Place advisory ballot question asking voters to support overturning Citizens United

Police & Community SafetyGovernanceResolution

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.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Direct staff to prepare an advisory ballot initiative urging a Constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United case

Passed

7 to 0

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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.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Community Discussion

This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.

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