Vote Yes on Article 4 on Bedford Town Ballot

It has been 5 years since the US Supreme Court’s infamous Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission decision. Most Americans who are aware of this decision, regardless of party, feel that it institutionalizes the political power of big money and special interests, and diminishes the democratic power of the private American citizen. When polled, a majority of Republicans, and a majority of Democrats feel their rights as citizens have been eroded by big money in politics.

Through an initiative petition, Article 4 on Tuesday’s ballot (the last item on the ballot) lets you vote in favor of amending the US Constitution to clarify that 1.) only human beings and not special interest groups, corporations or labor unions are endowed with political free speech rights and that 2.) Money is not a form of free speech, therefore laws may be passed restricting its use in elections.

Many communities throughout New Hampshire and throughout the country have approved or will be voting on similar ballot initiatives. The full text of the Article follows, I hope you will vote YES in favor:

Do you support the following resolution in favor of amending the US Constitution:

Resolved, that the people of Bedford, NH stand with communities across the country to defend democracy from the effects of unregulated spending to influence elections by corporate, labor and special interest groups.

Resolved, that the United States Constitution should be amended to establish that:

1. Only human beings, not corporations, labor unions or special interest organizations are endowed with first amendment rights in the area of political speech, and

2. The federal and state governments may regulate political contributions and spending made to influence elections.

BE it further resolved, that the people of Bedford, NH, hereby instruct our state and federal representatives to enact resolutions and legislation to advance this effort.

______YES ______NO

Thanks!