About

Honest Elections is a coalition made up of the organizations Show Me Integrity, A Red Circle, Empower Missouri, and Forward Through Ferguson. As a coalition, we envision an election system that allows all people to make a difference on issues that are important to them. We aim to design a more participatory election system, by centering communities most impacted by racism and political disenfranchisement and applying a lens of Racial Equity and Economic Equity throughout the election process. 

In 2024, the coalition is focused on exploring the feasibility and potential desire for a program that exists in some other parts of the United States called “democracy dollars.” In this program, every resident receives $100 in “democracy dollars” to donate to candidates of their choice. They can only donate to candidates who are running to represent them. If candidates want to be able to access this money, they cannot also raise large amounts of money from wealthy individuals. This gives them a way to run a successful campaign and win office without raising money from big donors. 

In cities that have the “democracy dollars” or a similar public funding program, most candidates now use it to get elected. Early results of such programs include increased voter turnout….We see this program as one of many ways in which our current election system can be more equitable and attuned to the desires of those most impacted by systems of oppression.

Get Involved

• The coalition has created a community survey to help gather information on how North St. Louis County residents understand our current election systems and their views on how the system can be more accessible and fair. Responses from the survey will impact the creation of a ballot initiative for the “democracy dollars” program. 
• To increase community member engagement with the survey and the coalition, we are seeking volunteers for phone banking, tabling, and flyering activities. If you are interested in helping out, please [contact info OR direct to catalyst network form?]

“The way our society is structured, systemic barriers limit the participation of people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, people who are formerly or currently incarcerated, people with low and moderate incomes, and more.”