Corporate Votes: The Undemocratic Reality Brought to You by Delaware

Delaware, known for its corporate-friendly laws, has recently crowned corporations with the ability to vote in municipal elections. This decision underscores not just a blurring of lines between corporate power and governmental processes, but a direct assault on democratic principles, favoring entities of wealth and power over individual citizens.

The Power Players: Identifying the Culprits

The Delaware Superior Court, under Judge Craig Karsnitz, ruled that allowing corporations to vote in the town of Fenwick Island does not violate the state constitution. This decision elevates corporations, already potent through economic influence and lobbying, to direct participants in the democratic process. The judge’s ruling effectively amplifies corporate power, granting them a mechanism to shape governance directly, rather than through traditional lobbying or political contributions.

Misdirection and Its Consequences

The ruling misdirects the foundational purpose of voting rights by equating corporate ownership to individual citizenship. Voting, a right reserved for human beings with an inherent stake in their communities and futures, is being redefined to include “artificial beings” whose primary motive is profit. This shift could lead to policies overly favorable to corporate interests, potentially at the expense of public welfare and environmental standards, given that corporations now have the leverage to vote for officials who align with their agendas.

Historical Context and Its Abuse

The decision draws on a distorted interpretation of corporate personhood, a concept that has evolved nefariously since the 1886 Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad decision. This misinterpretation has been aggressively expanded over the years to encompass rights initially meant for human beings, culminating in rulings like Citizens United, which equated spending money with free speech. Delaware’s new voting laws are a continuation of this dangerous trend, further entrenching corporate influence in American democracy.

Systemic Pattern of Corporate Overreach

This development in Delaware is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, systemic pattern where corporate entities are increasingly granted human-like rights without corresponding responsibilities and ethical considerations. The implications extend beyond local elections in a small state; this sets a precedent that could be adopted in other regions, fundamentally altering the democratic landscape to favor corporate entities disproportionately.

A Call to Reclaim Democracy

The situation in Delaware serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant protection and proactive reclamation of democratic processes. It underscores the urgency of constitutional amendments or robust legislative measures to clearly delineate the rights of corporations versus individual citizens. Entities like Move to Amend and Public Citizen have been pivotal in advocating for such changes, but broader public engagement and legislative courage are required to reverse these deeply entrenched powers.

Conclusion: Democracy or Corporatocracy?

As corporations inch closer to gaining not just economic but political sovereignty, the foundational principles of American democracy are at risk. It is imperative for citizens and lawmakers alike to recognize and counteract these maneuvers by corporate entities. If left unchecked, we may witness an era where corporate entities can not only influence but directly control governmental mechanisms, paving the way for a corporatocracy that sidelines the average citizen. The battle for the soul of American democracy is well underway, and decisions like those in Delaware will determine its outcome.

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