We need a 28th Amendment on campaign financing

With the 2020 general election ramping up, many people wish there was more sanity, less deception, and less big money in our elections. We want a truly representative government, but what can any of us actually do?

In recent municipal elections, Santa Fe and Las Cruces both utilized Ranked-Choice Voting, which contributed to more civilized campaigns and greater voter engagement (to rank candidates, one must look into all of them, not just our “favorite”).

Public campaign financing was also well-utilized. Locally, good things are happening. But at the federal level, and in many states, Big Money influences elections too much.

Over 80% of Americans — of all persuasions — agree that our electoral system is out of control. Billions of dollars pour into campaigns from corporations, unions and the wealthy. Special interests direct large sums of money into political campaigns expecting something in return; they usually get it. Everyday citizens lose their voice in the process.

A 28th Amendment would overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which gave constitutional rights to corporations and struck down laws limiting campaign spending, with increasingly frightening consequences.

In October, over 300 Americans met in Washington, D.C., for the National Citizen Leadership Conference (NCLC). Voters, organizational leaders, constitutional scholars and members of Congress from all 50 states met to drive forward a 28th Amendment, allowing Congress to regulate campaign spending and financing.

Several colleagues and I attended from New Mexico. On NCLC Lobby Day, we met with staff from the offices of Udall, Heinrich, Haaland and Torres Small, and met in person with Ben Ray Luján.

Our conversations were fruitful and we are following up. Over 140 meetings took place that day, with Americans from across the nation urging their congressmembers from both sides of the aisle to support a 28th Amendment.

The good news is that legislation has already been introduced. HJR 2, SJR 51 and HJR 48 all call for campaign finance regulation.

Congress needs to hear from their constituents that we want our democracy back.

To get involved in the 28th Amendment movement, go to americanpromise.net or www.nmmop.org or email ishwarisollohub12@gmail.com.