Fix Democracy First's
October Democracy Happy Hour @
5 pm PT/8 pm ET via Zoom! Grab a drink and come hear updates from Fix Democracy First, ongoing efforts to keep democracy's flame alive, and actions you can take at our weekly Democracy Happy Hour 1st Wednesdays @ 5 pm PT/8 pm ET. This is an online virtual event via Zoom. Topic for October 7, 2026 Michael Beckel, Director of Money in Politics Reform, Issue One Breakdown of the Supreme Court's 2026 NRSC v. FEC decision. Topic: Why this is an important case. How NRSC v. FEC affects the flow of money in politics, including an overview of why campaign contributions exist and how wealthy donors and special interests buy access and influence through contributions to candidates, political parties, super PACs, and dark money groups. Also an update from Issue One's perspective on notable efforts happening across the country to combat the undue influence of big money and dark money in US politics. About the Guest: Issue One is a bipartisan advocacy group based that works to strengthen American democracy. Michael has been following money in politics for nearly 20 years, even attending oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court in Citizens United, the case that ushered our current era of big money in politics, often from undisclosed donors. Prior to joining Issue One in 2017, Beckel worked as a reporter for more than a decade, with stints at outlets including OpenSecrets.org and the Center for Public Integrity. Through recent publishings, Michael has spread awareness on the flood of Super PAC money in the 2026 midterms, and the opportunity in Montana to address dark, corporate money in their elections. 2026 Lineup: -
Oct 7th - Michael Beckel, Director of Money in Politics Reform, Issue One. How the Supreme Court's recent NRSC v. FEC decision will affect the flow of money in politics. Time permitting, Michael will also touch on notable efforts happening across the country to combat the undue influence of big money and dark money in politics. -
Thursday, Nov 12th - Julie Wise, Director, King County Elections (with potential additional guest speakers to come!) (note change due to Election Day & Veterans Day). Administering the 2026 election and the state of it in the rearview -- positive reflections from the perspective of the county-level leadership. Non-partisan perspective on data points from the election. Safety challenges and risks for individuals trying to access the ballot in 2026, and addressing threats to voting. -
Dec 2nd - Equal Citizens, (Speaker TBA!). SuperPACs - what they are, how they formed, their impact on money in politics. What Equal Citizens, an organization founded by Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig in 2016, is doing right now to reinstate limits on campaign spending through SuperPACs. -
January 2027 onward - we are already on the hunt for next year's speakers. Let us know your feedback about the relaunch of this programming, and what topics you would like to see covered! |
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