1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to introduce legislation in Illinois similar to Montana's proposed Transparent Election Initiative. This innovative approach aims to limit corporate influence in our state's politics by restricting the powers granted to corporations through state charters. The concept, based on a paper by Tom Moore for the Center for American Progress, leverages the principle that corporations derive their powers from state charters. This approach doesn't directly challenge the Citizens United ruling but instead negates its consequences by limiting corporations' ability to involve themselves in elections. Historical precedent supports states' authority to define and limit corporate powers. The Supreme Court's decision in Dartmouth v. Woodward (1819) affirms this principle. By introducing similar legislation in Illinois, we can address the issue of dark money and disproportionate corporate influence in our state's political landscape. This approach would affect not only corporations chartered in Illinois but also 'foreign corporations' doing business in our state. While potential legal challenges may arise, overturning 200 years of jurisprudence would likely further lower the Supreme Court's public approval. Implementing such legislation in Illinois would demonstrate our commitment to more egalitarian politics and could influence future judicial appointments. It would also spark crucial public discourse on corporate influence in our democracy. I strongly believe that this initiative is essential for preserving the integrity of our electoral process and ensuring that the voices of individual Illinois citizens are not drowned out by corporate interests. Please consider introducing this legislation to protect our state's democratic principles and limit the outsized influence of corporations in Illinois politics.