Elections & Government Reform

U.S. PIRG is working for a more participatory and inclusive democracy: in favor of government transparency and integrity, against big money politics, and for more fair and accessible elections.

The American system of representative democracy relies on an engaged citizenry and accurate representation, yet voter turnout is lower than in many other democracies, while mishaps, confusion and partisan administration raise questions about election and districting fairness.

In addition money plays far too great a role in American elections; with contributions from a few groups and individuals unduly influencing who wins.

To fix these problems, U.S. PIRG is fighting for:

• Clear and consistent rules to ensure fairness in redistricting and voting

• Lasting campaign finance reform through tough campaign contribution limits and small donor focused public financing

• Lasting lobby reform

• Transparency around government activities and meetings

Current Campaigns

Campaign Finance Reform

The 2008 presidential race was the costliest in history. The candidates, political parties, and interest groups spent a record 5.3 billion—a 27 percent increase over 2004. This type of spending invites corruption, reduces the diversity of candidates for public office, and puts wealthy donors ahead of average citizens. We need a new system for financing campaigns. Read more.

Lobby Reform

Recent congressional scandals demonstrate the role of powerful interests and their lobbyists, as they engage in unseemly practices from accepting gifts and travel junkets to outright bribery. Read more.

Fair and Open Elections

Elections should be fair, and that means that all eligible voters should be allowed to cast a ballot that will be counted. Unless changes are made nationally or in the states, large numbers of voters are likely to continue to face unnecessary and troubling obstacles to participation in future elections. Read more.

New Voters Project

The New Voters Project is the largest grassroots youth voter outreach movement in the country. Read more.

Overview

The American system of representative democracy relies on an engaged citizenry and accurate representation, yet voter turnout is lower than it should be; mishaps, confusion and partisan administration raise questions about fairness; and in many states, districts are drawn by elected officials to benefit themselves or their party. That’s why U.S. PIRG is fighting for clear and consistent rules to ensure fairness. We’re registering tens of thousands of young and low-income new voters across the country. And we’re supporting measures that will ensure a fairer way to draw political districts.

Young voter turnout surged by at least 3.4 million votes over 2004 levels this election, according to new data released by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. U.S.PIRG's New Voter's Project Staff helped ensure that for the first time, young voter share of the electorate also surpassed that of voters over 65, with young people making up 18 percent of the electorate and those over 65 making up 16 percent.