Help Fund a VA “People’s Poll”: Money in Politics

Yes, "People Power" can influence our elected officials in Virginia 

Contribute to a "People's Poll" on Money in Politics, to be undertaken by the Wason Center of Virginia's Christopher Newport University

Background: Nearly four out of five Americans, irrespective of party affiliation, believe that money plays too great a role in political campaigns and has a corrupting impact on democracy. Virginia is one of only 5 states with no limitations on campaign finance contributions and the Commonwealth ranks 46 out of 50 in the 2020 S.W.A.M.P. Index  due to lax laws on disclosure and accountability.  There is a paucity of polling information in Virginia on this important issue. Gauging the feelings of Virginia citizens on this topic through official polling would serve to inform our legislators in Richmond that Virginians care about good governance and that the legislative agenda for our next General Assembly needs to address the governance gaps related to legislators raking in money from large donors.  

How can you influence our democracy? Help fund a 7-question survey on campaign finance organized by our non-partisan citizen advocacy group[1] in collaboration with the Wason Center of Christopher Newport University.

What do the survey questions measure? The 7 survey questions aim to measure Virginian’s feelings about the influence of money on our elections and public policy process. Their inclusion in fall public policy surveys by the Wason Center, targeting between 800-1000 registered Virginia voters, will allow insights into the need for legislative reform on this issue.

How much do you give?  The total cost of the surveys, analysis, media engagement is $5,000. The more people who give, whether $5 or $200, the louder the message to our legislators that this is an issue of concern to the citizens of our great Commonwealth.  People giving $25 or more will be acknowledged in the press release which will be developed to release the results in November.   Everyone’s voice should matter and be acknowledged, irrespective of their contribution.  By aiming to get more than 200 individuals funding this survey, it becomes a “People’s Poll”.

Information about the surveying institution: The Wason Center of Christopher Newport University

The Center, located in Newport News, Virginia, has a 10-year track record of providing citizens and lawmakers unbiased, nonpartisan insight into the policy issues shaping the future of the Commonwealth. More than 100 students work side-by-side with talented faculty to produce survey research and political analysis that informs decisions by citizens and lawmakers in Virginia, and increasingly around the country. By funding this survey, you are also supporting capacity building for students to become more aware of critical democracy issues and building  evidence-based leaders who know how to solve real problems.

[1] The Virginia chapter of American Promise (known as MoneyOutVA) is a non-profit, cross-partisan volunteer group, that advocates for campaign finance and related ethics reform in Virginia.  MOVA is also advocating to have Virginia be the 22nd state to support an amendment to the U.S Constitution which allows Congress and the states to regulate election spending.  We seek these reforms to increase the legitimacy and integrity of government and to enable our politicians to better reflect the interests and will of all of the citizens of Virginia.