Election and Government Reform

One of the most basic tenets of a modern democracy is the peoples’ right to participate in their governance through voting. This country has recently seen widespread and extreme attempts to limit its citizens’ right to vote.

It is our obligation to stand together and ensure that the right of citizens to fully participate in their democracy remains sacrosanct. That means the right to vote, the right to be heard on issues, the right to know whether elected officials are improperly trading their votes for campaign contributions, and so many more. It is not easy, but this is the work that is needed to keep this a free and fair city, county, state, and nation. To borrow a phrase, “Democracy is a verb”, and we are proud to be on the front lines, making sure we remain a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people.

IVI-IPO supports

• Automatic voter registration

• Public financing of election campaigns, abolition of PAC and “soft money” contributions, complete disclosure of party finances and lobbyists’ expenditures

• Prohibition of conflicts of interest by elected officials.

• A ban on campaign contributions from vendors and contractors

• Broadening the Open Meetings Act

• Strengthening the Freedom of Information Act

• Secrecy of voter party preference within an open primary

• Moving the primary to May or June

• Equal ballot access for independents and minor parties

• Restoration of cumulative voting for the election of the Illinois House of Representatives

• Institution of instant runoff voting in Illinois

• A seat for independents on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

• Appointment of one independent judge of election per precinct, to be appointed by the election officials

• Merit selection of judges with retention of sub circuits in Cook County

• Non-partisan redistricting

• District of Columbia statehood

IVI-IPO opposes

• • Patronage

  • “Double-dipping”

  • Solicitation of campaign contributions from public employees

  • Higher petition signature thresholds and different filing times for independents and minor parties than are required for Democrats and Republicans