Editor, Ceres Courier,

January marked 50 years since the Buckley v. Valeo (1976) decision, when the U.S. Supreme Court equated limits on campaign spending with limits on free speech. That decision paved the way for Citizens United v. FEC, handing control of campaign finance to unelected judges instead of voters.

Millions of Americans who can’t afford pay-to-play politics feel ignored while wealthy donors call the shots. This isn’t left versus right — it’s about self-government. When a few can drown out the voices of many, the core promise of our republic — that the people hold political power — is at risk.

There are efforts underway that seek reasonable limits on money in politics, and 23 states have already called for a U.S. constitutional amendment.

Restoring limits will strengthen everyday Americans’ representation and let states run elections free from outside influence.

Marina Bearman

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