Clean Money, Clean Elections (aka CMCE) is a full, public financing system for election campaigns under which candidates, who agree to limit spending and collect only a limited number of small, individual contributions, qualify for a set amount of public funds to run their campaigns. CMCE is a voluntary option to the current privately-funded campaign finance system. Candidates must first qualify by collecting a set amount of small contributions from voters in their district. Once qualified, the candidate agrees not to raise or spend any private money. They also agree to strict spending limits. In return, they are given a fixed and equal amount of public funds to run first their primary campaign, and then their general election campaign. If a publicly-funded candidate is being heavily outspent by a well-funded opponent or an outside organization, there are additional funds available to the publicly-funded candidate to make sure they stay competitive.

The full details of the bill will be worked out in the NY Assembly, however to ensure that the politicians are focused on this kind of progressive change, they'll need to hear from their constituents. Please call or write to their district office to let them know as soon as possible since it's expected that this issue will come to the floor this spring.

Citizen Action of New York has been has been forming a coalition of grassroots organizations and democratic clubs "Clean Money, Clean Elections".

Should DFNYC Endorse Clean Money Clean Elections?

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Take Action Today

A sample letter is below. Visit our Contact Your Representative page to find Assembly Member and his or her contact information.

Dear Assembly Member _________,

I believe New York State should adopt full, public financing for election campaigns. We cannot have a strong democracy unless we level the playing field for political candidates. Those of modest means are simply unable to compete against those with deep pockets and/or close ties to special interests representing the few and not the many. The public is better served when candidates spend more time on issues of the people and less time on fundraising. I urge you to support Clean Money, Clean Elections.

Sincerely, [your name]

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