Lobbying and Voting

1. Lobbying and Voting

2. Lobbying • A way to influence the lawmaking process by convincing lawmakers to vote as you want them to • Negative connotation, but actually a Constitutionally protected right • Freedom of Speech • Freedom of Assembly • Freedom of the Press • Freedom of Association

3. History of the Word • The word “lobbying” comes from the seventeenth century, when interested persons would corner legislators in the out waiting room of the legislature—the lobby.

4. Lobbyists • Someone who works to convince a lawmaker to vote for or against a particular issue • Lobbyists express their opinion… • As part of a group • In person • By letter • Through petitions • Via phone calls • Via Email • Also use political contributions, ads, favors, letter-writing campaigns, and other techniques to influence legislation

5. Today • Special interest groups (i.e. advocacy groups) lobby on behalf of every imaginable cause and issue • Businesses & organizations hire professional lobbyists to influence federal, state, and local legistlation. • National Rifle Association (NRA) employs lobbyists to oppose restrictions on gun ownership and use • Handgun Control, Inc. lobbies for gun control

6. Professional v. Grassroots Lobbyists • Professional lobbyists • More money • Know legislators and staff personally • Often former politicians • Grassroots lobbyists • Common people • Less money • Less organized • Can still be very powerful, as politicians are very sensitive to what voters think

7. Pro/Con • Pros • Basic legal right • Freedom of Speech • Integral part of democracy • Money + Influence is legitimate way of making voice heard • Cons • Enables some people and businesses to “buy legislation” • The wealthy and organized benefit