League of Women Voters to host webinar on ‘Countering Citizens United’
The League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area and the League of Women Voters of Chicago will host a free webinar, “Countering Citizens United: Blunting the Influence of Money in Politics,” on Wednesday, May 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.
The program will examine the Center for American Progress's “corporate power reset” — a state-level strategy that advocates say could limit the influence of corporate and dark money in elections without requiring a Supreme Court reversal.
The approach would redefine the rights of corporations operating within state borders, offering a practical path forward in the wake of the court's 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which opened the door to unlimited corporate spending in U.S. elections and has been repeatedly upheld.
Tom Moore, senior fellow for democracy policy at the Center for American Progress, will discuss the national launch of this strategy and the Transparent Election Initiative in Montana, a constitutional initiative expected to appear on the 2026 ballot.
He will be joined by Alisa Kaplan, executive director of Reform for Illinois, who will address the growing role of money in Illinois politics. Unlike most states, Illinois allows corporations to donate directly to candidates. Reform for Illinois will outline a range of proposed reforms to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure that elected officials serve the public, not just big donors.
“Unlimited spending in elections has made many voters feel their voices are being drowned out,” said Donna Limper, advocacy director of the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area. “This program will help people understand what can be done — especially at the state level — to strengthen transparency and accountability in our elections.”
The webinar is free and open to the public. Attendees do not need to be League members to participate. Registration is available via lwvrb.org. The program will be recorded and posted for later viewing on both organizations' websites.
For more information or to learn about joining the League, contact League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area at lwvrbmembership2@gmail.com or (630) 283-2894; or the League of Women Voters of Chicago at league@lwvchicago.org or (708) 320-8307.
The League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area and the League of Women Voters of Chicago are nonpartisan political organizations dedicated to defending democracy, empowering voters and fostering civic engagement through education and advocacy. The League works to protect and expand voting rights, ensure all voices are represented and help residents engage with issues affecting their communities through candidate forums, voter guides, and educational programs.
Founded in Chicago in 1920, six months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters is active in all 50 states and several U.S. territories, with more than 800 state and local affiliates. The League does not endorse or oppose political parties or candidates.
The League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area is a 501(c)(4) organization serving northern DuPage County, including Hanover Park, Itasca and Medinah. More information is available at lwvrb.org.
The League of Women Voters of Chicago is a 501(c)(3) organization. More information is available at lwvchicago.org