The CGS approach will ultimately allow the press, researchers and others to compare contribution patterns by major contributors across state lines, even though that data is compiled in different formats. Achieving a standard of data compatibility across multiple jurisdictions is fundamental to the ultimate goal of allowing voters to make better-informed decisions based on full knowledge of candidate sources of money. The result will be a growing national system of compatible campaign finance databases, allowing researchers to review that data quickly.
The project will next expand to incorporate federal and state level data, with the Federal Election Commission already agreeing to participate in the next phase of the demonstration. In addition, CGS will begin working with live data.
This centralized access point for national campaign finance data would give the public an unprecedented resource for viewing, analyzing, and scrutinizing campaign finance information across jurisdictional boundaries. It is our expectation that this type of disclosure will also result in better compliance with campaign finance disclosure laws.
CGS is currently seeking grant funds to develop the prototype into a live resource and to encourage additional jurisdictions to participate.