Multiple legislative responses have followed the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a decision that permits independent election spending by corporations, including certain nonprofit organizations. Following three rigorous congressional hearings, lawmakers have expressed a sense of urgency and the intent to continue working on legislation to curtail the impacts of the ruling, even as some critics charge that reaction to the decision is inflated.

The long-awaited decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was issued on Jan. 21. With a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations and unions may now directly and expressly advocate for the election or defeat of candidates for federal office, as long as they do not coordinate their efforts with campaigns or political parties. Many predict the impacts of the decision will be immense and far-reaching, both for nonprofit voter engagement and political discourse as a whole.

A 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that Washington State felony inmates are entitled to vote under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The court held that current restrictions, which strip convicted felons of the right to vote while incarcerated or under Department of Corrections supervision, unfairly discriminate against minorities.

Robocalls – automated phone messages – are one of the least expensive methods that political candidates use to reach voters. However, restrictions on unsolicited calls have complicated efforts by candidates who want to use political robocalls. While political robocalls are exempt from the national "do not call" registry, some states have implemented restrictions on them. A political organization is now asking whether these state laws run afoul of federal law.