Place advisory ballot question asking voters to support overturning Citizens United
In Plain English
Citizens United is a 2010 Supreme Court case that allows corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on political campaigns. The city cannot change federal law, but this ballot question would let Richmond voters express their opinion on whether Congress should pass a constitutional amendment reversing the decision. If approved, the question appears on the next election ballot.
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Votes
Motion · Official minutes
Direct staff to prepare an advisory ballot initiative urging a Constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United case
7 aye · 0 nay
Why This Vote Matters
Richmond voters will get to weigh in on whether Congress should pass a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, the 2010 Supreme Court decision that allows unlimited corporate spending in elections. The council unanimously approved putting this advisory question on the next election ballot, though the city has no power to change federal law itself. This non-binding measure simply lets residents express their opinion on the controversial ruling that removed limits on corporate political donations. The vote was routine, as all seven council members supported giving voters this opportunity to voice their views on campaign finance reform.
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