The American political system, designed to be a government “of the people, by the people, for the people,” is increasingly under threat. A flood of “dark money” — massive, often untraceable political donations from corporations and the ultra-wealthy — has long drowned out the voices of everyday citizens, warped our policy priorities, and eroded the very fabric of our democracy. 

A vast majority of Americans across the political spectrum believe that the influence of money in politics is a significant problem facing our country. Here’s why this form of political corruption is so dangerous and what every citizen can do to get and keep money out of politics. 

The Corrosive Influence of Big Money

The issue of money in politics is not merely about campaign donations; it's about who has a seat at the table when important decisions are made. When politicians rely on large contributions from special interests to fund their campaigns, they are more likely to listen to the wants of their wealthy corporate and private donors than to the needs of their constituents. 

This creates a vicious cycle where the interests of the powerful are prioritized, leading to policies that benefit a select few at the expense of the many.

Silencing the Voices of Ordinary Americans

When a handful of billionaires and corporations can pour unlimited funds into elections through Super PACs and dark money groups, the political discourse becomes dominated by their interests. This makes it harder for candidates who rely on small-dollar donations from everyday citizens to compete, effectively silencing the voices of the majority.

Encouraging Corruption and Self-Dealing

The line between campaign contributions and legalized bribery can become blurred when lobbyists who are paid to influence politicians are also funneling money into their campaigns. This practice, known as self-dealing, leads to policies that favor special interests, tax breaks for the wealthy, and government contracts being awarded to political donors rather than on merit.

Eroding the Power of the Vote and Trust in Government

When people feel that their voices don't matter and that the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy, they lose faith in their government and are less likely to participate in the democratic process. This cynicism is a direct threat to the health and vibrancy of our democracy.

Big Money's Playground: A Look at Michigan

The problem of big money in politics is not an abstract national issue; it has real-world consequences for everyone. Consider, for example, the impacts on the state of Michigan. For years, large corporations have used their financial influence to shape legislation in Lansing, often to the detriment of working-class Michigan families.

A prime example of this is the influence of DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, the state's two largest utility companies. These regulated monopolies have poured millions of dollars into the campaigns of state lawmakers, and this spending has paid off. Despite widespread public outrage over frequent power outages and some of the highest electricity rates in the Midwest, these companies have largely escaped meaningful government accountability from the state legislature.

How to Get Money Out of Politics in Michigan

The good news is that the people of Michigan are fighting back. A growing coalition of grassroots organizations and concerned citizens is working on getting money out of politics in Michigan and returning power to the people in order to correct a rapidly backsliding democracy. This movement is not about left versus right; it's about right versus wrong and democracy versus authoritarianism.

There are several ways that Michiganders can join this fight:

• Vote for candidates who support campaign finance reform. Pay attention to where candidates get their money and whether they support policies that would limit the influence of big money in politics.

• Support legislation to increase government transparency and accountability. Let your elected officials know that you support bills that would require the disclosure of all political spending and close loopholes that allow for dark money to flow into our elections.

• Support social justice nonprofits. Social justice organizations such as Michigan United serve all state communities — but especially the most vulnerable — by providing supportive services and working to pass laws that serve the people rather than major monopolies and wealthy donors.

• Join the movement to get money out of politics. Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (MMOP) is a new ballot initiative led by a coalition of organizations, including Michigan United. The Mop Up Michigan campaign seeks to ban political contributions from regulated monopoly corporations and large state contractors. It’s a critical step toward reigning in the power of big money and ensuring that our government works for all of us, not just the wealthy and well-connected.

By joining the Mop Up Michigan campaign, you can help collect signatures to get this important initiative on the ballot, educate your friends and neighbors about the issue, and build a powerful grassroots movement to reclaim our democracy. Together, we can send a clear message that our democracy is not for sale.

Get Money Out of Michigan Politics With Michigan United

Michigan United is a broad, statewide coalition working to reform our broken health care and immigration systems, protect our environment, end mass incarceration, and make essential services accessible to all. But regulated monopolies and big government contractors are using their political contributions to drown out the voices of everyday Michiganders.

MMOP is a grassroots campaign working to get big money out of our elections. Formerly known as the Taking Back Our Power coalition, we’re building toward a statewide ballot initiative to ban political contributions from regulated monopoly corporations and major state contractors — because our democracy should never be for sale.

This campaign will only succeed if everyday Michiganders power it. Whether you’ve got five minutes or five hours, your time matters. We’re going to need volunteers to collect signatures, knock on doors, spread the word, and help bring this ballot initiative to life. Sign up today to help us mop up Michigan!