In Lenawee County—and across the nation—big money in politics is drowning out the voices of everyday citizens. Billionaires and corporate interests pour millions into elections at all levels, shaping policies that often serve their bottom line rather than the needs of our communities.

If we want to protect Lenawee County democracy, we must take a stand against this unchecked spending and demand campaign finance reform in Michigan and beyond.

The Role of Big Money in Elections

Money in politics is nothing new, but the scale at which billionaires and corporate entities influence our elections has grown exponentially. With the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC, corporations and wealthy donors gained the ability to spend unlimited amounts on elections through super PACs and dark money groups.

The result? A political system where those with the deepest pockets have the loudest voices.

In the last year, we’ve watched Elon Musk pour hundreds of millions of dollars into elections around the world to fund candidates that align with his personal views—a chainsaw to the democratic process, if you will.

And closer to home, political spending has also reached unprecedented levels. The 2020 U.S. Senate race between John James and Gary Peters saw expenditures exceeding $200 million, marking it as the most expensive single election in Michigan’s history.

The 2024 elections continued this trend, with substantial contributions from undisclosed sources and ultra-wealthy individuals dominating the political landscape. Billionaires and ‘dark money’ groups were among the largest donors, significantly influencing our state’s politics.

These figures highlight the growing influence of money in Michigan’s political system, underscoring the need for comprehensive campaign finance reform to ensure that the voices of everyday citizens are not overshadowed by affluent donors.

How Big Money Shapes Policy and Harms Democracy

Unchecked campaign spending has led to:

• Corporate-driven policy priorities: Lawmakers backed by big donors push policies that benefit industries like fossil fuels, pharmaceuticals, and Wall Street, often at the expense of working families.
• Voter suppression efforts: Deep-pocketed political groups fund efforts to restrict voter access, such as the SAVE Act, which threatens voter rights in Lenawee County by making it harder for people to register and vote.
• The erosion of local democracy: Instead of representing their constituents, politicians often cater to the special interests that fund their campaigns. This weakens local government accountability and leads to policies that ignore community needs.

Project 2025: A Direct Threat to Democracy in Michigan

One of the most alarming consequences of money in politics is the rise of extreme policy proposals like Project 2025. Funded by corporate and billionaire-backed groups, Project 2025 aims to:

• Slash federal programs that support working families.
• Weaken voter protections, making it easier for wealthy donors to influence elections.
• Eliminate the Department of Education, leaving Lenawee County schools underfunded and vulnerable.
• Roll back worker protections by dismantling OSHA regulations, which are critical for workplace safety.

The impact of Project 2025 in Michigan will be profoundly harmful, prioritizing elite agendas at the expense of ordinary Michiganders. It’s crucial to combat voter suppression in Michigan and stand against measures that threaten fair representation.

What We Can Do: Fighting Back Against Big Money in Politics

Despite the overwhelming influence of money in politics, we have the power to fight back. Here are some ways to take action in Lenawee County and beyond:

1. Push for Campaign Finance Reform in Michigan

We need stronger laws to limit the influence of big money in our elections. This includes:

• Passing laws that require transparency in political donations.
• Implementing donation caps to prevent billionaires from buying elections.
• Strengthening community democracy by ensuring publicly funded elections.

Supporting policy reform in Lenawee County can help level the playing field and give power back to the people.

2. Get Involved in Local Politics in Michigan

Change starts at the local level. Join organizations like Lenawee Indivisible and other Michigan political action groups working to:

• Promote local government accountability.
• Support grassroots organizing in Michigan to fight against corporate influence.
• Mobilize voters in Michigan to elect representatives who prioritize the needs of the people over wealthy donors.

3. Protect Voting Access in Michigan

One of the biggest ways big money influences politics is by funding voter suppression efforts. To fight back, we must:

• Oppose restrictive voting laws like the SAVE Act.
• Support local activism opportunities that expand voting access in Michigan.
• Encourage voter registration drives and civic engagement in Lenawee to increase voter participation.

4. Hold Politicians Accountable

Elected officials work for us, not their donors. Demand that your representatives:

• Reject corporate PAC donations and support fair representation in Michigan.
• Vote against policies that prioritize billionaire interests over community needs.
• Hold public town halls to engage with their constituents and address concerns.

We regularly organize demonstrations and opportunities to make your voice heard in Lenawee County. Visit the events page to see what’s coming up next.

5. Strengthen Democracy in Lenawee County Through Grassroots Activism

Lenawee County democracy is only as strong as the people who participate in it. By engaging in community organizing in Lenawee and supporting local activism in Michigan, we can:

• Build voter-powered movements that challenge corporate influence.
• Push for policy reform in Lenawee County that strengthens democratic processes.
• Work towards a future where elections are determined by people, not money.

Conclusion: The Fight for a Fair Democracy Starts Now

The influence of big money in politics is a direct threat to democracy, but we have the power to fight back. By advocating for campaign finance reform in Michigan, engaging in civic action in Lenawee, and mobilizing voters in Michigan, we can reclaim our elections from corporate interests.

Lenawee Indivisible and other grassroots organizing efforts in Michigan are leading the charge to strengthen democracy in Lenawee.

The question is: will you join the fight?

Now is the time to get involved in local politics in Michigan, fight voter suppression, and push for political advocacy in Lenawee County that serves the people instead of billionaires.