"We may have democracy, or we may have vast wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both." -- Justice Louis Brandeis
"The practice of democracy is not transferred through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned anew by each generation of citizens." -- Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Minnesota Citizens for Clean Elections (MnCCE) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that promotes electoral and government policies which reflect the will of the people and not the power of money.
July 29 through, August 4: Fix Democracy Now Week
Let's hold candidates accountable this year! Clean Elections is supporting Fix Democracy Now Week organized by the national non-profit Every Voice. Their organization is devoted to strengthening voting rights, fighting big money through small donor elections, and ending gerrymandering. During Fix Democracy Now Week, Every Vote asks us (and citizens nationwide) to ask our candidates where they stand on these important issues. Candidates need to know we believe that money in politics is issue one for them to address. Suggestions are available at fixdemocracynow.com.
Tuesday, August 14: Primary Elections (or Vote early)
Whether you consider yourself a Democrat, a Republican, or proponent of another party, now is the time to be thinking about your vote in the primary election for all state offices and US Senate. If you just can't wait for August 14 for any reason, early voting began June 29. You can vote in person early polling center or you can vote by mail. To receive a mailed ballot, visit the "mnvotes" website maintained by the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Thursday, July 12: Clean Elections Monthly Meeting
The June meeting was held in the Aquarium Room of the Edina Senior Center at 5280 Grandview Square, 55436 from noon to 1:30. (That's in the same building as the Edina Library, but downstairs from the library in the Edina Senior Center.) Discussion centered on the interpreting the results of the candidate survey and how to publicize them.
Saturday, June 30: Filing Extension - Tax Rally 2018: Read a transcript of George Beck's speech here.
The Tax Day Rally, sponsored by Tax March MN, was originally scheduled to occur on Sunday, April 15 but was canceled because of the late winter storm. The rescheduled rally was held on June 30, 11 AM - 2 PM. In addition to Judge George Beck (Clean Elections Chair) speakers included Richard Painter, Ben Gubits (from American Promise), Angie Craig, Reverend Nancy Nord Bence (Protect MN), and representatives of March for Our Lives and Black Lives Matter. For the contents of George Beck's speech, see cleanelectionsmn.org/2018-tax-day-rally-talk. See also www.taxmarchmn.org.
Wednesday, August 22: Dark Money Book Club Meeting
The third round of Dark Money Book Club meetings is well under way. Discussion at the June meeting (6/27) focussed on the May 28 Time magazine cover article, "How My Generation Broke America," by Steven Brill. There is no meeting scheduled for July. More information about reading topics will appear here as available. For more information, contact Mary Morris, hayesmorris@gmail.com.
Make a Difference!
Act now to support an effort in Minnesota to overturn the Supreme Court's disastrous decision in Citizens United. Follow the link to a Clean Elections resolution to present to leaders in your municipality. For more information, contact Jim Herrick, jherrick512@gmail.com.
Join Us!
Annual dues are $25. The first $25 of a larger donation covers dues. Dues and donations are tax-deductible. Send checks to Jim Herrick, 1780 Lake Street, Lauderdale, MN 55113.
View the Trailer for the film Dark Money
After clicking on the arrow to view the video, you may need to turn up the sound by (1) moving your mouse pointer over the image and (2) clicking on speaker icon in the lower right of the video.
This movie about the dire effects for democracy of Citizens United as illustrated by events in the microcosm of Montana politics, was shown as part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival on April 22 and 23, 2018. For once, audience applause in a movie theater was not like the proverbial tree falling in the forest: Director Kimberly Reed was there to hear. It is, indeed, "A densely packed documentary that earnestly and obsessively addresses campaign finance reform, its history, and vital importance." -- Hollywood Reporter. If you missed it, or want to see it again, the film will appear in theaters on July 13, and on PBS this fall.
Saturday, May 5: Clean Elections Monthly Meeting Slide Presentation
Peter Wattson gave an informative and entertaining presentation on partisan gerrymandering at our May meeting. You can review the slides by clicking here.
Watch Jeff Clements's talk about Reclaiming Democracy on MTN
If you missed the talk in February and subsequently on SPNN and MTN's Channel 16, by clicking here you can watch the presentation delivered in February by Jeff Clements, president and co-founder of American Promise and author of Corporations Are Not People. In the St. Paul studio of SPNN in February, Mr Clements explained the need to amend the US Constitution to reverse the effects of Citizens United. American Promise is a cross-partisan network of Americans working to establish the 28th Amendment to the Constitution "to end the tyranny of big money and special interests in our elections and government." An attorney, Jeff has been a partner in a major Boston law firm and has served as Assistant Attorney General and Chief of the public law enforcement bureau in the office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts. Clean Elections Minnesota co-sponsored the event. SPNN broadcast the proceedings; they will also be available on You Tube.