Fight for Decency

The Citizens Equality Act, proposed by Lawrence Lessig, is designed to reduce political corruption and promote equal representation in the United States. Though it was never passed into law, it outlined a package of reforms that would significantly change the influence of money in politics, voting access, and representation.

Here’s how adopting and passing such an act would benefit the working class:

 

🔹 1. Equal Political Influence

✅ Benefit: A government that listens to the working class

• The working class currently has much less influence over policy compared to wealthy individuals and corporations.

• By limiting the power of big money in politics (e.g. through campaign finance reform), the act would help ensure everyone's voice counts equally, not just the rich.

• This could lead to more worker-friendly policies, such as better wages, stronger unions, and labor protections.

 

🔹 2. Voting Rights and Access

✅ Benefit: Easier and fairer access to vote

• Many working-class voters face obstacles to voting (strict ID laws, limited polling hours, voter purges).

• The act would standardize and protect voting rights, potentially including:

  • Automatic voter registration

  • National holiday for elections

  • Expansion of early voting and vote-by-mail

• This helps the working class participate more fully in democracy and have their issues reflected in policy.

 

🔹 3. Fair Representation

✅ Benefit: More accurate and diverse representation

• The act includes proposals to end gerrymandering and push for more proportional representation.

• This means the working class would be less diluted in legislative districts and more likely to elect candidates who reflect their concerns.

• It could also support reforms like ranked-choice voting or multi-member districts that give rise to less partisan, more representative leadership.

 

🔹 4. Anti-Corruption Measures

✅ Benefit: Government that works in the public interest

• The act proposes ethics reforms, such as stricter rules around lobbying and transparency.

• Less corruption = more public investment in health care, education, transportation, and job programs that benefit working-class communities.

 

🔹 5. Empowerment and Trust in Democracy

✅ Benefit: A political system that feels fair and accountable

• Many working-class people feel disillusioned or ignored by the current political system.

• The Citizens Equality Act would help restore faith in government by making it more democratic and inclusive.

• • This could lead to higher civic participation, especially in underserved communities.