Overview of the Program

Candidates who participate in the Program can qualify for matching funds by meeting threshold requirements and abiding by additional restrictions, including a strictly enforced spending cap. Receiving public funds is an enormous responsibility for campaigns and requires due diligence since they must account for every public dollar they receive. Refer to Chapter 4 of the 2009 Candidate Handbook for a detailed description of the Campaign Finance Program.

To be eligible to receive public funds, a candidate must:

1. be in compliance with all Program requirements;
2. be on the ballot and have an opponent on the ballot;
3. meet a two-part threshold;
4. provide the CFB with a copy of the raised seal receipt from the Conflicts of Interest Board evidencing submission of the required personal financial disclosure statement; and
5. repay any debt owed to the CFB from a previous election.

Participants eligible to receive a public funds payment will be paid based on their valid matching claims. The total amount each candidate can receive in matching funds is capped at 55 percent of the spending limit. The limits and requirements that apply for each office are available under the Launching Your Campaign section on the left.