Voter owned elections wins senate approval

The full Senate, acting as a committee, gave approval today to legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Jackson (D-Dickson) that would dramatically improve citizen access to the electoral process and restore the voice of the people. The action, the Voter Owned Elections Act, would provide public financing for candidates running for Governor or for seats in the state House or Senate.  The cost of the act is only 4/100 of one percent of the total state budget.  “The people of Tennessee scored a victory today,” Jackson said.  “If this legislation becomes law, democracy will be improved.  When more people become part of the process, all of us benefit. “Campaigns should be contests of good ideas for public service, not contests of raising money from special interests” Jackson said he is encouraged by the Senate vote and wants the House to follow suit.  “Taking special interest money out of the political process is one of the best ways to improve our system,” Jackson said.  “Under the current system, it’s very difficult for the average citizen to run for state office.  The Democracy Fund, created by this act, seeks to level the playing field.  If my colleagues in the House are serious about ethics reform, they’ll join in today’s Senate action and make Voter Owned Elections a reality in Tennessee.” Jackson noted that a similar law exists in Arizona.  After passage of the Arizona law, citizen participation in statewide races increased by 64%. “Lobbyists should come to Nashville armed with information, not campaign checks,” Jackson said.  “The quest for special interest campaign money corrodes the political process.  By taking special interests out of the game, the Voter Owned Elections Act gives democracy back to the people.” Jackson said the whole purpose of his bill is to restore the public’s trust in government by turning the election process away from special interests and back to voters. “Getting more people involved in the political process is what democracy is all about.”