To the Editor:

As a dedicated Villanovan and American Promise Young Americans Council member, I feel compelled to address the staggering sums spent during the 2024 election, one of the most expensive in our nation’s history.

As an undergraduate student immersed in the political landscape of Philadelphia, I am deeply passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities. It is disheartening and unacceptable to witness my community, and others like it, continuously excluded from the political process, overshadowed by the influence of billionaire donations. This inequity demands urgent action to restore fairness and amplify the voices of everyday people in our democracy.

Right now, big money has too much power in our political system, drowning out the voices of everyday people.

Across Pennsylvania, citizens have made it clear they want meaningful change to ensure elections remain free and fair. The For Our Freedom Amendment is a crucial step toward achieving that goal. This amendment to the U.S. Constitution is about protecting our democracy, reducing the overwhelming influence of dark money and ensuring every vote carries equal weight.

Last year, the Pennsylvania House passed HR 317 by a bipartisan resolution that calls on Congress to propose the For Our Freedom Amendment. The bipartisan vote highlights the issue is not about party lines but protecting the shared interests of all Pennsylvanians. The need for action is clear.

A Franklin and Marshall poll found that 93% of Pennsylvanians believe money’s influence in politics threatens our democracy and 81% support a constitutional amendment to address the problem.

Pennsylvanians are calling for reforms to restore trust in our electoral system. Their voices must not be overshadowed by the interests of the wealthy few. It is time for the Pennsylvania State Senate to join their colleagues in the House and take action by passing a resolution calling on Congress to propose the For Our Freedom Amendment.

Together, we can ensure every Pennsylvanian’s voice counts.

Jalyn Jimenez

Whitehall