National government watchdog, Common Cause, has announced the retirement of Cheri Quickmire, who has led the Connecticut office for 18 years. Her retirement follows efforts to defeat proposals aimed at rewriting the U.S. Constitution and reducing the state’s campaign finance authority in the last legislative session.
“Holding power accountable has been an extraordinary journey,” said Quickmire. “We won as we rolled back efforts by legislators to take away the independence of the State Elections Enforcement Commission that holds accountable candidates who participate in the nationally renowned Citizens’ Election Program.”
Earlier this year, Connecticut lawmakers attempted to undermine the state’s campaign finance system. Common Cause played a key role in establishing the Citizens’ Election Program in 2005, which shifted influence from big money donors and special interests to the people. The program gained popularity across party lines after several conflicts of interest led to scandals involving public officials. A 2020 report recognized it as a national model with 85% of candidates participating.
“Cheri has been a steadfast champion for democracy, and the policies she’s championed will have a long-lasting impact beyond her tenure,” said Common Cause Vice President of States Heather Ferguson. “From holding our leaders in Washington accountable to making the ballot box more accessible with early voting, Cheri’s work has strengthened the voice of the people for years to come.”
In 2023, Quickmire led a significant voting rights victory in Connecticut by passing a state-level Voting Rights Act. This legislation provided strong voter protections while other states were removing them.
In 2022, Quickmire and a coalition of voting rights advocates successfully campaigned for early voting in Connecticut through a ballot measure. Following its passage, state legislation was enacted to officially offer early voting as an option. Before this change, Connecticut was one of four states without early voting.
Common Cause plans to continue its advocacy work in Connecticut and will begin hiring soon.
