Good Government Groups remind taxpayers that marking the $3 checkoff on tax returns helps Hawaii Election Campaign Fund, but does not affect an individual’s tax return

(Honolulu, HI, February 17, 2014)– The League of Women Voters of Hawaii and Common Cause Hawaii urge taxpayers to give the Hawaii Election Campaign fund a boost by marking the $3 check-off box ($6 for a joint return) on their individual income tax returns (Form N-11). Placing an X in the “Yes” box located just above the signature will authorize $3 from the general fund to be moved to the Hawaii Election Campaign fund. Such contributions will not increase an individual’s tax, nor affect his or her refund.

Currently the Hawaii Elections Campaign Fund, which supports public financing of elections, helps candidates interested in running for office without using their own money or money raised by private Political Action Committees.

The Fund has dropped below the $3.5 million minimum that must be maintained before it can be tapped for State and local elections. Currently before the Legislature is House Bill 2533 which would allow candidates for the State House of Representatives to use this Fund for the 2016 House Elections.

Piilani Kaopuiki, State League President, says “This is an important option for candidates who want to devote more time to serving their constituents and spend less time on raising money for their House campaigns. We are very excited to see a clear a path toward doing this in 2016.”

The League of Women Voters of Hawaii is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information visit www.lwv-hi.com

Common Cause Hawaii is a state chapter of the national Common Cause organization. Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to reinventing an open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest. For more information, visit www.commoncause.org/HI

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