Why Corporate Rule Threatens the Vote

Every eligible voter should be able to cast a ballot and have it counted. But the vote is only one part of having a voice in our democracy.

Corporate political spending can shape what voters hear, which issues gain attention, and whose concerns elected officials prioritize.

1 VOTE

Every person deserves a meaningful voice.

THE ISSUE

How does corporate power affect elections?

A ballot gives each voter a formal voice. Yet corporations and other wealthy interests have resources to influence elections and public decisions on a scale most people cannot match. Here are three ways that gap shows up.

01 / ELECTION SPENDING

Money shapes what voters hear.

The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision removed restrictions on independent election spending by corporations and unions. That spending is distinct from direct contributions to candidates.

02 / PUBLIC POLICY

Influence continues after Election Day.

Corporations can lobby lawmakers and challenge public protections. People may win a vote and still struggle to have their priorities reflected in policy.

03 / LOCAL DECISIONS

Communities face unequal power.

Residents may organize around schools, health, or the environment while confronting a corporation with far greater money and access.

Legal background: Federal Election Commission summary of Citizens United v. FEC .

REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES

See corporate rule in action

Explore Move to Amend’s collection of community stories, especially its Democracy section.

Read a story about voters’ wishes in South Dakota →

Browse all examples of corporate rule →

A MORE ACCOUNTABLE DEMOCRACY

Defend the vote. Address corporate rule.

Move to Amend connects reliable voting information with the larger question of political power. The We the People Amendment would establish that constitutional rights belong to natural persons and affirm government authority to regulate and disclose political spending.

Find voting resources

Read about the amendment

Do you like this page?