We seek to achieve a government that (actually) works for the people.

We believe...

• That everyone deserves an equal voice in our democracy; 
• That our lawmakers should represent the public interest, not wealthy special interests; and
• That access to money should not determine who gets elected or how policy decisions are made.

Unfortunately, our current system is falling short. Moneyed interests have disproportionate access to lawmakers and undue influence on policy. Candidates for office are forced to focus on fundraising rather than their constituents—and those lacking access to wealth often can’t compete. With the public hungry for a democracy that represents all of us, a tiny group of wealthy donors and corporations have excessive influence on our elections and laws.

We also believe this is a problem our country can solve. A more responsive, accountable, and representative democracy is within reach and MapLight is dedicated to helping achieve it.