One of the Most Pivotal Issues of Our Time

"Democracy in the Balance: Corporate Power in Politics"  is a free public forum on one of the most important problems of our era. It will focus on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a U.S. Supreme Court decision that affects elections throughout our country.

Just weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court abruptly changed the rules for corporate and union spending on political campaigns. What led up to the decision, how will it affect elections and our democracy, and what actions can individuals take in response?

To answer some of these questions, four local community groups have organized
this event. The forum will feature three experts on the issues raised by Citizens United: Mary Zepernick, a researcher for the Program on Corporations, Law & Democracy and a board member of the Women's International League of Peace & Freedom, both of which filed an amicus curiae (i.e., friend of the Court) brief in Citizens United; Jeffrey Clements, the Concord lawyer who was counsel of record for that amicus brief; and John Bonifaz, constitutional lawyer, founder of the National Voting Rights Institute and legal director of Voter Action in Western Massachusetts.

The March 19th forum has several aims:

• To look at the historical highlights of government restrictions upon or expansion of corporate power since the founding of our nation;
• To explain the recent Supreme Court case and its likely impact on our democracy; and
• To explore current options for redressing the now unfettered corporate influence on elections.

After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for discussion. This free forum is open to all, and refreshments will be served.

This forum is sponsored by the Alliance for Democracy (North Bridge chapter), ConcordCAN, Carlisle Climate Action, and the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle. For more information, visit www.lwvcc.com, email DemocracyForum@lwvcc.com or call 978-369-3842.