deeper and more responsive democracy for us.

You can help this innovative system a national reality! Democracy Matters at the University of Denver is fighting for this change. Get involved in creating a fairer political process.

Will Seitz

wseitz@du.edu