Citizen Funded Elections

Common Cause Maryland and Maryland PIRG look forward to serving on the Baltimore County Fair Election Work Group and providing support as they work to implement a new public financing program.

In a strong bipartisan vote (39-6), the Maryland State Senate has approved a bill to update and fund the state's small donor public financing program for gubernatorial candidates. Maryland’s current public financing system for the gubernatorial race was implemented in the 1970s.

“The Citizens’ Election Fund can expand opportunities to run for office, so more women and people of color can compete for County Council and County Executive races,” explained Common Cause Maryland executive director Joanne Antoine. “We are thrilled that voters have supported Question A to help build a more reflective and representative government.”

Ballot Question A asks whether Baltimore County voters want to establish a Citizens' Election Fund, also known as a fair elections program, in the county. There are four main reasons to vote Yes for A: keep big money out of politics, expand opportunities to run for office, give everyone a voice, and encourage more participation in our democracy.

The bill would update the campaign finance system for Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller to be inline with local small donor public financing programs.