In Action
Try our Walkthrough to learn exactly how Clean Elections will work for Alaskan Candidates and compare it to the current system.View the Public Campaign Power Point presentation to see how Clean Elections is working in other states.
Does it work? YES!
7 states currently use a form of Clean Elections. We've posted the most comprehensive report on the success of Clean Elections. See how Clean Elections is really working:2007 Executive Summary, MCEA
2007 Report on the Maine Clean Election Act
"The simple truth is that campaigning is expensive, and candidates will get the money someplace. Far better that the public, not special interests, put up the bucks."
- USA Today editorial
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| What will Clean Elections do for Alaska? |
How Clean Elections Work in Alaska
Clean Elections is a straight-forward process that levels the playing field, reduces the power of special interests and holds elected officials accountable to the voters. It isn't rocket science, choosing Clean Election funding lets the candidate spend more time with voters and addressing the issues.This is a voluntary process. No candidate is forced to participate. Incumbants and first time candidates can choose either process and if qualified, will receive the funding to run a competitive campaign. You'll know who the Clean Elections candidates are and know where their money is coming from!
Candidates may qualify for Clean Elections funding by collecting a specified number of $5 contributions and signatures from voters in their district. Clean Elections work for both Republicans and Democrats alike.
How it works:
A candidate files for State office
and will be asked to choose one of the following:
Clean Elections Candidate Option?After choosing the Clean Elections option, the candidate must gather signatures and $5 contributions from voters in their district.The Clean Election candidate must agree NOT to accept private contributions. Signatures and $5 contributions required:
After qualifiying for Clean Elections funding, the candidate would receive the following for their primary campaign:
To continue receiving Clean Election funding the candidate must have won their primary and have gotten 10% of the Total Primary Vote Qualified Clean Elections Candidates receive
Clean Election Legislators, State Senators and Governor owe no favors to special interests or campaign funders. Clean Elections save taxpayer money, controls the cost of campaigns and increases voter participation. Clean Elections makes elections more competitive and gives the voters more choice. Clean Elections have benefitted Republicans and Democrats alike. | Privately-funded candidate?After choosing to be privately-funded, the candidate will raise funds through the traditional process under current State law.Funds often come from:
The privately-funded candidate must continue to raise funds on a daily basis. Rather than campaigning on issues and speaking with voters - the privately funded candidate spends much of their time at fundraisers and speaking with potential donors. Privately-funded Legislator, State Senator and Governor The privately-funded elected official has spent more time with donors than with voters. Even with the best of intentions, these officials have the potential motivation to "repay" campaign funders with favors. Special interest "pork" drains our public treasury. |