New York City’s Campaign Finance Program (the "Program"), established in 1988, helps people run for the offices of mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president, and City Council member without relying on large campaign contributions by giving them the opportunity to qualify for matching funds to help them run competitive campaigns. The voluntary Program is administered by the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the independent, nonpartisan City agency that produced this Voter Guide.

When candidates join the Program, they agree to abide by campaign contribution and spending limits and other requirements, including audits of their campaigns. Candidates who join the Program cannot accept contributions from corporations. In return, these candidates can qualify to receive public funds that match contributions received from NYC residents at a rate of $4 to every $1 for contributions of up to $250. The Program’s contribution limits prevent participants from running campaigns with large amounts of money from just a few wealthy people or groups. The Program’s spending limits help ensure that candidates who are wealthy, or who have the support of wealthy people or groups, do not have an unfair advantage.

Program participants file detailed information with the Board about their contributors and how campaign money is spent. The Board computerizes this information, so it is easy for the public and the press to find out the details of candidates’ campaign finances. This information is available (and searchable) on the CFB’s searchable database, and on a public computer terminal at the CFB’s offices. Program participants are audited by the CFB to make sure that they are observing the contribution and spending limits and other Program requirements.

When you read this Voter Guide, you will be able to find out which candidates have joined the Campaign Finance Program for the 2003 elections by looking at the bottom of their candidate statements for the phrase "Participating in the NYC Campaign Finance Program."  You may also view a list of candidates participating in the Program for the 2003 Elections.

If you are interested in running for City office, or in learning more about how the Campaign Finance Program is helping to make local elections in New York more open and democratic, please contact the CFB at info@nyccfb.info or write to:

The New York City Campaign Finance Board
40 Rector Street, 7th floor, New York, NY 10006

Questions specifically about this Voter Guide can be e-mailed to VoterGuideInfo@nyccfb.info.