Pro-Democracy Platform

by Kayla Young

When legislators listen to regular West Virginians, they can work with us to pass bills that make West Virginia a better place to live. The governor can sign those bills into law, and our courts can uphold those laws.

But too often, our politicians look like they are listening to big-money special interests rather than people like you and me.

Well it’s time to make them listen again. We don’t want the best democracy money can buy. We want our voices heard. We want clean and fair elections. We want fairness and transparency in government.

This is not about Democrat vs. Republican; this is about fixing a broken system, and moving toward a government that’s more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all West Virginians.

This is a we, the people, issue! For instance:

• 69% of registered voters say: “Passing a bill to overhaul the campaign finance system, which would set limits on the amount corporations and private interests can spend on candidates and issues” is a top or important priority.
• 88% strongly or somewhat agree that: “Political TV ads should be required to say who paid for the ad.”
• 62% favor or strongly favor: “Allowing people to register on Election Day at the polls”

The platform can be found here.

Legislation related to election currently introduced includes:

HB2008 – Relating to nonpartisan election of justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals

HB2445 – Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

SB108 – Requiring candidates elected to judicial office receive majority of votes

SB115 – Relating to certain election expenditure disclosures

SB118-Creating Independent Redistricting Commission

SB236 – Providing notice of eligibility to persons to vote after completion of punishment or pardon

SB276 – Relating to regulation and control of elections