📢 Why We Must Get Money Out of Elections: Empowering the People

🗽 The movement for who we are and what we represent is happening now. People power thrives in the hands of ordinary citizens who organize, advocate, and act.

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A System Dominated by Wealth

The power of a democracy lies in its people, yet our current election system is increasingly dominated by the wealthy elite and special interest groups. This reality undermines the principle of government by the people, for the people, and threatens to erode public trust in our democratic institutions. But the numbers tell us something even more profound: we have the collective power to take our democracy back.

Consider these startling facts:

• Out of the 539 members of Congress, only 16 lawmakers received more than 50% of their donations from small donors—what we call "people power." These 16 raised $86 million from small donors, accounting for nearly 60% of their total contributions. Check out our note to see who they are.

• While many Americans lament the role of big money in politics, only 1% of the U.S. population donates to candidates, parties, or PACs. This leaves the funding of elections to a small, wealthy minority.

• In the 2024 presidential election, the top 100 wealthiest individuals donated $438 million to Democratic candidates and a staggering $1.4 trillion to Republican candidates. Similarly, the top 50 largest organizations contributed $629 million to Democrats and $1.3 trillion to Republicans.

These figures¹ illustrate how concentrated wealth wields disproportionate influence over elections, policies, and priorities, often sidelining the needs and voices of everyday Americans.

The Potential of People Power

The dominance of big money in politics isn’t just a problem—it’s an opportunity for grassroots action. Did you know that if everyone who didn’t vote for Trump in 2024 chipped in just $10 to a movement that champions progress and power to the people, it would equal the total donations from the wealthiest individuals and organizations supporting Trump?

This highlights an important truth: the collective power of everyday people is immense.

This isn’t a call for donations; it’s a reminder of your power. While billionaires and corporations try to buy influence, the strength of democracy lies in numbers also known as people power, not dollars.

Also please note these calculations do not include dark money donations as we have no way to track those donations.

The Path Forward

To restore faith in our democracy and ensure that elections reflect the will of the people, we must:

1. Implement Publicly Funded Elections: Allow candidates to run competitive campaigns without relying on wealthy donors. States like Maine and Arizona have successfully demonstrated the potential of this model.

2. Limit Campaign Contributions: Enforce strict caps on individual and corporate donations to level the playing field.

3. Increase Transparency: Strengthen disclosure laws to expose the sources of campaign funding, including dark money.

4. Overturn Citizens United: This Supreme Court decision unleashed unlimited corporate spending in politics. Reversing it is critical to restoring balance.

A Call to Action

The numbers may be daunting, but they also reveal a path forward. If just a fraction of Americans took action—whether by voting, engaging in activism, or contributing small amounts to candidates who reflect their values—we could reshape the political landscape. The dominance of big money isn’t inevitable; it’s a challenge we can overcome.

The true power in a democracy lies not in the hands of a wealthy few but in the collective will of the many. Let’s use that power to demand a government that serves all of us—not just the highest bidders. Together, we can reclaim our democracy and build a future where every voice matters.

Today’s Call to Action:

• Ban Members of Congress from Trading Stocks

• Tell Pres. Biden: Certify the Equal Rights Amendment

• Can you help our efforts by completing this grassroots survey?

• Click here to signup for our next event: Building People Power in Remembrance of the Jan. 6 Capitol Insurrection

• Click here to tell the Senate: Protect Democracy and Prevent Abuse of Recess Appointments

Thanks for taking action!

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Hi friends! As we wrap up 2024 and set our sights on 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect and recommit to our values:

✨ Together we can inspire change!

People Power United is a grassroots group of over 200,000+ members in all 50 states-powered by people like YOU. We champion progress and power to the people.

We believe in change because we make change happen.

Here’s what makes us special:
💡 Grassroots energy: No fundraising, no constant emails asking for donations.
📢 Impact through action: We believe in the possibility of change and do the work to make it happen. We don’t just complain, we make change happen!

In this community, we will never stay silent in the face of hate or bigotry. We stand up and speak out against racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and every form of discrimination that seeks to divide and harm.

We believe:

• Everyone deserves dignity —with access to housing, healthcare, and education.

• Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive — regardless of age, race, sex, sexual preference, preferred pronouns, religion, or employment status.

• Everyone deserves safety—clean air and water, and communities free from gun violence.

Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

The power is in your hands. Let’s fight for freedom over fascism—because our future depends on it.

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People Power United Updates

Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:

• Stop Blaming and Start Building a Better Tomorrow

• America, never forget—true power rests with the people.

• Holiday Memories of Love and Solidarity

• People Power United joins coalition efforts to urge Senators to oppose the nomination of Russell Vought for director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• Click here for updates

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Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)

Leader, People Power United

Representing America's largest grassroots organization with over 200,000+ members, driven entirely by the energy and commitment of everyday people. We are proudly 100% independent, powered by people—not special interests.

Laurie joining other activists and organizations to drop thousands of petitions off to Congress to advocate for reforms to the Supreme Court

People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!

People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.

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1. https://www.opensecrets.org/