William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice
Abstract
The laws upholding our campaign finance system are inadequate and under-enforced. These problems are felt disproportionately by African American voters. Election law experts agree that the structure and enforcement authority of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) severely limits the ability of the agency to achieve its goals. Several Supreme Court decisions have also limited the ability of Congress to control campaign contributions and expenditures. Tracking expenditures from corporations, groups, and individuals (to the extent possible), will show the link between favorable outcomes for these groups and their detrimental effects on African Americans. While closing racial disparities in wealth allows for African Americans to participate equally in the arms race of political contributions and expenditures, this too is harmful for our democracy. A limit on independent expenditures and public financing in federal elections would be a more feasible and equitable approach, as it would not drown out the voices of those with less resources. By setting these limits on campaign spending, African American voters will see a more responsive political class and a reduction in harm from monied interests.