The injection of vast amounts of money into our electoral system is creating a climate in which the interests of the majority are overshadowed by those of a wealthy minority.
Large electoral expenditures by affluent private groups can substantially raise the bar to entry for those with fewer resources. The resulting growth of inequality in political influence threatens the workings of a legitimate democracy that reflects the wishes of all citizens.
There is a simple way to level the playing field.
What if we taxed campaign expenditures?
Such an approach could offer a viable alternative to the other campaign finance reform ideas commonly discussed, including contribution limits, public funding schemes such as the one recently passed by voters in Seattle and constitutional amendments.
This tax would be similar to a value-added tax or sales tax and be applicable to nearly all expenses made by politically active organizations, but how it was designed would matter greatly. To tamp down on overall spending, it could be made progressive, with rates set according to each organization’s total election expenses. Campaign spending under $1 million might be taxed at, say, 30 percent, while spending from $1 million to $10 million could be taxed at 60 percent and that over $10 million at 90 percent.
CLICK HERE to read Daniel Nemirovsky's article in The Washington Post Opinions section.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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