Important Hearing on Voter-Owned Elections Monday

Voter-owned election guidelines already apply to Board of Supervisors races, and most agree the practice has allowed more competitive races and greater participation by a wider variety of candidates. By giving more of an opportunity to candidates who may have great ideas but limited fundraising abilities, voter-owned elections allow for more diverse candidates. In addition, the increase in public financing allows candidates to focus on issues instead of catering to wealthy interest groups.

"Candidates often spend an exorbitant amount of time raising money instead of connecting with the community," said Rob Arnow, campaign coordinator of San Franciscans for Voter Owned Elections, in an earlier interview with Beyond Chron. "But [voter owned elections] free candidates up to focus on what they should be doing – the work our city needs," said Arnow.

The details of the proposal are as follows:
*Participating candidates must receive $25,000 from at least 250 eligible contributors by the 70th day before the election. Only the first $100 of each donation will count towards reaching the $25,000 limit.

*The city will provide qualifying candidates with initial funding of $50,000. Then for the next $100,000 raised, candidates will receive matching funds of $4 for every $1 they raise. For the next $400,000 after that a candidate will be given $1 for every $1 they raise.

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