Interest Group- Common Cause

  With the Two Party system in the U.S. you sometimes have to pick and choose which values you prioritize. While this seems like a bit of a cop out it is unfortunately the norm. For the sake of getting votes politicians have been known to adopt aspects of other parties calling it "equal representation" for the people who may be less naturally inclined to vote for them. This is were interest groups come into play. Essentially an interest group is exactly what it sounds like, an organization that advocates for a group of interests or in some cases one "special interest". To give an example of a special interest group everyone has surely heard of  look towards the NRA (National Rifle Association) who advocates for the freedom of unrestricted ownership of firearms. While this group has characteristically right leaning traits let's take a look at something more middle ground that's all to relevant. 

   Common Cause. You may not have heard of this particular group but they have one interest and that is an equal voice for everyone in the political landscape. This is very topical in this years election with talk of voter fraud and crazy things like mailboxes being hauled away right around the time mail-in ballots are about to start. The thing I found refreshing about Common Cause is that they could care less who you vote for as long as your vote is cast and your input is given. "Common Cause believes that our government should serve all the people, not just the wealthy or partisan special interests. We are building a democracy that works for everyone." They want everyone to be heard as an equal. They make an effort to spread voter awareness and provide secure voting for the people. They even sent out Candidate Surveys  to candidates for Congress to see how those individuals would try to improve and protect democracy in our country. They have worked hard to push through reforms that make democracy work better for all people.

  Personally I find it commendable that they want to encourage and protect voting in an age where it sometimes feels useless to do so. My ideals are similar, everyone should have a valid medium through which to voice their opinions, except racists, racists shouldn't get an opinion. Try and argue with me about that one and see how far you get. 

  

  This organization has taken the time to craft a relatively extensive social media presence, after all they are said to have 1.2 million members and supporters. They are on Facebook, Twitter, linkedin, and Instagram. They appear to be pretty active on most of these platforms. Recently they have been having and election countdown on Instagram in which they provide information on how to mail in your vote or cast it locally. On Facebook they have been trying to combat misinformation being fed to voters so they can remain informed and vote their true thoughts. Evidently one group that is being heavily targeted are Latino voters who are expected to be a big factor in this years election. On Twitter they are trying to encourage voting this season and even have volunteers on standby to answer phone lines for voters with questions. Their linkedin page appears to be more of a business tool, it doesn't have much information on it. As far as engagement goes online their audience on Instagram is relatively small around the 300's, Twitter however has over 70,000 followers but it seems that Facebook is getting the most in terms of direct engagement (likes, comments, etc.). 

  Why is a group like this relevant? As I mentioned this election in particular has a lot of shady activity surrounding it. There's theorized Russian collusion by either side depending on who you ask, there's supposed mail voting schemes, and a bunch of other issues. With the voting outcome last election still being in question by some it seems like it's going to be important for people to be out in full force to make sure their preferred candidate is elected.