How H.R. 1 Would Make Sure Every Vote Counts

On By Nikoel Hytrek

When Democrats took back the House of Representatives last year, they wasted no time putting together a bill to address political corruption in the United States. On Jan. 3, 2019, the House introduced H.R. 1, the “For the People Act.” The bill passed the House in March, but has since languished in the Senate. A portion of the bill tackles gerrymandering, a partisan practice dating back to the 1800’s. It has led to politically unbalanced voting districts that concentrate certain voters in areas of the state to protect the power of one party. Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of […]

Poll: Campaign Finance Reform Resonates With All Voters

On By Nikoel Hytrek

While they may disagree about how to expand health care and handle student loan debt, Democratic candidates for president are on the same page when it comes campaign finance reform. Beto O’Rourke: “A campaign by all of us for all of us that answers not to the PACs, corporations and special interests, but to the people.” Cory Booker: “Well before I was running for president I said I would not take contributions from pharma companies, not take contributions from corporate PACs or pharma executives because they are part of this problem.” Elizabeth Warren: “We also need to end the unwritten […]

Steve Bullock’s Long Crusade Against Dark Money

On By Nikoel Hytrek

In a primary contest focused on broad issues like health care, women’s rights and economic reform, it’s no wonder corruption has gotten a spotlight, too. Over Labor Day weekend in Iowa, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock made his case that dark money is the root of the nation’s social and economic woes. It’s the central theme of Bullock’s candidacy, and one that he has real results from his time as governor to run on. Bullock visited communities in Northeast Iowa that voted for former president Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, but went for Republican president Donald Trump in 2016. There, […]

After Voter ID Law, ISU Students Win Effort On Student ID Cards

On By Nikoel Hytrek

Iowa State University students won an important victory this month in their effort to fully exercise their right to vote on campus. It came in response to Republican-passed voter ID laws that made it more challenging for many Iowans — especially college students — to vote. In mid-August, the Iowa State University College Democrats announced that, starting in Fall 2020, students will be able to use their student IDs to prove their identity at the polls. That’s because the university will now print an expiration date on student IDs, which puts them into compliance with part of Iowa’s new election […]