The idea that all votes are not created equal has been widely spread among Americans, originally as a criticism of the electoral college system. However, political manipulation tactics are bec

oming increasingly more relevant in American elections, including voter suppression, gerrymandering, and, specifically, political action committee (PAC) fundraising. A PAC is a fundraising committee that promotes a politician’s campaign of their choice. PACs that meet certain requirements set by the Federal Election Commission are permitted to use funding to support multiple candidates. Regular PACs can accept up to $5,000 annually from any individual and contribute limited amounts directly to candidates and their affiliated funding pools. 

Conversely, “Super PACs,” also known as independent-expenditure-only committees, have become increasingly powerful due to the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling. The ruling determined that independent expenditures fell under the First Amendment right to free speech and restricting their fundraising activities would be unconstitutional. While many believe corporations should have a voice, it is clear that they are undermining ours. Super PACs are often funded by wealthy people connected to elected officials, making them strong avenues for corruption.

Unlike regular PACs, Super PACs can accept and spend unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations, and unions but cannot donate directly to candidates and political parties. However, they are allowed to overtly support and endorse candidates of their choosing through running advertisements, sending out pamphlets to voters, and sponsoring social media posts. Since the ruling, Super PACs have hit the ground running with influential “independent” campaigning. During the 2008 election cycle, before Super PACs were created, independent expenditures counted for $75.7 million of outside spending on elections. In 2010, 83 Super PACs spent $62.6 million in total. In the 2024 election cycle, 2,347 Super PACs have spent around one billion dollars and counting, with around 70% of that money being spent by groups with conservative interests. 

Throughout the 2024 primary season, progressive politicians, such as US House Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, have been subject to an unprecedented level of scrutiny from Super PACs, specifically the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). As of June 20th, 2024, AIPAC spent $14.5 million to assist Bowman’s opponent, the more moderate George Latimer, in New York’s 16th Congressional District’s (NY-16) primary election which covers New York’s Southern Westchester and some neighborhoods in the Bronx. This became the most expensive House race in history. The outcome sat poorly with Westchester progressives and marginalized communities. AIPAC also spent $8 million to influence Missouri Representative Cori Bush’s defeat in the primary, which then became the second most expensive House race in history. Bush, who had served in the House since 2021, was seen as one of the congresspeople who truly understood the American working-class struggle. 

Bush and Bowman, a former nurse and school principal, respectively, were outspoken skeptics of Israel’s involvement in Palestine and were quick to push for a ceasefire. Regardless of anyone’s stance on the war in Gaza, AIPAC’s independent campaigns send a dangerous message to outspoken elected officials and their constituents: their seats can be bought. So, what can we do about our votes being influenced by wealthy special interest groups? 

In an ideal world, the Citizens United ruling would be overturned and the Federal Election Commission would restrict Super PAC fundraising, but the ideal is not always feasible or timely. However, there are ways to mitigate Super PACs’ effects. First, remember that election season does not only take place this November or every four years! Local primaries and general elections happen frequently, so staying updated with dates and deadlines is crucial. You can visit vote.org to find information on the elections in your area and how to register to vote. 

While voting is important, citizens can take more concrete steps against the influence of Super PACS by pushing politicians to implement policies that would make campaigns more transparent and strengthen other political actors. You can encourage your Senators to vote for the For the People Act, which would require Super PACs to disclose where their funding is coming from. Furthermore, we can push state government officials to loosen funding restrictions for state political parties, which could dilute the influence of wealthy special interest groups. While this would not keep big money out of politics, it would promote accountability and transparency in the campaign system.